Crime and Punishment in Ancient India (Hardcover)

Some special maxims about Civil Servants in Arthashastra ⚫ Just as it is not possible not to taste honey or poison placed on the surface of the tongue, even so it is not possible for one dealing with the money of the king not to taste the money in however small a quantity. (AS 2.9.32) •

Just as fish moving inside water cannot be known when drinking water, even so officers appointed for carrying out works cannot be known when appropriating money. (AS 2.9.33)

It is possible to know even the path of birds flying in the sky, but not the ways of officers moving with their intentions concealed. (AS 2.9.34)

⚫ And he should make those who have amassed (money wrongfully) yield it up and should change them in (their) works, so that they do not consume (the king's) property or disgorge what is consumed. (AS 2.9.35)

But those who do not consume (the king's) goods and increase them in just ways, should be made permanent in their offices, being devoted to what is agreeable and beneficial to the king. (AS 2.9.36)