Consider the following statements about the Mauryan State and the forest people :
- 1. The forest people were subjected to new forms of political and economic dominance and the necessity to subordinate and assimilate them led to a change in the earlier attitude of excluding these people from imperial territory.
- 2. The State recognised that the forest produce was the sole monopoly of the forest people.
- 3. The State was concerned with the conservation of forests and to this end the burning of forests was prohibited.
- 4. The forest people could be harnessed to serve the State and could be used as troops, spies and assassins.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
1
2
3
4
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2024
– Statement 3 is correct: Kautilya’s Arthashastra mentions state control over forests and regulations, including prohibition of unauthorized burning, indicating a concern for forest management and conservation, though primarily for economic and strategic benefit.
– Statement 4 is correct: The Mauryans utilized forest tribes (Atavikas) for military purposes, including as troops, guides, spies, and potentially assassins, as noted in the Arthashastra.