Multiple choice

Which authority asks the king to confiscate temple treasoures in emergency?

  1. Taranath

  2. Pushyaguptha

  3. Kautilya

  4. Kunala
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Kautilya (also known as Chanakya), the author of Arthashastra and advisor to Chandragupta, advocated that in emergencies (war, famine, calamity), the king could appropriate funds from temple treasuries. The Arthashastra explicitly discusses the doctrine of 'apad-dharma' (duty in times of emergency) which permits extraordinary measures including using religious wealth for state welfare.

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