Law and order administration: A case study of the Mauryan period

The period of Mauryas marks a new epoch in the history of India, as political unity of the country was achieved for the first time during this period. The Arthasastra of Kautilya and the inscriptions of Ashoka throw welcome light on the maintenances of law and order during Mauryan period. Arthasastra advocates rational ethic to the conduct of the affairs of the state. He maintained that it is essential duty of government to maintain law and order. Arthasastra mentions the role of the state regarding the trade and its duties to prevent crimes against the consumption of goods and service.