What were the functions of the dharmamahamatras during the mouryan period
Answers
There was a well developed “caste” system as per the accounts of Megasthenes. Megasthenes writes that there were 7 castes viz. philosophers (he indicated Brahmins), farmers, soldiers, herdsmen, craftsmen, magistrates and soldiers. So based upon this account we can figure out that the caste system was based upon “occupation” rather than birth.
The marriage and polygamy both were present. Polygamy was confined to Royal classes. Normal people could marry to other women if there was no “son”. The women had their property in the form of Stridhana which included bridal gift.
Women enjoyed high status. The women were appointed as assistances and bodyguards of King. Offenses against women was punishable.
There was no slavery in the sense that people used to work as dasa, out of their own compulsions. No Arya including a Shudra could be made dasa forcibly. The 14th book of Arthashastra Secret Means (Aupanisadika) deals with a number of rites and practices.