what were the laws during Mauryan dynasty to protect atmosphere
Answers
Many Mauryan kings were consistent with protecting the environment.
“Chandragupta’s successor Ashoka introduced the forest protection laws.
- He ordered that all kinds of animals should be protected from being slaughtered.
- One of his laws included, four-footed animals had to be absolutely protected
- Importance was given for a clean environment and so burning of farm chaff after harvest was banned.
The Mauryan kingdom is famous for its judicial system. The king was the highest judicial officer. Gram Sabha was the lowest judicial unit. Above it were courts at Sangrahan, Dronamukha and Janapada levels.
The Arthashastra mentions two types of courts:
(i) Dharmasthiya: It presided over personal disputes such as stridhana (wife's wealth) and marriage.
(ij) Kantakasodhan : It decided upon matters related to individuals and the state, e.g. wages of workers, murder, etc.
The Mauryan legal system flowed from four sources:
(i) dharma (following accepted principles); (ii) vyavahara (contemporary legal codes); (ill) charitra (customs); and (iv) rajasasana (the royal decree).
Law-breakers were dealt with severe punishment and penalties. Monetary fines were imposed on ordinary crimes. Capital punishment was also practiced. However, after Asoka converted to Buddhism, he made a relief on capital punishment as those condemned to die were granted a three-day respite. During this grace period it was possible to make a final appeal to the judges.
During the era of King Ashoka, there was a ban on live sacrifices and sport hunting . He requested for respect for all other creatures. He urged his people to follow a vegetarian diet and banned the practice of burning forests or agricultural wastes that might harbor wild animals.