आचार्या विद्यावन्तश्च पूजावेतनानि यथार्हं लभेरन्पञ्चशतावरं सहस्रपरम् ॥ कZ_०५.३.१८ ॥
ācāryā vidyāvantaś ca pūjāvetanāni yathārhaṃ labheran pañcaśatāvaraṃ sahasraparam
Lehrer und Gelehrte sollen Ehrengaben und Vergütung nach Verdienst erhalten—nicht weniger als fünfhundert und bis zu eintausend (paṇa).
It allows flexible valuation of expertise while setting a floor and ceiling to prevent both undervaluation (loss of talent) and fiscal excess.
Compensation includes symbolic recognition—status payments that reinforce loyalty and the prestige economy around knowledge.