Arthashastra — Adhyakshaprachara, Sutra 13

Devanagari script

अनभियोगश्चार्थेष्वागन्तूनामन्यत्र सभ्योपकारिभ्यः ॥ कZ_०२.१६.१३ ॥

Transliteration

anabhiyogaś cārtheṣv āgantūnām anyatra sabhyopakāribhyaḥ

Translation

Les marchands de passage (venus de l’extérieur) ne doivent pas être soumis à des réclamations ni à du harcèlement dans les affaires commerciales, sauf s’ils ont causé un tort à des citoyens respectables (ou à des personnes sous protection civique).

Word by Word

• अनभियोगः: absence of accusation / no prosecution (should be made)
• Type: Noun
• Root: अभि-युज् (युज्)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-एकवचन; नञ्-पूर्वकः (अ- + अभियोग)

• च: and
• Type: Particle
• Root: च
• Form: समुच्चयार्थक-अव्यय

• अर्थेषु: in matters of property/wealth
• Type: Noun
• Root: अर्थ
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, सप्तमी-बहुवचन

• आगन्तूनाम्: of newcomers/outsiders
• Type: Noun
• Root: आ-गम् (गम्) → आगन्तु
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, षष्ठी-बहुवचन

• अन्यत्र: except / otherwise than
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: अन्यत्र
• Form: अपवाद/विभागार्थक-अव्यय

• सभ्योपकारिभ्यः: to/for those who render service/benefit to the court-assessors (sabhyas)
• Type: Noun
• Root: सभ्य + उपकारिन्
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, चतुर्थी-बहुवचन; ‘सभ्य’ (सभासद्/न्यायसभासद्) + ‘उपकारिन्’ (हितकारी)

Entities Mentioned

• āgantu (visiting traders)
• sabhya (reputable citizens)
• state adjudication/claims process

More Details

FAQs

What policy objective is served by ‘non-harassment’ of visiting traders?

It improves the kingdom’s reputation as a safe market, attracting trade volume and thus customs/revenue.

Why is there an exception involving sabhya?

To prevent outsiders from exploiting immunity to injure protected citizens; the state preserves trust by enforcing accountability where harm is done.