आचार्या विद्यावन्तश्च पूजावेतनानि यथार्हं लभेरन्पञ्चशतावरं सहस्रपरम् ॥ कZ_०५.३.१८ ॥
ācāryā vidyāvantaś ca pūjāvetanāni yathārhaṃ labheran pañcaśatāvaraṃ sahasraparam
Les maîtres et les savants doivent recevoir des honoraires et une rémunération selon leur mérite : pas moins de cinq cents et jusqu’à mille (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.