Arthashastra 3.5.22: Dharmasthiya, Adhyaya 5, Sutra 22

Devanagari script

ऋणरिक्थयोः समो विभागः ॥

Recitation with translationArthashastra 3.5.22

Transliteration

ṛṇarikthayoḥ samo vibhāgaḥ

Translation

किसी के मरने के बाद, उसके कर्ज़ और जायदाद दोनों को बराबर बाँटना है। जो पैसा उधार में है वो भी, और जो संपत्ति है वो भी।

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Word by Word

• ऋण: debt
• Type: Noun
• Root: ऋण
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग; प्रथमा/द्वितीया एकवचन (समासपूर्वपद)

• रिक्थयोः: of (the) inheritance/estate
• Type: Noun
• Root: रिक्थ
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग; षष्ठी द्विवचन

• समः: equal
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सम
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग; प्रथमा एकवचन; विभागः इति विशेषणम्

• विभागः: division/partition (distribution)
• Type: Noun
• Root: वि√भज्
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग; प्रथमा एकवचन

Entities Mentioned

• heirs/co-sharers
• creditors (implied)
• debts
• estate

More Details

FAQs

What does 'equal division of debt and inheritance' practically mean?

Heirs share both assets and liabilities proportionately; one cannot take property while shifting debts onto others.

How does this support public order?

It reduces disputes among heirs and protects creditors, stabilizing local credit and commerce.