were no bridges; the roads were unsafe; and the caravans were protected by companies of volunteers, who hired themselves out. The king levied taxes as well as octroi duties. The custom of haggling for the price prevailed. In the case of goods ordered for the palace, there was an officer called valuer of goods, who attended to it. There were some important roads, for example from Sävatthi to Räjagaha, from Videha to Gāndhāra, from Magadha to Sauvira, we also hear of sea-voyages from Bharukachcha or Broach to Burma and to Babylon (Baveru)[1]
The philosophy of the period.–Something is necessary in the way of reviewing the philosophical thought of this period. The history of philosophical literature by dates is in a very rudimentary condition and consequently a sharp demarcation of the philosophical thought of this period from the thought of the period that preceded cannot be attempted. But inasmuch as the thought that preceded was in a large measure incorporated into the philosophy of these five centuries, such an attempt is needless.
To introduce the different mazes of philosophical systems would hardly be possible or wise even in the case of those which are most important. There are about
- ↑ These statements are taken from the article of Mrs. Rhys Davids. The learned lady has constructed this article with the Jātaka tales as the evidence. Now it will be readily admitted that the tales which Buddha told were very old tales even in his days, and from this it may be argued that the civilization which Mrs. Davids describes, belonged to a period much earlier. This objection may he partially true; still, one would find that Gautama, while narrating the tales which he told, modified them to suit the audience by introducing familiar spots and conditions.
