Management and social order in ancient India

Abstract

Ancient societies and business institutions have been characterised as economically and institutionally unsophisticated, focused on social rituals to enforce regal authority rather than economic outcomes. However, this view risks an incomplete understanding of business activity in those times. This paper responds by examining the ancient Mauryan kingdom (321–185 BCE), centred on the Indo-Gangetic plains. Based on translations of books collectively known as the Arthasastra (lit. the science of wealth) as well as archaeological finds, secondary literature and contemporaneous Greek texts, this paper explores the role of institutional rituals in preserving social order whilst simultaneously generating wealth for its citizens through commerce and trade. Shaped by these ritual institutional controls, ethical behaviour was reinforced. Consequently, we build on the work of past scholars of pre-industrial business history to highlight the critical and sophisticated role of institutions to guide the behaviour of ancient citizens where economic and social values are contested.