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## Chapter 148: Pinḍaniyukti
**The text describes various aspects of life in ancient India, drawing upon the Jain text Pinḍaniyukti and other sources like the Manusmṛti and Kauṭilya's Arthaśāstra.**
**Magic and Occult Practices:**
* The text mentions the use of **Mūlakarma** (root-karma) by ascetics to perform **Garbha-Pariśāṭana** (abortion), **Garbhādhāna** (impregnation), and **Vaśīkaraṇa** (subjugation).
* **Añjana** (collyrium) was used to achieve invisibility.
* The text mentions two minor kings who ate with Chandragupta Maurya while remaining invisible.
* **Pinḍaniyukti** itself describes various occult practices, including the creation of animals like horses through **Sammūrchchima** (a type of magic) without sexual union.
**Astrology and Omens:**
* **Jyotiṣa** (astrology) was highly developed, allowing for the prediction of the color of a foal in the womb.
* **Nimaitta** (omens) were used to interpret dreams and other signs.
* **Śakuna** (omens) were used to determine auspicious and inauspicious events. The sound of a conch shell was considered auspicious and a great omen.
**Economic Life:**
* **Pinḍaniyukti** provides insights into the economic system of the time.
* People earned their livelihood through **karma** (work) and **śilpa** (crafts).
* **Agriculture** and **animal husbandry** were prominent occupations.
* Wealthy merchants employed **karmakara** (workers) to tend to their cows and buffaloes. These workers received wages and were allowed to take all the milk on the eighth day.
* **Fishing** was another occupation. Fishermen used hooks with bait and tied the fish with thread to prevent them from escaping.
* **Halika** (ploughmen) were employed for agricultural work. They were paid in food or received food collectively or individually.
* **Interest** was a common practice, known as **vṛddhi**. The text mentions a 5% interest rate on 100 rupees.
* **Debt** could lead to **slavery**.
**References:**
* **Pinḍaniyukti** (Pinḍaniyukti Bhaṣya)
* **Manusmṛti** (Manusmriti)
* **Kauṭilya's Arthaśāstra** (Kauṭilya's Arthaśāstra)