Did you know that the Arthashastra describes a regulated system of travel passes in ancient India? The official responsible for this system was the Mudradhyaksa, or Superintendent of Seals and Passes. The Arthashastra states that a mudra was issued for a fee of one masha, and its holder could enter or leave the janapada or territory of the kingdom. A resident travelling without a mudra was liable to a fine of twelve panas. The use of a kutamudra, meaning a false or counterfeit pass, attracted a heavier punishment, with an even more severe penalty prescribed for a foreigner. The Vivitadhyaksa, the official supervising pasture and wilderness routes, was also required to inspect these passes. He used trained hunters, hounds and secret agents disguised as ascetics or merchants along wilderness routes to catch anyone trying to bypass the official checkpoints without a mudra. The Arthashastra describes using coded signals, smoke and carrier pigeons to instantly alert neighbouring watch stations if someone fled a checkpoint or used a counterfeit pass (kutamudra). The arrangement helped the state identify travellers, regulate cross-border movement, protect trade routes and detect suspicious activity. Although these passes were not identical to modern passports, they reveal an organised concern with border security, documentation and surveillance. Kautilya's system shows that national security was linked not only to armies, but also to administrative vigilance.