In the ancient tradition, Agni spoke about the rules governing debts, pledges, and transactions. He declared that any enjoyment or benefit established without proper evidence was not recognized as valid, and transactions born from force or coercion must be annulled. Similarly, agreements made under questionable circumstances—such as those made by women at night, in private chambers, outside, by enemies, or by individuals who are intoxicated, insane, afflicted, children, or acting out of fear—are not considered valid. A transaction lacking proper connection is also invalid. If a pledge is lost, it is the king’s duty to compensate the creditor with its value. If the exact value cannot be determined by signs, the king should provide an equivalent. When property is stolen by thieves, the king must distribute it to the people of the country. Interest rates are carefully prescribed: if there is a guarantor, it is one-eightieth per month; otherwise, it varies according to caste, ranging from one to five per hundred. For cattle, the rate is seventy; for women, the highest is eight times; for liquids, four times; and for cloth, grain, and gold, three or twice as much. For debts involving another village, the rate is ten; for overseas, even twenty. In all cases and for all types, the agreed-upon interest must be paid. A king who enforces a legitimate claim is blameless, but anyone compelled to enforce a claim against the king is punishable and must pay the money involved. Agni further instructed that a debtor who has received money must repay the lender in proper order. If, however, he first gives repayment to a Brahmin, and then to the king, this is permitted. If the king compels a debtor to pay, the debtor must pay ten percent of what is recovered; but if the full amount is obtained, the best debtor must pay five percent per hundred. When a person of lower caste is impoverished, he should work off the debt, while a Brahmin in distress may pay gradually as he is able. If the debtor refuses to accept payment and it is deposited with a mediator, the money remains there and does not accrue further interest. Anyone who receives inheritance must pay the debt, as must anyone who takes possession. The son who inherits property is responsible for his father’s debt if there is no other son. However, a wife is not liable for debts incurred by her husband or son, nor is a father liable for debts incurred by his son. Except for household purposes, a husband is not liable for debts incurred by his wife. The husband must pay debts incurred by women who are cowherds, strongmen, performers, washerwomen, hunters, or prostitutes, since their livelihood depends on him. Any debt a woman incurs, either jointly with her husband or alone, must be paid by her or her husband; no other woman is obliged to pay such a debt. If a father is absent, deceased, or afflicted by misfortune, his sons or grandsons should pay the debt, provided it is substantiated by witnesses. Debts arising from drinking, gambling, fines, taxes, or what remains after such expenses, as well as gifts made without purpose, are not to be paid by the sons. Among brothers, spouses, fathers, and sons, a guaranteed debt is accepted by those who are undivided, as remembered in tradition. When a person appears as guarantor or makes payment, responsibility is prescribed; but if the pledge is false, even the sons of the one who made the false pledge must pay. When a guarantee or surety is given, if the guarantor dies or is unable to fulfill the obligation, the sons are not required to pay; only those who remain for payment must do so. If there are several guarantors, they should pay the money according to their share; but among those under one authority, payment is at the lender’s discretion. If a guarantor openly pays the lender, the debtor must repay him double; this is the rule for such cases. For one’s own offspring, women, cattle, and grain, double repayment is prescribed; for cloth, fourfold; and for liquids, eightfold. A pledge is forfeited if double the amount is not repaid. If lost due to time or circumstance, it is forfeited, but if it has been enjoyed for its fruit, it is not lost. A pledge that is hidden or enjoyed does not accrue interest, even if there is benefit; if lost, it must be returned unless lost by act of God or king. If, after accepting a pledge, the pledged item is destroyed or rendered useless, the lender becomes entitled to a share of wealth or the pledged money. Property pledged for conduct or as security, with interest, must be repaid; property pledged for truthfulness must be repaid double. When the lender is present, the pledge must be released; otherwise, a penalty applies. If the purpose is fulfilled, the lender may reclaim the pledge. The value set at the time or the original price should remain without interest; or, if not held, it may be sold with witnesses. When the debt has doubled in the pledge, the pledge must be released; after producing the doubled amount, the pledge is freed. If someone in distress, without declaring it, places property in another’s hand, that property is considered a deposit and must be returned in the same manner. One is not liable to return property that has been taken away by the king, gods, or thieves; but if it is later found and given back after being sought, the person must restore it and pay an equivalent fine. If someone has taken property for their own use, they must be punished for life and must return it with interest; this rule also applies to deposits that were entrusted or pledged, whether requested or not. Agni then spoke about witnesses. Ascetics, those devoted to charity, those of noble lineage, speakers of truth, those who prioritize righteousness, the upright, and those who have sons and grandsons—these are all considered valid witnesses. Those engaged in the five sacrifices and those who are witnesses—five or three according to their birth and class—are valid in all matters. However, women, the elderly, children, gamblers, intoxicated or insane persons, the accused, actors, heretics, forgers, and those with impaired senses, as well as the fallen, those who eat with outcasts, associates, companions, enemies, thieves, those without witnesses, and all witnesses in cases of theft, abuse, or violence, are not considered valid. A witness is valid if both parties agree, even if there is only one who knows righteousness. If a man does not speak as a witness, he is always bound by the debt of silence. Such a person must pay everything to the king on the forty-sixth day; the wicked man who, though knowing, does not give witness, is subject to this rule. Thus, Agni revealed the sacred laws of debt and testimony, guiding all with wisdom and justice.