The punishments were very severe and hence crimes were rare: one caught in the act of burglary, adultery or spying was given the death penalty and one giving false testimony would have his tongue cut off. Prisons were used to hold not only the guilty but also captives taken in war. Prisoners were chained and were watched over by warders. It was common practice to release prisoners on festive occasions and in some cases, they were asked to go into sea for pearl-fishing.