With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta per

With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.” option2=”It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire.” option3=”The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages.” option4=”The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2019

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Statement A is correct. Vishti was a form of forced labour exacted by the state from the villagers, particularly prevalent in the Gupta period. It was considered a source of revenue or a form of tax contribution in the form of labour, rather than cash or kind produce.

Vishti was unpaid forced labour, a significant feature of the agrarian structure and state revenue system during the Gupta Empire.

Evidence from inscriptions like the Indore copper plate suggests the existence and importance of Vishti in different parts of the Gupta Empire, including Madhya Pradesh. The labour was often used for state purposes like building roads, irrigation works, or providing services to officials and the army. Statements B, C, and D are incorrect: Vishti was present in Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar (as indicated by inscriptions); forced labourers were generally not entitled to wages; there is no specific rule that only the eldest son was sent.

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