Ancient History
2019
Gupta Empire

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

B.It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire.
D.The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.
A.It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
C.The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages.

Correct Answer: Option A

Vishti refers to forced labour prevalent during the Gupta period.

Gupta era copper inscriptions (Junagarh) mention Vishti as one of the various taxes collected by the rulers, making it a source of income for the state.

Therefore, it was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.

Hence, option A is the correct statement.

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