UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2019

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

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

Answer

Correct Answer

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

Explanation

In Gupta-era sources, vishti (forced labour) was treated as a form of tax/source of revenue for the state, and it is attested in regions such as Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar (e.g., Junagadh inscription). It was not wage labour, and there was no rule that the eldest son had to serve.

Topics: ancient india, gupta period - economy, history, vishti (forced labour)