Question
UPSC Prelims 2019 Question:
With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period
which one of the following statements is correct?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 1: It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
Detailed Solution
Explanation:
- The Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire that existed from the early 4th century CE to the late 6th century CE. Its capital was Pataliputra. Forced labour (Vishti) is mentioned along with other taxes in land grant inscriptions suggesting that it was considered a source of income for the state. It was a sort of tax paid by the people. Most of the inscriptions indicate that Vishti came from the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions. It suggests that this practice was more prevalent in these areas.
Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.
Subject: History | Gupta Age
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