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?

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 (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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