UPSC Prelims 2019 · Question 60 of 99
UPSC Prelims 2019 question on Vishti Forced Labour Gupta
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2019
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectAncient History
- TopicGupta Period
- DifficultyHard
- TypeDirect
With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?
Show answer
Answer: A. It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
Verdict
Correct answer: It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people → Option (a).
Analysis
Forced labour (vishti) is a forced labour which became more common than before in 300-600 C. It is mentioned along with taxes in land grant inscriptions which suggests that it was considered as a source of income for the state, a sort of tax paid by the people.
Statement by statement
Option (b) is incorrect: Vishti was not totally absent in Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar; it was practiced across various regions.
Option (c) is incorrect: Forced labourers were not entitled to weekly wages — the very nature of forced/unpaid labor contradicts this.
Option (d) is incorrect: There is no historical basis for the claim that the eldest son was specifically sent as the forced labourer.