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Gupta Social and Economic Structure

Vishti: Forced Labour in the Gupta Empire

Vishti was a system of forced labor during the Gupta period considered a source of income for the State. It was treated as a form of taxation where the people provided labor as payment to the authorities.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History

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

[UPSC CSE Pre 2019]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


'Vishti' was a system of forced labor that functioned as an unconventional form of taxation where subjects contributed their physical work to the state instead of cash or produce.

Authentic Source Evidence


Gupta-era inscriptions frequently list 'vishti' alongside other taxes. It was treated as a source of state income, and rights to this labor were often transferred to donees (recipients of land grants).

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1 (Correct): Option A is true; vishti was viewed as a sort of tax paid by people through labor.

  • Logic 2 (Incorrect): Inscriptions suggest vishti was actually more prevalent in Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar, contradicting Option B.

  • Logic 3 (Incorrect): Being 'forced' labor, it did not involve regular wages (Option C), and there was no fixed rule regarding the 'eldest son' (Option D).

    • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "How did land grants affect the practice of Vishti?"

    Land grants often transferred the right to claim forced labor (vishti) from the king to the donee, increasing its frequency.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "The institutionalization of Vishti during the Gupta era reflects the growing feudalization of the Indian economy."

    Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

    Land Grants 4Feudalism 4Inscriptions 2
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