Question 51 from UPSC CSE 2019 - Ancient History

Question

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

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

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

Strategy: Recognize 'Vishti' as forced labour, which in the Gupta period became institutionalized and is often listed alongside taxes in inscriptions. This points to its acceptance as a revenue source for the state. The other options either contain factual errors (such as asserting complete regional absence, payment of wages, or customary eldest son service; none substantiated by historical evidence). Hence, A is correct.

Key Info: Vishti in ancient India referred to a system of forced, unpaid labour imposed upon certain sections of society by the state or feudal authorities. It became widespread during the Gupta period (c. 320–550 CE), as reflected in land grant charters and inscriptional sources. Vishti was often demanded for public works such as construction, military transport, and agricultural projects. During the Gupta era, it was institutionalized and mentioned alongside regular taxes, underscoring its role as an economic resource for the state. Historical records do not support the idea of Vishti's absence in specific regions such as Madhya Pradesh or Kathiawar, nor do they mention forced labourers being entitled to wages or any hereditary system requiring only the eldest son to serve. The growing use of Vishti during the Gupta period has been seen as evidence of increasing social stratification and feudal practices, contributing to the state's fiscal structure.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar region of the Gupta Empire.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.