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

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

(a)

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

(b)

It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire.

(c)

The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages.

(d)

The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.

Answer:

(a)

Moderate

Core Books

Core Books/NCERT

Explanation

In central and western India the villagers were also subjected to forced labour called vishti for serving the royal army and officials. Thus it was a source of income for the kingdom.