Q. With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?
- It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
- It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire.
- The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages.
- The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.
Answer: (a) It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
Taxes (Gupta Period):
- Vishti:
- In the Gupta period, Vishti or forced labor became a source of income for the state and was looked upon as a sort of taxation paid by the people.
- Vishti was forced labour in lieu of tax and therefore not entitled to weekly wages.
- Anyone can be sent as the forced labourer, not particularly from the eldest son of the labourer.
- Most of the inscriptions refers to Vishti as more prevalent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire.
- Vishti was part of the broader Varnashrama system during the Gupta period, reflecting the hierarchical socio-political structure. While it was primarily seen as a tax obligation, it was often imposed on the lower classes, especially peasants and common workers.
- Gupta Empire (circa 4th to 6th century CE) is known for its efficient administration, flourishing arts, and advancements in science and mathematics, but social inequality and labour impositions such as Vishti were common during this period.
- In the Gupta period, Vishti or forced labor became a source of income for the state and was looked upon as a sort of taxation paid by the people.
- Uparikara — Levied on cloth, oil, etc. when taken from one city to another.
- Shulka — Commercial tax paid by the organisation of the traders. Non-payment of which resulted in cancellation of the right to trade and a fine amounting to eight times of the original Shulka.