MasteryExams
History • Ancient IndiaMedium

During the Gupta period, the term 'Vishti' denoted which of the following?

A. Forced labor or unpaid service✓ Correct Answer
B. A type of land tax
C. Gold coins
D. A judicial officer

💡 Solution & Explanation

Vishti refers to forced and unpaid labor exacted by the state and local lords from common subjects in ancient India, which became widespread during the Gupta period as evidenced by numerous epigraphic records. Unlike regular land taxes paid in cash or kind, vishti represented a form of corvee labor utilized for public works or military transport.

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