Which of the following terms was used in the post-Mauryan and Gupta periods to designate forced labor or unpaid labor exacted from subjects?

💡 Solution & Explanation

In post-Mauryan and Gupta inscriptions, 'Vishti' denoted forced, unpaid labor exacted from subjects by the state or local lords, serving as an important indicator of emerging feudal tendencies. In contrast, terms like 'Bali' and 'Bhaga' referred to customary agricultural taxes or shares of produce paid to the king rather than compulsory labor services. Such economic terminology is frequently tested in ancient Indian history sections.