Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (A) — It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedDuring the Gupta period, 'Vishti' (forced unpaid labor) was treated as an unremunerated tax paid in the form of physical work, considered a legitimate source of income/services for the state and local landlords. It was prevalent across central and western India (including MP and Kathiawar, as seen in Junagarh inscriptions). Anyone could be requisitioned, not strictly the eldest son, and it did not carry regular wages.
Eliminate Option B due to the absolute term 'totally absent'. Eliminate Option C because 'forced labor' is fundamentally unpaid. Eliminate Option D as an artificially rigid rule not typical of ancient labor practices.
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