2019 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2019 · GS Paper I

Question 10: History and Culture

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

aIt was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
bIt was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire.
cThe forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages.
dThe eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

In Gupta times vishti, forced labour, was in effect a tax paid in the form of labour, so it counted as a source of income for the State; the ruler could use it for public works and carrying goods. Sources record it in many regions, including Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar, so it was not absent there. There is no basis for the claims of weekly wages or of the eldest son being taken. Remember: vishti is a labour tax.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Correct: vishti was a labour tax and so a source of State income.
  • (b) Wrong: vishti is recorded in regions such as Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar.
  • (c) No weekly wage rule is recorded; forced labour was unpaid.
  • (d) No eldest-son rule is recorded.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2019, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.