Determine the correctly matched Gupta fiscal term with its meaning.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e.Vaishthika - forced or corvee labour.
The Gupta fiscal system used specific terms for different kinds of taxes and obligations. Among the given pairs, Vaishthika – forced or corvée labour is the correctly matched term.
- Hiranya actually referred to taxes paid in cash or gold, not compulsory labour.
- Dhanya meant tax paid in kind, especially grain, so it is not related to gold tax.
- Bhoga denoted periodic supplies or provisions given to the king or officials, rather than the fixed share of agricultural produce.
Vaishthika, however, clearly meant compulsory labour imposed by the state, similar to corvée labour, where villagers were required to work for the king without payment for public works or state duties.
Therefore, the correct match is Vaishthika – forced or corvée labour.