Which of the following fiscal terms related to Gupta dynasty is correctly matched?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Vishthika – forced labour.
During the Gupta period, Vishthika (also known as Vishti) referred to forced labour or corvée provided by the peasantry to the state. This practice became increasingly common as the feudal structure of the empire grew, allowing officials to extract unpaid labor for public works or military needs. It was essentially a form of taxation paid through physical toil rather than currency or produce, highlighting the shifting socio-economic pressures on the rural population under Gupta administration.
Other options:
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Utkhetayita: This was an official responsible for collecting taxes or tolls, not a temple priest.
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Bhaga: This was the king's customary share of the agricultural produce (usually 1/6th), not a judicial fee.
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Dasaparadha: This referred to a system of fines for ten specific offenses (crimes), not a cattle tax.