Q. The word Vishti means
(a) Forced labour
(b) Irrigation tax
(c) Rights of slaves
(d) Property of women
Ans: (a) Forced labour
Explanation: The word Vishti means (a) Forced labor.
In ancient Indian society, the term “Vishti” referred to a form of forced labor or compulsory service. It was a system where individuals were compelled to provide labor or services without their consent or choice. This forced labor could be for various purposes, including agricultural work, construction projects, or other tasks assigned by the ruling authorities.
The term “Vishti” is often associated with the corvée labor system prevalent in ancient Indian society. It involved the extraction of labor from individuals, often lower-caste or marginalized groups, to meet the labor demands of the state or the ruling elite. The laborers were obligated to work for a specified period, usually without remuneration, as a form of tax or obligation to the ruling authority.
Therefore, option (a) Forced labor is the correct meaning of the word “Vishti.”
