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

1. A. It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
2. B. It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar region of the Gupta Empire.
3. C. The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages.
4. D. The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.

Answer: A

Explanation

Forced labour (vishti) is a forced labour which became more common than before in 300-600C. It is mentioned alongwith taxes in land grant inscriptions which suggests that it was considered as a source of income for the state, a sort of tax paid by the people.