(a) The word Vishti means Forced labour.
While the Kshatriyas acquired their share of the social surplus through the force of arms in the form of taxes (Kar, Shulka, Bali, etc.), forced labour (Vishti, Balutam, etc.), tithes and other privileges. The Brahmin clergy enforced its claim to the social surplus through a moral deterrent which was based on strength of the tribal morality of distribution.
