Which story describes the plight of the subjects under a wicked king ?

Gandatindu Jataka

The correct answer is Option (1) → Gandatindu Jataka

The Gandatindu Jataka narrates the hardships faced by the subjects of a tyrannical king. Among them were elderly men and women, cultivators, herders, village boys, and even animals. In an attempt to assess his reputation, the king disguised himself and sought the opinions of his suffering subjects about him. Each person cursed him for their miseries, expressing grievances of being attacked by robbers at night and subjected to oppressive tax collectors during the day. The unbearable circumstances forced the people to abandon their village and seek refuge in the forest.

This story sheds light on the often tense relationship between kings and their subjects, particularly the rural population. Kings frequently resorted to exorbitant taxation to fill their coffers, which was burdensome for the peasants. As a result, escaping to the forest emerged as a viable option, as demonstrated in the Jataka tale. Moreover, in response to the growing demand for taxes, alternative strategies aimed at increasing production were also adopted.