Veth (or Vethi or Vetti-chakiri, from Sanskritvisti), also known as begar (from Persian), was a system of forced labour practised in India, in which members of populace were compelled to perform corvee labour for the government.[1][2]
The system continued to be practised in the princely states during the British Raj.[3] For example, in the Mewer State, peasants (including those from the upper-caste) were forced to engage in begar. As part of veth, the peasants and low-caste people were forced to supply water to the ruler's family; construct buildings, roads, and dams; and carry dead and wounded soldiers.[2] The British government exempted Christians from veth-begar.[4]