The Gandatindu Jataka describes:

(A) Cordial relationship between a king and his subjects.

(B) The plight of the subjects of a wicked king.

(C) The strained relationship, especially with the rural population.

(D) That, kings frequently fill their coffers by demanding high and oppressive taxes.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct option is (B), (C) and (D) only.

The Gandatindu Jataka is a well-known Buddhist Jataka tale that provides valuable insights into the relationship between a ruler and their subjects in ancient Indian society. The reasoning behind the correct options is detailed below:

1. The Plight of the Subjects of a Wicked King (B): The Jataka describes the severe hardships and distress faced by the people living under the rule of a wicked and unjust king. It portrays a society in distress due to misgovernance.

2. Strained Relationship with the Rural Population (C): The story highlights that the relationship between the king and his subjects, particularly those living in rural areas, was highly strained. The situation became so unbearable that villagers abandoned their homes and fled to live in the forest to escape oppression.

3. Demand for High and Oppressive Taxes (D): The Jataka explicitly narrates how kings filled their treasuries by imposing heavy, unbearable taxes. Tax collectors harassed the citizens during the day, while bandits targeted them at night, leaving the common people with no sense of security.

Conclusion: Since the Gandatindu Jataka depicts a state of extreme suffering and exploitation rather than harmony, statement (A) (describing a cordial relationship) is incorrect. Therefore, only statements (B), (C), and (D) accurately describe the contents of the text.