Question

What was the percentage of land revenue taken as tax in 'Sardeshmukhi' in the Maratha Empire?
1. 1-2 per cent
2. 40-50 per cent
3. 25-30 per cent
4. 9-10 per cent

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : 9-10 per cent

The correct answer is 9-10 percent.

• Chauth was one-fourth of the land revenue paid to the Marathas in order to avoid the Maratha raids.
  • Chauth was a regular tax or tribute imposed, from the early 18th century, by the Maratha Empire in the Indian subcontinent.
  • It was an annual tax nominally levied at 25% on revenue or produce, hence the name.
  • It was levied on the lands which were under the nominal Mughal rule.
• Sardeshmukhi was an additional levy of ten percent on those lands which the Marathas claimed hereditary rights.
• 9-10 percent of land revenue taken as tax in 'Sardeshmukhi' in the Maratha Empire.

• The revenue system of Shivaji was based on that of Malik Amber of Ahmadnagar.
• Lands were measured by using the measuring rod called kathi.
• Lands were also classified into three categories – paddy fields, garden lands, and hilly tracks.
• He reduced the powers of the existing deshmuks and kulkarnis.
• He appointed his own revenue officials called karkuns.