Q. Consider the following statements with respect to the ‘Chauth’ and ‘Sardeshmukhi’:
- ‘Chauth’ and ‘Sardeshmukhi’ were new types of taxes imposed by Aurangzeb in Deccan.
- It was imposed on the areas outside the area of direct control or 'Swarajya'.
Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer:
Only 2
Notes: Chauth and Sardeshmukhi were imposed by the Maratha state. Chauth meant 1/4th of the land revenue and Sardeshmukhi was usually 1/10th of the income. These were treated as a ransom against potential harassment. Mughal state under Aurangzeb did not collect any such tax. So, statement 1 is incorrect. The Marathas demanded these two taxes from the areas outside their kingdom i.e. the Swarajya area. It was a guarantee against any future raids into those territories. It was also an indirect acceptance of suzerainty. Marathas, as a term of settlement with Mughals, had demanded the right to collect Chauth and Sardeshmukhi from the Deccan. So, statement 2 is correct.