Q. Which of the following taxes was / were the primary land revenue system in ancient India?

1. Bali
2. Bhaga
3. Hiranya
4. Sita

Select the correct option from codes given below:
Answer: Only 2 & 4
Notes: Based on the historical revenue system of ancient India, particularly during the Mauryan period, the primary land revenue system consisted of:

• Bhaga: This was the King's "share" of the produce from private lands, typically 1/6th to 1/4th of the produce. It was the most fundamental land tax.
• Sita: This referred to the produce from crown lands (land owned directly by the state) managed by the superintendent of agriculture (Sitadhyaksha).
• Bali: A levy/tax known from Vedic times, which became a compulsory tax on land in later periods.
• Hiranya: A tax paid in cash, likely a gold tax, rather than in kind.

While all four existed, Bhaga is considered the main, standard land tax, and Sita was a significant source of revenue from state-managed lands. Therefore, the primary land revenue systems are Bhaga and Sita.