Chauth and Sardeshmukhi were key revenue measures introduced by Chhatrapati Shivaji in the Deccan during the 17th century. These taxes replaced plunder-based revenue and helped strengthen Maratha administration and military expansion.

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• Chauth was a tax equal to one-fourth of total revenue collected from territories.
• Sardeshmukhi was an additional levy of one-tenth of total revenue.
• Both taxes were imposed mainly in Mughal-controlled Deccan regions.
• The system replaced earlier plunder methods like Mulkgiri for stable income generation.
• Shivaji introduced these taxes to create a regular and reliable revenue base.
• Funds collected helped maintain armies and expand Maratha political influence.
• Sardeshmukhi was claimed as a hereditary right by Shivaji’s family in Maharashtra.
• Bijapur rulers granted Shivaji rights to collect these taxes during political negotiations.
• The system created dual revenue administration in many regions.
• It had significant economic and political impact on Mughal territories in the Deccan.