Chauth and Sardeshmukhi were major revenue systems introduced by the Marathas that provided stable income, expanded political influence, and strengthened military power across the Deccan region.
BulletsIn
- Chauth was an annual tax equal to one-fourth of total revenue collected by the Marathas from territories outside their direct administrative control.
- Sardeshmukhi was an additional tax amounting to one-tenth of revenue, claimed by Chhatrapati Shivaji as hereditary rights over Maharashtra territories.
- The revenue system emerged after Chhatrapati Shivaji’s military campaigns in Surat between 1664 and 1670 against Mughal-controlled territories and trade centers.
- Chauth and Sardeshmukhi replaced the earlier Mulkgiri system of looting and became a more organized and sustainable financial structure for Maratha administration.
- The taxes provided strong economic support for maintaining armies, expanding territories, and increasing Maratha political influence across Mughal provinces in the Deccan.
- Mughal emperor Rafi-ud-Darajat later granted Raja Shahu rights to collect Chauth and Sardeshmukhi from six Mughal provinces of the Deccan region.
- In return for collecting Chauth, the Marathas agreed to provide military assistance and protection to the Mughal emperor against external and internal threats.
- The dual revenue administration significantly weakened Mughal authority in the Deccan and helped the Maratha Empire emerge as a dominant regional power.




What do you think?
It is nice to know your opinion. Leave a comment.