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.

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• 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.