Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
On which condition did the Marathas agree to serve the Mughal king with 15,000 cavalry?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: C
Concept
The 18th-century Maratha-Mughal relationship shifted from constant warfare to tactical alliances. The Marathas used their military strength to extract the most valuable economic rights from the declining Mughal center.Explanation
In the early 18th century, the Marathas formalized their dominance through a treaty where they pledged a 15,000-strong cavalry contingent to protect the Mughal Emperor. In return, the Emperor granted them the legal right to collect Chauth (25%) and Sardeshmukhi (10%) from the six Mughal provinces of the Deccan.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: This arrangement turned the Marathas into the 'guardians' of the Mughal Empire while simultaneously draining its revenue.
Logic 2: Chauth was effectively 'protection money,' while Sardeshmukhi was based on the claim of being the hereditary head of the region.