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UPPCS (Pre) 2018

Maratha Administrative and Fiscal Policy

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The Maratha claim of revenue for protection is called:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Shivaji established a unique financial model for the Maratha state based on taxes collected from territories outside his direct control. This 'protection' system provided both a revenue stream and political leverage.

Explanation Chauth (meaning one-fourth) was a claim of 25% of the gross revenue or produce of a territory. In exchange for this payment, the Marathas guaranteed they would not raid the area and would protect it from other invaders. This was collected from Mughal and Bijapuri provinces.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Sardeshmukhi was an additional 10% tax based on Shivaji's claim as the hereditary 'Sardeshmukh' (head) of the region.
Logic 2: While Sardeshmukhi was based on a 'superior right' over the land, Chauth was specifically 'protection money' levied on alien or hostile states.

Active Recall

Question

What happened if a territory refused to pay Chauth?

Answer

Failure to pay often resulted in devastating raids by the Maratha cavalry, as the payment was the only way to ensure immunity from Maratha expansion.

Core Insight

Chauth was a revolutionary fiscal tool that allowed the Marathas to sustain a massive military without taxing their own heartland into poverty.

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