[Solved] What is Chauth? Maratha Revenue for Protection

The Maratha claim of revenue for protection is called:

[UPPCS (Pre) 2018]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

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.

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What happened if a territory refused to pay Chauth?"

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.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Swarajya 3

Analysing authentic UPPCS (Pre)previous year questions is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly decoding past exam trends related to Maratha Administrative and Fiscal Policy helps you understand the examiner's mindset. Mastering specific entities like Chauth and Sardeshmukhi builds the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practice Previous Year Questions here →