[Solved] Maratha-Mughal Agreement: Chauth and Sardeshmukhi

On which condition did the Marathas agree to serve the Mughal king with 15,000 cavalry?

[CAPF 2020]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

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.

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was the significance of the 1719 Maratha-Mughal treaty?"

It was the first time the Mughal Emperor legally recognized the Maratha right to revenue from Mughal lands, signaling a total power shift.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"By trading military service for revenue rights, the Marathas became an empire within an empire."

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