[Solved] Sultanate Land Taxes | Kharaj, Ushr, and Muktai

Which of the following indicates taxes levied on the land product?
i. Kharaj
ii. Khums
iii. Ushr
iv. Muktai
Select your answer from the following codes.

[40th B.P.S.C. Prelims 1995]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The Sultanate fiscal system classified taxes based on their source. Land revenue was the most critical revenue stream, with different terms applied depending on the ownership or administrative level.

Authentic Source Evidence

Kharaj was the standard land tax (often 50% for non-Muslims), and Ushr was a smaller land tax (1/10th) levied on lands held by Muslims. Muktai (or Muqtai) was land tax collected by provincial governors. Khums, however, was a tax on war booty (20% to the state), not land.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: i, iii, and iv are correct as they all refer to agricultural revenue.

Logic 2: Option ii (Khums) is incorrect because it relates to 'ghanima' (loot from war), where the Sultan took 1/5th and the soldiers kept 4/5ths.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was the difference between Kharaj and Ushr?"

Kharaj was a high agricultural tax (1/3rd to 1/2) paid by non-Muslims, while Ushr was a lighter tithe (1/10th) paid by Muslim landowners.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The land tax system was the primary mechanism through which the Sultanate integrated into the existing rural Indian social hierarchy."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Jizya 2

Analysing authentic 40th B.P.S.C. Prelimsprevious year questions is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly decoding past exam trends related to Islamic Taxation in India helps you understand the examiner's mindset. Mastering specific entities like Kharaj tax and Ushr tax builds the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practice Previous Year Questions here →

Which of the following indicates taxes levied on the land product? i. Kharaj ii. Khums iii. Ushr iv. Muktai Select your answer from the following codes.