Question

Explain the meaning of Chauth.

Answer 1

Hint: Chauth is a form of tax, that was levied on the Indians. This was an annual tax, that was similar to many other taxes that the citizens had to pay to the kings and their empires in those days.

Complete Step by Step answer: Chauth, when translated to English means, one-fourth was regular, an annual tax that was imposed on the Indians by a Maratha king. This tax was first imposed in the early 1980s, by the Maratha Empire. This was a tribute that had to be paid to their empire. The people had to pay 25% of their produce or their revenue to the Empire. This tax was also mainly imposed on people’s land that was under the Mughal empire.
One of the main reasons for the imposition of this tax was because other states and empires did not want the Marathas to enter their kingdoms. So, to prevent them from entering their kingdoms, they had to pay the tax. Another reason was, to protect the states and the people i.e. as a security tax. The people of India and the other emperors had mixed opinions about paying this tax. This tax turned into a mainstream income for the Marathas for several years ahead. In the 17th century, Shivaji, a Maratha emperor also collected taxes from the people and felt like it was his right to continue the legacy of taxes.

Note: Sardeshmukhi is another form of tax that was levied as an extra 10% on the Chauth. The people had to pay this as a tribute to the king of Maharashtra.