Question

What was Chauth?

Answer 1

Hint:
- It was introduced by the Maratha empire.
- In exchange, the revenue from it was divided into four parts that went to different Maratha empire functionaries.

Complete step by step solution:
Two types of taxes collected in South India were Chauth and Sardeshmukhi, especially during mediaeval times in the Maratha Empire. For the Maratha government, these two taxes were major sources of revenue. Chauth and Sardeshmukhi, however, were neither introduced by Marathas nor were they originally sources of revenue.

Chauth -
Chauth (Sanskrit meaning one-fourth) was a daily tax or tribute levied on the Indian subcontinent by the Maratha Empire from the beginning of the 18th century. It was an annual tax nominally levied on sales or produce at 25 percent, hence the term. On the lands that were under nominal Mughal control, it was levied. On top of the Chauth, the Sardeshmukhi was an extra 10 percent tax. It is a tribute paid to the king. Koli Maharaja Som Shah of Ramnagar initiated it.
Chauth and Sardeshmukhi under Shivaji –
For the first time in 1665 and by 1667, Shivaji had sought these taxes from hostile Muslim rulers of Deccan; he was powerful enough to meet his demands. Chauth comprised 1/4 of the income assessment charged as a non-molestation fee. Sardeshmukhi was an additional levy of 10% of the revenue claimed to be Sardeshmukh (overlord) by Shivaji.

Chauth and Sardeshmukhi under Later Marathas -
The Mughal emperor Rafi-ud-Darajat had granted the Chauth and Sardeshmukhi rights to Raja Shahu over the six Mughal subas of the Deccan in February 1719. Raja Sahu will retain a contingent of 15,000 Maratha soldiers for the emperor's service and safety in exchange for Chauth. In exchange for Sardeshmukhi, by preventing robbery and rebellions, Marathas was made liable for maintaining peace and order in these subas.

Note:
In the late 17th century, Shivaji first claimed the right to assess and collect this tax, on the grounds that his family were hereditary tax collectors in Maharashtra.
Shivaji's mobilisation of capital using these two taxes was highly successful.