Question

Which one of the following was NOT introduced by Shivaji?
A. Land tax
B. Chauth
C. Sardeshmukhi
D. Pilgrim tax

Answer 1

Hint:
> It is one of the main components of the Mughals revenue system.
> It was imposed by Muslim rulers upon the non-Muslim groups specifically Hindus.
> Akbar during its reign abolished this tax.

Complete answer:
> The Maratha empire had a very well developed revenue system.
> Further, under revenue administration, Shivaji abolished the jagirdari system and replaced it with the ryotwari system.
> The revenue officials were appointed under this such as Deshmukh, Patils, Kulkarnis etc.
> There was also hereditary control over land by mirasdars and this was under Shivaji's strict control.

Some of this revenue came from various taxes.

Option A: land tax

> The tax imposed on the land.

> This was based on the Kathi system of malik ambar.

>The land was measured using a rod.

> This tax was imposed by Shivaji

Option B: Chauth

>This was another form of income

> Basically it was 1/4th of standard.

> It was paid to Marathas by non-Marathas as a safeguard against Shivaji's plundering forces.

> This was imposed by Shivaji.

Option C: Sardeshmukhi

> This was an additional 10% levy demanded from outside of Maratha kingdom.

> This was also imposed by Shivaji.

Option D: pilgrimage tax

> This was mainly a tax imposed upon the Hindus by Mughals rulers

> Hindu pilgrims had to pay some amount while their visit to sacrosanct places.

> This was not imposed.

Therefore, the correct answer is D

Note:
> Shivaji had a vast military administration.
> The main head of the military was Sar-i-naubat.(Senapati)
> Shivaji’s work culture was mainly borrowed from Deccan states.
> One of the main components of Shivaji’s administration was Ashthpradhan. (a group of 8 ministers)