Question

Define chauth and sardeshmukhi.

Answer 1

Chauth and sardeshmukhi were the sources of income for the Marathas under the rule of Shivaji. Chauth was one-fourth of the assessed revenue of the place, whereas sardeshmukhi was an additional levy of 10 percent demanded from areas outside the Maratha kingdom. These taxes were levied on those people who lived outside the Maratha kingdom. The taxes were seen as protection money against Maratha raids.