Question

Which of the following statements about Maratha is/are correct?
1. The Maratha state was governed by the King and was assisted by a council of eight ministers, the Ashtapradhan.
2. Maratha government levied the taxes one was Chauth and other was Sardeshmukhi.
3. The revenue of the state came mainly from the land and state was entitled to two fifths of the produce.
Select the correct answer using the codes given.

• A. 2 and 3
• B. 1 and 2
• C. Only 3
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above

Ashta Pradhan was a council of eight ministers that administered the Maratha empire. It was an administrative and advisory council set up in 1674 by the Maratha leader Shivaji. The eight officials were called Peshva, Amatya, Waqia-Navis, Samant, Sachiv, Pandit Rao, Sar-i-nabuat, and Nyayadhish.

The revenue of the state came mainly from the land. Chauth and Sardeshmukhi were the sources of income. Chauth was one-fourth of the standard which was paid to Marathas and Sardeshmukhi was the additional 10% levy. However, in the later years of Maratha rule, land revenue collected was upto 40% i.e. two fifths of the produce.