What Was Chauth?

Answer: Chauth was a tax of one-fourth (25%) that the Maratha rulers charged on territories under the Mughal or European control in the 17th and 18th centuries. This means that when a region or a village accepted Marata protection, it paid Chauth as a kind of security fee. This tax enabled the Marathas to build their navy and army. It also became a major source of their revenue. In this article, we will understand what was Chauth: why it was imposed, who collected it and how it differs from Sardeshmukhi.

Why Was Chauth Imposed?

The Marathas found Chauth to be incredibly useful. The taxes were used to finance their forces and to reward soldiers. By demanding 25% of a region’s revenue, they can offer protection against raiders and rival armies. Local landholders would pay Chauth so that they could avoid attacks. This made it both a political and financial tool.

Who Collected Chauth and How?

Now you know what Chauth is. Let’s learn how it was collected.  The Maratha appointed officials called “amil” or “faujdars”. These people used to collect the Chauth from towns and villages. They would come with written orders to demand payment. If a ruler refused to pay Chauth, then troops were sent to enforce the same. The successful collection of Chauth strengthened their own and expanded the influence of the Maratha Empire.

What was Sardeshmukhi, and How Did it Differ from Chauth?

Sardeshmukhi was not the same as Chauth. What was Chauth? It was a tax of one-fourth (25%). On the other hand, Sardeshmukhi was an extra 10% levy on top of Chauth. It was claimed by the Maratha chief (Chhatrapati) as his hereditary right. The Chauth would cover the cost of administration and protection. Sardeshmukhi was paid to recognise the utmost authority of the Maratha ruler over conquered territories.

How Did Chauth Affect Local Rulers and People?

Chauth was a heavy burden on people. They had to pay 1/4th of all their revenue. On the flip side, it also guaranteed safety to people. Small rulers preferred Maratha rule to avoid attacks from rival states. However, for villagers, it would mean a higher amount of taxes, with relative stability in an area of frequent warfare.

Now you know what Chauth was. Chauth showcases how security and taxation are linked. Moreover, it demonstrates how governments must balance revenue with fair treatment of people.

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