Previous Year Question

In the Maratha revenue system, Chauth was the revenue claim collected by the Marathas from territories outside their direct control.

Chauth literally means one-fourth. Generally, it amounted to 25 percent of the land revenue or assessed revenue of the concerned territory.

This payment was associated with protection from Maratha power and avoidance of their military intervention or raids. Therefore, the “revenue for protection” mentioned in the question refers to Chauth.

Distinct from Chauth, Sardeshmukhi was an additional revenue claim. It was generally about 10 percent and was levied in addition to Chauth.

Thus, Chauth and Sardeshmukhi were not identical. Chauth = about 25%, whereas Sardeshmukhi = about 10% additional claim.

Abwab was a term used for various additional cesses or levies, while Jamadani was not the name of this Maratha protection revenue.