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Which medieval Indian ruler started the practice of ‘Patta’ and ‘Qabuliyat’?
Sher Shah Suri initiated the systematic practice of issuing 'Patta' and securing 'Qabuliyat'. This reform was key to his efficient and equitable revenue system. The Patta was the deed that recorded the land area, crop type and the precise amount of tax due to the state. [Image illustrating the PattaRead more
Sher Shah Suri initiated the systematic practice of issuing ‘Patta’ and securing ‘Qabuliyat’. This reform was key to his efficient and equitable revenue system. The Patta was the deed that recorded the land area, crop type and the precise amount of tax due to the state. [Image illustrating the Patta and Qabuliyat documents] The Qabuliyat was the corresponding document of consent signed by the cultivator. This process eliminated ambiguity, protected the rights of the cultivators and minimized exploitation by local intermediaries.
See lessUnder whom did the Marathas first gain administrative experience?
The Marathas first acquired crucial administrative and military expertise serving the Deccan Sultanates, namely Ahmednagar, Bijapur and to an extent, Golconda. Maratha Sardars (chiefs) like Shahaji Bhonsle, Shivaji’s father, held high Jagirs (land grants) and commanded large forces, learning the intRead more
The Marathas first acquired crucial administrative and military expertise serving the Deccan Sultanates, namely Ahmednagar, Bijapur and to an extent, Golconda. Maratha Sardars (chiefs) like Shahaji Bhonsle, Shivaji’s father, held high Jagirs (land grants) and commanded large forces, learning the intricate Mughal-style revenue and military systems. This invaluable experience in handling state affairs and managing large armies formed the practical foundation upon which Shivaji later built the independent Maratha state.
See lessWho first and most effectively utilized the Marathas’ ‘Bargigiri’ (guerrilla warfare system)?
Malik Ambar, the Abyssinian minister of Ahmednagar, was the first to brilliantly utilize the Marathas' 'Bargigiri' (guerrilla warfare) system against the Mughal forces. He trained the Maratha light cavalry to harass, cut supplies and evade direct confrontation, achieving significant success againstRead more
Malik Ambar, the Abyssinian minister of Ahmednagar, was the first to brilliantly utilize the Marathas’ ‘Bargigiri’ (guerrilla warfare) system against the Mughal forces. He trained the Maratha light cavalry to harass, cut supplies and evade direct confrontation, achieving significant success against Emperors Akbar and Jahangir. Ambar’s strategic genius in perfecting these tactics provided a working model for Shivaji, who later adopted and elevated ‘Bargigiri’ as the core of the independent Maratha military strategy.
See lessWhich of the following events during the period 1674-1720 is considered the most significant turning point leading to the rise of the Peshwas as the de facto rulers of the Maratha Empire?
The most critical event was the appointment of Balaji Vishwanath as Peshwa by Shahu in 1713. Balaji, a highly capable administrator, was instrumental in politically unifying the Maratha factions supporting Shahu. He consolidated the Maratha state by achieving the 1719 Mughal-Maratha Treaty, which leRead more
The most critical event was the appointment of Balaji Vishwanath as Peshwa by Shahu in 1713. Balaji, a highly capable administrator, was instrumental in politically unifying the Maratha factions supporting Shahu. He consolidated the Maratha state by achieving the 1719 Mughal-Maratha Treaty, which legalized Chauth and Sardeshmukhi collection. By the end of his term, he had centralized all administrative and military power in the office of the Peshwa, making the Chhatrapati a figurehead and launching the era of the Peshwas.
See lessWhat was ‘Chauth’?
Chauth was a compulsory levy, representing one-fourth (25%) of the annual revenue, collected by the Marathas from territories outside their direct control, primarily the Mughal provinces and the Deccan Sultanates. The payment was considered a price for protection, guaranteeing that the Maratha armyRead more
Chauth was a compulsory levy, representing one-fourth (25%) of the annual revenue, collected by the Marathas from territories outside their direct control, primarily the Mughal provinces and the Deccan Sultanates. The payment was considered a price for protection, guaranteeing that the Maratha army would not raid or plunder the paying territory. Although framed as a feudal right, it was, in practice, a clear assertion of Maratha military supremacy and financial claim over the region, challenging Mughal sovereignty.
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