Discussion Forum Latest Questions

Ayushree

In the Maratha cavalry, a Havaldar commanded a troop of 25 cavalrymen. This was the basic organizational unit. Five Havaldars were commanded by a Jumledar, demonstrating a highly standardized, decimalized military structure aimed at efficiency, quick deployment and clear lines ...

Ayushree

The Maratha dynasty rulers collected the tax known as ‘Chauth’. This levy, amounting to one-fourth (25%) of the revenue, was demanded from territories outside the Maratha kingdom’s direct control. It was both a major source of income and a de ...

Ayushree

‘Sardeshmukhi’ constituted 10% of the revenue. Shivaji collected this levy based on his claim to be the hereditary Sardeshmukh (chief headman) of the Maratha territory. It was primarily a claim of paramountcy or sovereign right, distinguished from Chauth, which was ...

Ayushree

The permanent cavalry during the Maratha period was called Paga (or Bargir). The horses and equipment were provided by the state and the troopers received fixed pay. The temporary cavalry, who supplied their own horses and were paid less regularly, ...

Ayushree

All of the options are true regarding Shivaji’s land revenue system. He set the initial tax at 33%, later raising it to 40%. He opposed intermediaries like Zamindars and adopted the Ryotwari system (direct collection from the cultivators). He also ...