Shivaji's Taxation Policy: The Chauth and Sardeshmukhi System

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the economic underpinnings of Shivaji Maharaj's Swarajya, focusing on the innovative taxation policies of chauth and sardeshmukhi. They discuss how Shivaji implemented a 25% tax on revenue from Mughal and Adil Shahi territories, using it to fund his military campaigns and fortifications without burdening his own subjects. The conversation delves into the origins of these taxes, their collection methods, and the diplomatic leverage they provided. Lucas explains the role of Mavala revenue officers, the use of receipts (kaulnama), and how these funds sustained the guerrilla warfare of ganimi kava. They also touch on the controversy surrounding these levies from both Mughal chroniclers and modern historians, offering a balanced view of this often-overlooked aspect of Shivaji's statecraft. #ShivajiMaharaj #Chauth #Sardeshmukhi #MarathaTaxation #Swarajya #GanimiKava #MughalEmpire #AdilShahi #Mavala #Kaulnama #HistoryOfTaxation #DeccanHistory #SouthAsia #FexingoHistory #MarathaEmpire #EconomicHistory #ShivajiPolicy #WarFinance Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo