Malwa and Gujarat
Explanation
The Maratha taxation system distinguished between two types of territories:- Swarajya: The homeland or territories directly administered by the Maratha state, where standard land revenue was collected.
- Mughlai (or Mulk-i-Qadim): Territories outside the direct Maratha administration (often Mughal provinces) from which they collected Chauth (25% of revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (additional 10%) in exchange for protection from Maratha raids.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Malwa and Gujarat: Malwa and Gujarat – Correct. During the expansion under Peshwa Baji Rao I, the Marathas forced the Mughal Empire to recognize their right to collect Chauth and Sardeshmukhi from the provinces of Malwa and Gujarat. Initially, the Marathas did not establish direct civil administration (courts, police, etc.) in these regions; instead, they posted revenue collectors (Kamavishdars) to collect the tribute while leaving the local administration to existing Mughal or local officials.
- Rajasthan and Bengal: Rajasthan and Bengal – Incorrect. While the Marathas raided Bengal (collecting Chauth from Alivardi Khan for a period) and exerted influence in Rajasthan, Malwa and Gujarat are the primary historical examples where the system of Chauth collection without direct rule was institutionalized first and most systematically.
- Poona and Konkan: Poona and Konkan – Incorrect. These regions were the core of the Maratha Swarajya. They were directly administered by the Maratha state (Chhatrapati and Peshwa), and standard land revenue was collected here, not Chauth.
- Satara and Kolhapur: Satara and Kolhapur – Incorrect. Satara was the capital of the Maratha Empire (seat of the Chhatrapati), and Kolhapur was a separate Maratha branch. These were sovereign Maratha territories, not external lands subject to Chauth.