Tax levied as forced labour
Explanation
The Chola Empire (9th–13th Century CE) possessed a highly organized administrative structure supported by an elaborate revenue system. Inscriptions from this period record over 400 terms for various taxes, indicating a complex fiscal regime.Analysis of the Term:
- Vetti: This is one of the most frequently mentioned terms in Chola inscriptions. It specifically refers to a tax levied not in cash, but in the form of forced labour. Subjects were obligated to provide labour for state purposes, such as the maintenance of irrigation tanks or temple construction, rather than paying a monetary amount.
- Kadamai: This term refers to land revenue, which was the primary source of income for the state and was typically paid in kind (grain) or cash.
Key Takeaway: In the context of Chola administration, Vetti denotes forced labour extracted by the state, whereas Kadamai refers to land revenue.