20 per cent
Explanation
During the 18th century, amidst the political vacuum created by the decline of the Mughal Empire and the frequent invasions by Afghans (such as Ahmed Shah Abdali), the Sikhs in Punjab organized themselves into armed bands known as jathas, and later misls. To secure resources and establish authority over territories, they introduced a protection system known as Rakhi.
Detailed Analysis:
- The Rakhi system functioned as a guarantee of safety for the peasantry.
- Under this arrangement, Sikh chiefs offered protection to cultivators from external plunderers and local bandits.
- In return for this protection, the cultivators were required to pay a levy amounting to 20 per cent of their agricultural produce.
- This system allowed the Sikh leaders to establish a regular source of income and territorial control before the consolidation of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Key Takeaway:
The Rakhi system was a protection tax introduced by the Sikh Misls, requiring cultivators to pay 20 per cent of their produce in exchange for safety.