Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 28: The Gross Provincial Revenues of the Mogul Empire AT various periods.

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Increases and decreases may then be accounted for, broadly as follows: —
1, 2. Increases due to gradual consolidation of Akbar's conquered Provinces.
3. Decrease accounted for by the effects of the Rebellion, the richest Province, Bengal, in partial revolt for several years.
4, 5. Returning prosperity, and conquests in the Deccan, adding new Provinces to the Empire.
6. The Mogul rule waning, the Marathás increasing in power, and incessantly harrying many of the Mogul Provinces, 'levying chauth and sardésmukhí, with the alternative of fire and sword: cutting off the sources of revenue, and wearying out the disorganised armies of the Empire.' A. C. Lyall, Berar Gazetteer, Bombay, 1870, p. 122.