Mysore and Coorg from the Inscriptions c10.21

c10.21

Some idea of the burden of taxation may be gathered from certain inscriptions. Towards the close of the Hoysala period, in 1290, we find (TN 27) the following imposts levied on lands, whether occupied by houses or cultivated: land rent, plough tax, house tax, forced labour, accountant's fee, provender, unexpected visitor, army, double payment, change of district, threshing floor, tribute, coming of age, festivity, subscription, boundary marks, birth of a son, fodder for elephants, fodder for horses, sale within the village, favour of the palace, alarm, seizure, destruction, or injustice caused by the nāḍ or the magistrate, and whatever else may come. Under the Vijayanagar rule, in 1505, we have (Gu 67): land rent, fines, tribute, alms, gold, hombali, tolls on corn and grain, tax on Jangamas, tax on . . ., tax on meetings, duty on betel leaves, tax on Mādigas, duty on salt-pans, tax on Jīyars, customs dues, and all other taxes and imposts. See also Ml 95. Besides the revenue thus raised, taxes were imposed to provide for the festivals and offerings or other needs of temples (Gu 3, 8, 34, Sk 129). In 1491 a tax for this purpose was laid on looms, houses, oil-mills, grazing grounds, marriages, . . ., eggs, customs, imports, exports, cotton, et cetera (Nj 118). While in one case the funds for providing marriage pandals, and mirrors for dancing girls, were given up (Sk 295). In 1775 the Eighteen castes agreed to pay an addition to their land and other taxes, owing to the palace having taken for itself the funds previously provided (Yl 4). Remissions of taxes were sometimes granted, either generally or in specified parts of the country. In the sixteenth century, under Vijayanagar, the marriage tax was abolished, causing much rejoicing among all classes (Hk 111, Mi 64). Soon after, the tax on barbers, forced labour, *birāda*, customs, toll for watchmen, and other imposts were given up (Hk 110, Tp 126). Sometimes there was a vigorous protest against illegal taxation (see Sr 6, Mb 49).