History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c83.s3.11

v5.c83.s3.11

As for the first of the above grievances, the question will become clear to us if we bear in mind the principles of taxation followed by Aurangzib during his reign. The general rule was to levy a duty of 2½ p. c. on the value of all goods imported. But evidently different rates were followed at different places, and so on 10th April 1665 the Emperor issued an order that in all provinces there would be two uniform rates for customs in future, namely 2½ p. c. for Muslims and 5 p. c. for Hindus. A little later, the merchandise of Muslim importers was declared to be duty free from 9th May 1667 onwards.