The Military System of the Marathas, with a Brief Account of Their Maritime Activities c6.2

c6.2

The term *chauth* has been invariably associated with the Marathas as an appropriate expression of their predatory genius. About its character there has been some difference of opinion; but its origin has been unanimously attributed to the resourceful mind of Shivaji. Shivaji, however, did not invent this ingenious method of raising revenue nor was the system by any means confined to the Marathas. Its character, which varied according to circumstances, may be likened to the variations of the chameleon's skin, which are frequently only skin-deep.