UPSC Prelims 2016 Q9: Medieval History – Vijayanagara Empire
Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the
following statements:
1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land.
2. Private owners of workshops paid an industries tax.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
Taxation under Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagar
Krishna Deva Raya (1509 to 1529) of the Tuluva dynasty was the greatest ruler of Vijayanagar.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land | Correct | Land was graded as wet, dry and garden land and taxed at different rates |
| 2. Private owners of workshops paid an industries tax | Correct | Workshops, crafts and professions were taxed |
Sources of revenue in Vijayanagar:
| Source | Detail |
|---|---|
| Land revenue | The main income, based on a land survey |
| Industries and professions | Tax on workshops and artisans |
| Trade | Customs at ports and tolls on roads |
| Other | Grazing tax, marriage tax, house tax |
He wrote the Telugu work Amuktamalyada.
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also true: private workshops paid an industries tax.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also true: the tax rate on land depended on its quality.
- (c) CORRECT. Land tax varied with quality, and workshop owners paid an industries tax.
- (d) Incorrect. Both statements on the taxation system of Krishna Deva are true.
Key point
Krishna Deva Raya (Tuluva, 1509-1529): land tax graded by quality of land; industries tax on workshops; author of Amuktamalyada.
Remember
Vijayanagar: land tax by quality + industries tax.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a uniform land tax in medieval kingdoms.
- Thinking only agriculture was taxed in Vijayanagar.
- Placing Krishna Deva Raya in the Sangama dynasty; he was a Tuluva.
Exam tip
Vijayanagar taxed almost everything: land, crafts, trade, even marriages.
Sources
- Satish Chandra — History of Medieval India (The Vijayanagara Empire)
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History Part II, Ch 7 (An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara)