Meaning of the term Ushr used during Delhi Sultanate
The term “Ushr” was a revenue system that was implemented during the Delhi Sultanate, which lasted from the 13th to the 16th century in the Indian subcontinent. The word “Ushr” is derived from the Arabic word “Ashar,” which means “tenth.”
Under the Ushr system, a tenth of the agricultural produce of a particular area was collected as revenue by the state. This revenue was typically collected in kind, with the produce being stored in state granaries or sold in markets to generate revenue for the state. The Ushr system was designed to provide a steady source of revenue for the Sultanate, and it was often used to fund military campaigns or other state expenses.
During the Delhi Sultanate, the Ushr system was implemented in various parts of the Sultanate’s territories. It was particularly important in the fertile plains of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, where agriculture was a major source of income and livelihood for many people. The Ushr system helped to ensure that the state received a share of the agricultural produce, and it also helped to regulate the market for agricultural goods.
However, the Ushr system was also criticized for its potential to be exploitative. Some farmers and cultivators were unable to pay the Ushr tax, which could result in them losing their land or other property. Additionally, the Ushr system could be subject to corruption or abuse by state officials, who could demand higher than necessary amounts of produce or sell it for their own benefit.
Overall, the Ushr system was an important aspect of the Delhi Sultanate’s revenue system, and it played a significant role in shaping the economic and social structures of the time.