Chauth was a regular tax imposed by the Marathas in the early 18 th Century. It was an annual tax levied at rate of 25% on revenue or produce. The Chauth was a protection tax which was charged to provide security to a state by the Marathas. The Chauth was started under the rule of Shivaji who ruled from 1674-1680. Sardeshmukhi was additional 10% levy on top of the chauth.