In early medieval Deccan, Upakriti and Kanika were .......................... .

The correct answer is - Customary taxes

Key Points

• Upakriti and Kanika were terms used in the early medieval Deccan to refer to specific types of customary taxes.
• These taxes were typically levied by feudal lords or local rulers on the general population as part of the revenue collection system.
• Customary taxes played a vital role in maintaining the economic structure of the feudal system during this period, ensuring resources for administrative and military purposes.
• The terms highlight the highly localized and diverse taxation system in the Deccan during early medieval times.

Additional Information

• Taxation in Early Medieval India
  • The early medieval period in India saw the rise of decentralized administrative structures, particularly in regions like the Deccan.
  • Revenue collection often relied on customary or traditional taxes instead of a uniform taxation system.
  • These taxes were used to support the feudal economy, which was characterized by land grants and the dominance of local lords.
• Role of Feudal Lords
  • Feudal lords were responsible for collecting taxes from the population under their control and often retained a portion of the revenue for their own use.
  • Taxes like Upakriti and Kanika demonstrate the importance of localized governance in the Deccan during this period.
• Impact of Customary Taxes
  • Customary taxes ensured the functioning of administrative and military systems in a decentralized setup.
  • They also reflect the economic stratification of society, as different classes of people had varying levels of tax obligations.