Land Revenue in the South during this period

During this period, the range of land revenue in the South was from one-sixth to one-tenth of the produce. This means that the land revenue collected by the rulers or tax collectors from the agricultural produce of the farmers ranged from one-sixth to one-tenth of the total output.

Explanation:

The South, particularly the Deccan region, had a predominantly agrarian economy during this period. The rulers, be it the Vijayanagara Empire or the Bahmani Sultanate, relied on the revenue collected from land to finance their administration and military activities.

The land revenue system in the South was known as the "Rayatwari" system. Under this system, the revenue was collected directly from the cultivators or the "rayats" who were the actual tillers of the land. The revenue was usually a share of the agricultural produce rather than a fixed amount of money.

Range of Land Revenue:

The range of land revenue varied depending on several factors such as the fertility of the land, the type of crops grown, and the prevailing economic conditions. Generally, the range of land revenue in the South during this period was from one-sixth to one-tenth of the produce.

Factors affecting Land Revenue:

1. Fertility of the Land: The more fertile the land, the higher the land revenue. This was because fertile land could yield a higher agricultural produce, and thus, the rulers could collect a larger share of the output.

2. Type of Crops: Different crops had different market values and yields. Cash crops like cotton, indigo, and sugarcane were more valuable compared to food crops like rice or wheat. Therefore, the land revenue collected for cash crops was usually higher than that for food crops.

3. Economic Conditions: During periods of economic prosperity, when agricultural production was high and trade flourished, the land revenue could be higher. Conversely, during times of drought, famine, or economic downturn, the land revenue could be lower to alleviate the burden on the farmers.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the range of land revenue in the South during this period was from one-sixth to one-tenth of the agricultural produce. This range varied based on factors such as the fertility of the land, the type of crops grown, and the prevailing economic conditions. The land revenue collected played a crucial role in the economic and political systems of the South, providing the rulers with the necessary resources to govern and maintain their power.