Which of the following refers to tax paid only in cash during the Mauryan period? 

The correct answer is Hiranya.

Key Points

• Hiranya was a form of tax paid in cash during the Mauryan period, as opposed to taxes paid in kind (such as agricultural produce).
• It was generally imposed on land revenue and other taxable income sources in the form of precious metals, primarily gold or silver coins.
• The term "Hiranya" translates to "gold" in Sanskrit, indicating its monetary nature.
• This system of cash taxation reflects the advanced economic practices and monetization of the Mauryan Empire.
• Hiranya was especially significant in regions and communities where barter systems were transitioning towards cash-based economies.

Additional Information

• Kara: Refers to a tax levied on agricultural produce, typically collected in kind during the Mauryan period.
• Bali: Considered a religious offering or tribute paid to the king, often voluntary in earlier periods but formalized as a tax during later periods.
• Bhaga: A share of agricultural produce, usually one-sixth, collected as tax by the state from farmers.
• Taxation in Mauryan Empire: The Mauryan administration under rulers like Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka had a well-organized taxation system, crucial for maintaining the empire's vast bureaucracy, military, and infrastructure.
• Economic Prosperity: The Mauryan Empire's monetized economy, facilitated by taxes like Hiranya, played a significant role in trade, commerce, and urbanization across the Indian subcontinent.