Tax in Literature

Abstract

From the Sangam era to the present day, tax has been intertwined with our lives.  It has been collected under many names like Aayam, Nathu, Kondi, Thira, Kappam, Terudha, Puravu.  The revenue generated through this is the primary source of income for the country's economy.  Economy is essential for good governance of a country.  The government has received a large part of the economy from the citizens in the name of treasury.  During the reign of the king, the citizens paid one-sixth of the revenue to the government as treasury.  From the Sangam literature to the modern literature, the people pay taxes.  Three thousand and one hundred thousand objects indicate that one-sixth of the revenue was received from the people.  Night tax has been levied compulsorily in times of war and famine.  During times of crisis they have collected taxes in the name of Puravu.  The tribute paid by the defeated king to the king who won the war was called Thira.  The tax levied on land is called land.  The tax levied on business is called business tax.  The literature refers to customs imposed on export and import goods as Ulgu.  Katha songs and such literature also mention the collection of taxes.