Meaning of SIWAI

SIWAI

Language - Arabic (commonly used in Tamil)

Tamil Word - சிவை

Extra or miscellaneous revenue collected by the government, excluding land revenue, customs duties, and transit duties. In the southern regions, it also included escheats (property reverting to the state in the absence of heirs). Example: The 'siwai' revenue included taxes on trade, professions, and various other sources. This term highlights the diverse sources of government income beyond land revenue and customs duties, reflecting the complexity of historical taxation systems.