Final answer:
Agricultural taxation policies in India varied under Hindu kings, Mughals, and the British Raj, with significant differences emerging particularly during the era of British colonial rule, which drastically transformed the agrarian economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The agricultural taxation policies in India did indeed vary greatly under different rulers, such as the Hindu kings, Mughals, and the British Raj. Under the Mughal Empire, there was a degree of religious tolerance and a structured approach to governance that allowed Hindu traditions to continue alongside Islamic rule. These rulers even abolished certain taxes that were offensive to Hindus, like the jizya, and administered separate legal codes for Muslims and Hindus.
However, the advent of the British Raj marked a significant shift in agricultural taxation and policies. The British emphasized the production of cash crops, leading to the creation of large plantations and causing many small farmers to lose their land due to inability to pay taxes. This transformation devastated India's economy by increasing its focus on raw material exports at the expense of its traditional industries, resulting in dire famines. Colonial taxation under the British was very different from that under previous rulers and had profound impacts on Indian society and economy.