Development of Indian Tax System: Pre and Post-Colonial Influences

Abstract

This article examines the origins, growth, and development of taxation practices in India. Based on multiple perspectives from historical research, the article divides up developments in the Indian tax system into four different governance regimes. These are the pre-colonial period (Ancient and Medieval), the colonial period (1857–1947), India as a Sovereign State under the 1950 Constitution (1950–1991) and post-economic liberalisation (1991–2020). In each of these periods, several major taxation developments that occurred in the country are reviewed, and the article highlights how different political and governance systems influenced the changes in the Indian tax system. Based on such changes and influence, the study also proposes agenda for future research. The article makes significant contributions to economic and business history research from a developing economy perspective and provides insights for any future developments in relation to tax systems.