Who levied the tax known by the name of "chauth"?

The correct answer is Option 2 - Marathas

The Marathas levied the tax known by the name of "chauth".

Chauth was a tax of one-fourth of the land revenue paid to the Marathas in order to avoid Maratha raids. It was an annual tax nominally levied at 25% on revenue or produce, hence the name, on lands that were under nominal Mughal rule.

The Marathas began levying chauth in the early 17th century, and it became a major source of revenue for them. Chauth helped the Marathas to expand their power and influence throughout India. The tax was also a major source of tension between the Marathas and the Mughal Empire.