Seminar: The agrarian tax system in the historic Sikh Kingdom of Maharajah Ranjit Singh

23 October 2024, 2-3pm NZST

EVENT SUMMARY

Our innovation scholar, Dr Jagdeep Singh-Ladhar, will present a case study on the agrarian tax system in the historic Sikh Kingdom of Maharajah Ranjit Singh. This tax system had unique features to promote the wellbeing of farmers, who contributed to three-quarters of all tax revenue.

Dr Singh-Ladhar will explore the features of the tax system and its contribution to the functioning of a successful state that spanned from the border of Afghanistan to the current-day states of Punjab and Haryana in India. The analysis includes factors such as social and environmental impact as measures of wellbeing. The research contributes to a period in history nestled between the Mughal Empire and British systems of taxation, which has received little attention to date from a taxation perspective.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr Jagdeep Singh-Ladhar was appointed in June 2024 as the inaugural Ngā Ara Whetū Innovation Scholar. This newly established role is designed to support emerging leaders at the early stages of their careers and to foster their engagement with Ngā Ara Whetū. The position is a collaborative initiative between Ngā Ara Whetū and the Faculty of Business and Economics, one of the Centre’s co-hosting faculties.

Dr Singh-Ladhar is a lecturer in the Department of Commercial Law, where she lectures in commercial law and taxation. Her research interests are deeply rooted in sustainability, as evidenced by her PhD work on water allocation. Recently, she authored a book that examines water allocation law and policy in New Zealand, drawing comparisons with Australia.

In addition to her academic achievements, Dr Singh-Ladhar has gained valuable experience working with the Ministry for the Environment on recent reforms to the Resource Management Act. This experience has provided her with practical insights into how research can inform policy development. She is particularly passionate about ensuring that research ideas and outcomes are effectively communicated back to the community to maximise their impact.

EVENT DETAILS

Date & time

23 October, 2 -3pm (NZST)

Venue:

260-055 (Case Room 3)