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This document, attributed to the presses of Antonio Ricardo, presents an order from Viceroy Luis de Velasco. It refers to the way in which the tribute system affected the children of the main chiefs since Viceroy Toledo organized a large part of the economic administration of the Viceroyalty of Peru.

It should be noted that the Indians were considered vassals of the Spanish crown and, therefore, had certain tax obligations. The indigenous population was classified according to tribute and their access to land. In this way, it is possible to find groups of indigenous people who, for various reasons, could be exonerated from paying taxes. The indigenous nobility, recognized by the crown, was exempt from paying taxes.

This text sets out the economic obligations of taxes, mitas and services that corresponded or not to the children of the caciques according to their origin during the government of Luis de Velasco. Likewise, it allows us to understand why – at the end of the 17th century – there were many cases of people who assumed the fact of being the chief’s children or relatives in order not to pay tribute.

Enrique Urteaga
Proyecto Estudios Indianos