Land Revenue System

Introduction

• Land revenue was the main source of income for British rule
• The company implemented various revenue systems
• Impact on the Indian agricultural community

Initial Context

• 1765: Diwani rights in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha after the Battle of Plassey
• 1772: Warren Hastings introduced the farming system
  • Revenue collection rights to the highest bidder
  • Farmers' conditions worsened; system failed

Lord Cornwallis's Solution

Permanent Settlement and Zamindari System

• 1793: Introduction of Permanent Settlement
• Zamindars given responsibility for revenue collection
• Zamindars recognized as owners of land
• 11% of total revenue for Zamindars and 89% for the British government
• Farmers turned into tenants
• Applied in many areas; covered 19% of the area
• Provision of "Sunset Clause"
• Purpose: certain revenue source
• Initial difficulties in the early years
• Problem of absentee landlordism in the system

Ryotwari System

• Expansion of company in South and Southwest India
• 1792: First Ryotwari Settlement
• Direct settlement with farmers
• No establishment of ownership system on land for farmers
• Farmers made government tenants
• High fixed revenue rate
• Worsened condition of farmers
• Applied to 52% of the area

Mahalwari System

• Modified form of Zamindari System
• Applied in the Ganges Valley and North West Provinces
• Settlement with the village headman
• State's share 66%
• Settlement for 30 years
• Problem of high revenue rate

Conclusion

• Land revenue system affected the rural economy
• Traditional rural environment changed
• Burden of debt on farmers
• Increased sale of land and eviction of farmers
• Growing discontent among farmers against British rule
• Increase in peasant revolts