Class 8 History: Ruling the Countryside

Introduction

• Chapter: Ruling the Countryside
• Main Objective: How did British rule establish control over the Indian countryside and its economic impact?
• Main Topics: British revenue collection system, agricultural reforms, and Indigo plantation

Review of Previous Chapters

• Turning point in Indian history after the Battle of Plassey and Battle of Buxar
• British transition from a trading company to a ruling company
• Status and impact of Nawabs
• Importance of Diwani Rights: the right to collect revenue

Beginning of Rule in the Countryside

• British received Diwani Rights after the Battle of Buxar
• British company’s right to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, Orissa
• Agreement between Robert Clive and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II

Revenue Collection System

Diwani Rights

• The British East India Company now had the right to collect revenue
• Reduced influence of Nawabs, increased influence of the company
• Depiction of Robert Clive: accepting Diwani Rights

Revenue System: Various Methods

• Permanent Settlement: Role of zamindars, benefits, and issues
• Mahalwari System: Village-based revenue collection system
• Ryotwari System: Direct revenue collection from farmers

Indigo Plantation and its Impact

• Demand and importance of indigo in the European market
• Two methods of indigo cultivation: Nij system and Ryotwari system
• Problems and Rebellion: farmer protests and the Blue Rebellion

Problems in Indigo Production

• Nij system: Exploitation of farmers, land shortage, declining soil fertility
• Ryotwari system: Issues of contracts and debts

Farmer Protests: Blue Rebellion

• Farmer rebellion of 1859, against indigo cultivation in Bengal
• Government intervention and establishment of the Indigo Commission
• Champaran movement and the role of Mahatma Gandhi

End: Shift in Indigo Production

• Shift of indigo cultivation from Bengal to Bihar
• Discovery of synthetic dyes and declining importance of indigo

Conclusion

• Long-term impact of British revenue collection systems and agricultural reforms on Indian rural areas
• Historical significance of farmer protests due to indigo plantations
• In-depth study of historical events and their relevance in contemporary society