UPSC CSE Prelims
Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari and Mahalwari Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari and Mahalwari with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
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With reference to revenue collection by Cornwallis, consider the following statements:
- Under the Ryotwari Settlement of revenue collection, the peasants were exempted from revenue payment in case of bad harvests or natural calamities.
- Under the Permanent Settlement in Bengal, if the Zamindar failed to pay his revenues to the state, on or before the fixed date, he would be removed from his Zamindari.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Correct Answer: ✅ 2 only
The question compares two land revenue systems of British India.
Ryotwari Settlement did not provide automatic exemption from revenue during bad harvests, though limited remissions could sometimes be granted.
Under the Permanent Settlement (1793) introduced by Lord Cornwallis, zamindars had to pay fixed revenue on time; failure could lead to loss or auction of their zamindari rights.
❌ Statement I is Incorrect: Ryotwari Settlement did not guarantee exemption from revenue payment during crop failure or natural calamities.
✅ Statement II is Correct: Under Permanent Settlement, failure to pay revenue by the fixed date could result in the zamindari being auctioned or taken away.
Short Notes: Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari and Mahalwari
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Permanent Settlement (1793) was introduced by Lord Cornwallis in Bengal.
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Revenue demand was fixed permanently between the British and zamindars.
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Under the Sunset Law, default in revenue payment could lead to auction of estates.
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Ryotwari System was developed by Thomas Munro and Alexander Reed in Madras and Bombay Presidencies.
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In Ryotwari, settlement was made directly with cultivators (ryots).
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Mahalwari System was introduced in parts of North-Western Provinces, Punjab and Central India.
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Mahalwari settlement was made with the village community (mahal) collectively.
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British land revenue systems often imposed high revenue demands, causing rural distress.
Who among the following was/were associated with the introduction of Ryotwari Settlement in India during the British rule?
- Lord Cornwallis
- Alexander Read
- Thomas Munro
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — 2 and 3 only
The Ryotwari Settlement was a land revenue system introduced in British India where settlements were made directly with the cultivators (ryots). Alexander Read first introduced this system experimentally in the Baramahal district of Madras Presidency in 1792, and Thomas Munro later refined and expanded it across the Madras Presidency, making him the principal architect of the system.
✅ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement (Zamindari System) in Bengal and Bihar in 1793, not the Ryotwari Settlement.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Captain Alexander Read first introduced the Ryotwari system in the Baramahal district (Madras Presidency) in 1792 after the Third Anglo-Mysore War.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Thomas Munro refined and extended the Ryotwari system across most of the Madras Presidency and later became Governor of Madras (1820–1827), establishing himself as the primary architect of this land revenue system.
With reference to Ryotwari Settlement, consider the statements :
- The rent was paid directly by the peasants to the Government.
- The Government gave Pattas to the Ryots.
- The lands were surveyed and assessed before being taxed.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Under the Ryotwari Settlement, peasants (ryots) paid land revenue directly to the Government, eliminating intermediaries like zamindars.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The Government issued Pattas (land ownership documents) to ryots, recognizing them as proprietors of land.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Lands were surveyed and assessed individually before taxation, with rates varying based on soil quality and crop type.
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