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.
Question 1 of 3 Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari and Mahalwari
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First question in this topic
Who among the following was/were associated with the introduction of Ryotwari Settlem...