British Era Revenue Systems

The British introduced several land revenue systems to maximize income for the East India Company and later the Crown, with profound impacts on Indian agrarian society. The three main systems were the Permanent Settlement, the Ryotwari System, and the Mahalwari System.

Permanent Settlement

  • Introduced by Governor-General Lord Cornwallis in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, this system sought to stabilize revenue collection.
  • Settlement with Zamindars: The British designated zamindars (hereditary landlords) as the owners of the land. They were responsible for collecting rent from the peasants.
  • Fixed Revenue: A fixed, permanent land tax was to be paid to the British, regardless of agricultural ....
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Indian History