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Which of the following is / are characteristic(s) of the Ryotwari system? 1. It was the brainchild of Thomas Munro 2. It was meant to reduce intermediaries 3. Cultivating peasants were gradually impoverished by the system 4. It was introduced in parts of Madras and Bengal Presidency Select the correct answer using the
Explanation
The Ryotwari system was primarily the brainchild of Thomas Munro and Alexander Reed, first implemented in Baramahal in 1792 and later expanded across the Madras Presidency in 1820 [3]. A core objective was to establish a direct relationship between the state and the cultivator (ryot), thereby eliminating intermediaries like zamindars [2]. While theoretically granting ownership to peasants, the system imposed high revenue rates—often 50% to 60%—and inflexible demands [1]. This led to the gradual impoverishment of the cultivating peasants, who frequently fell into debt traps or faced torture for non-payment. Regarding geographical distribution, the system was introduced in Madras, Bombay, and parts of Assam and Berar. It was not introduced in the Bengal Presidency, where the Permanent Settlement (Zamindari system) was the established land revenue model. Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct, while statement 4 is incorrect.
Sources
- [1] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 10: Land Reforms in India > II. Ryotwari System > p. 337
- [2] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 5: Land Reforms > Ryotwari Settlement: > p. 191
- [3] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 17: Effects of British Rule > 17.2 Land Tenures: Permanent Settlement and Ryotwari Settlement > p. 266