UPSC Prelims 2012 Q37: Modern History – British Administration & Economic Policies
With reference to Ryotwari Settlement, consider the following statements:
1. The rent was paid directly by the peasants to the Government.
2. The Government gave Pattas to the Ryots.
3. The lands were surveyed and assessed before being taxed.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 3
- (d) None
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Ryotwari Settlement
The Ryotwari system was started by Alexander Read and Thomas Munro in Madras and was later extended to Bombay.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The rent was paid directly by the peasants to the Government | Correct | There was no zamindar or middleman |
| 2. The Government gave Pattas to the Ryots | Correct | The patta recorded the ryot's right to the land |
| 3. The lands were surveyed and assessed before being taxed | Correct | Revenue was fixed field by field after survey |
The three land revenue systems:
| System | Settlement with | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent (Zamindari) | Zamindars | Bengal, Bihar, Odisha |
| Ryotwari | Individual cultivators | Madras, Bombay, Assam |
| Mahalwari | Village (mahal) | North-West Provinces, Punjab |
Revenue under Ryotwari was revised periodically, usually every 20 to 30 years.
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statements 2 and 3 are also true of the Ryotwari Settlement.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also true; lands were surveyed and assessed first.
- (c) CORRECT. Direct payment, pattas to ryots and prior survey were all features.
- (d) Incorrect. All three statements are true, so 'None' is wrong.
Key point
Ryotwari: Munro and Read; Madras and Bombay; direct settlement with the ryot; patta; survey and assessment; periodic revision.
Remember
Ryotwari = Munro, Madras, direct with the peasant.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Ryotwari with Mahalwari, where the village was the unit.
- Thinking the ryot had no record of rights; the patta was that record.
- Assuming revenue was fixed for ever, as under the Permanent Settlement.
Exam tip
The name tells the answer: Ryotwari is settled with the ryot, Mahalwari with the mahal, Zamindari with the zamindar.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — History of Modern India, Ch on Economic Policies of the British (land revenue)
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India, Ch on Economic Impact of British Rule