MCQs Based On Modern History- (49)

Correct Option: 3. Lord Cornwallis.
Explanation: The Permanent Settlement was introduced in 1793 by Lord Cornwallis after prolonged debates. Though John Shore conceptualized it, Cornwallis implemented it as Governor-General.
-The Permanent Settlement was a major land revenue system introduced by the British East India Company during colonial rule in India. It was officially implemented in 1793 by Lord Cornwallis, primarily in Bengal and Bihar, and later extended to Orissa, parts of Madras, and Varanasi.
Key Features of the Permanent Settlement:
1. Zamindars Made Landowners:
-Zamindars (land revenue collectors) were made hereditary owners of the land.
-They were expected to collect revenue from peasants (ryots) and pay it to the Company.
2. Revenue Fixed in Perpetuity:
-The amount of land revenue to be paid to the government was permanently fixed.
-Even if agricultural production increased, the state could not demand more revenue.
Conversely, the zamindar had to pay the same amount even during poor harvests.
3. High Revenue Demands:
-The revenue was often fixed at exorbitant rates, without consulting zamindars.
-Many zamindars lost their lands due to inability to pay on time.
4. Peasants Became Tenants:
-Cultivators (ryots) lost traditional rights and were reduced to the status of tenants at will.
-They were left at the mercy of zamindars, with no security or legal protection.
5. Transferability of Land:
-Land became saleable and mortgageable.
-This allowed the state to recover unpaid revenue by auctioning land.
🔶 Reasons Behind the Permanent Settlement:
1. Political:
-Create a class of loyal zamindars who would support British rule.
-Useful in suppressing revolts and maintaining control.
2. Financial Stability:
-The Company wanted a stable and regular income from land revenue.
-The permanent nature removed uncertainty from revenue collection.
3. Administrative Efficiency:
-It was easier to collect revenue from a few zamindars than from millions of ryots.
-Reduced the need for a large administrative setup.
4. Economic Ideology:
-British believed private ownership would incentivize zamindars to invest in land improvement.
Negative Consequences:
1. Zamindars Exploited Peasants:
-To meet high revenue demands, zamindars often oppressed ryots, demanding more rent.
-Ryots had no protection from evictions or rent hikes.
2. No Agricultural Investment:
-Many zamindars were absentee landlords, uninterested in improving land.
-Fear of land loss due to non-payment discouraged long-term investments.
3. Peasant Poverty and Land Loss:
-Ryots were often forced to sell or mortgage land to pay dues.
-This increased indebtedness and landlessness among cultivators.
4. Revenue Loss for the British (Long-term):
-As agricultural productivity rose over time, the fixed revenue prevented the state from benefitting from the increased income.
📍 Regions Where It Was Implemented:
-Bengal
-Bihar
-Orissa
-Varanasi
-Some parts of Madras Presidency (Northern Districts)
📝 Conclusion:
The Permanent Settlement fundamentally reshaped rural India. While it served British colonial interests by ensuring revenue stability and political support, it severely harmed the Indian peasantry, widened social inequality, and led to rural economic stagnation. The legacy of landlord dominance and peasant exploitation persisted for decades.

Correct Option: 4. 10/11th.
Explanation: Zamindars had to give 10/11th of their rental income to the British government and could retain only 1/11th for themselves. Despite being made landowners, their financial burden was very high.

Correct Option: 2. To gain financial stability.
Explanation: A key motive was financial stability for the East India Company, which faced revenue fluctuations. The fixed land revenue helped ensure a steady income.

Correct Option: 1. Ryotwari Settlement.
Explanation: Under the Ryotwari System, the ryot (cultivator) was recognized as the landowner, responsible for paying land revenue directly to the state. However, this ownership was limited by high revenue demands and frequent revisions.
The Ryotwari System was a land revenue settlement introduced by the British in South and South-Western India during the early 19th century. Unlike the Permanent Settlement, which relied on zamindars, this system aimed to deal directly with the cultivators.
🔷 Key Features of the Ryotwari System:
1. Direct Settlement with Ryots (Cultivators):
-The British recognized the individual cultivator (ryot) as the landowner.
-The ryot had to pay land revenue directly to the government.
2. Ownership and Tax Liability:
-Though ryots were called landowners, their ownership was conditional.
-The land could be taken away if they failed to pay taxes.
3. Revenue Not Fixed Permanently:
-Revenue was periodically revised every 20 to 30 years.
-This meant revenue demands could increase over time.
4. Land Was Transferable:
-The ryot could sell or mortgage his land.
-The state encouraged this to ensure tax recovery.
📍 Regions Where Implemented:
-Madras Presidency
-Bombay Presidency
-Some parts of Assam, Berar, and Coorg
🔧 Key Proponents:
-Captain Alexander Read
-Sir Thomas Munro (who later became Governor of Madras)
-Munro argued that the system preserved traditional Indian practices, as many regions historically had no powerful zamindars.
Problems with the Ryotwari System:
1. High Revenue Demands:
-In Madras, the demand was often 45–55% of gross produce.
-Even in normal years, the cultivator was left with little surplus.
2. No Relief During Calamities:
-Ryots had to pay taxes even during droughts or floods.
-This led to debt, distress, and land loss.
3. No Real Ownership:
-Though called landowners, ryots were heavily controlled by the state.
-The British later claimed land revenue was “rent,” not tax—undermining ownership.
4. Exploitation and Indebtedness:
-With no protection, many ryots fell into debt traps.
-Land often passed into the hands of moneylenders.
🎯 Objectives Behind the Ryotwari System:
-Administrative Simplicity: Avoid middlemen like zamindars.
-Financial Gain: The state retained a larger share of produce.
-Ideological: British believed individual landownership would encourage ryots to improve agriculture.
📝 Conclusion:
The Ryotwari System, though intended to empower cultivators, ultimately exploited them under the weight of heavy taxation, insecurity, and lack of state support. The system contributed to the economic distress of peasants and weakened rural stability, especially during famines and natural disasters.

Correct Option: 3. It caused revenue instability and speculation.
Explanation: Hastings auctioned revenue collection rights to the highest bidders, which led to overbidding by zamindars and speculators. This caused instability, as actual collections often fell short of expectations.