Understanding 'Bigha' in British India
The question asks about the meaning of the term 'bigha' specifically within the context of British plantations in India. Understanding historical terminology is key to grasping the land and revenue systems of the time.
Defining 'Bigha'
In the historical context of India, particularly during the period of British rule and the establishment of plantations, the term 'bigha' primarily refers to a traditional unit of measurement of land. The exact size of a bigha could vary significantly depending on the region, local customs, and the specific period. However, its fundamental role was to quantify land area for purposes such as agriculture, revenue assessment, and land transfer.
For example, while a standard bigha in many parts of North India might be roughly equivalent to about one-third of an acre, variations existed widely. British administrators often had to contend with these diverse local units when implementing their revenue policies.
Analyzing Other Options
Let's examine why the other options are less accurate:
- A plant that replaced indigo in Britain: The term 'bigha' is a noun related to measurement, not a type of plant. While indigo plantations were significant in British India, 'bigha' does not refer to a specific crop.
- An agreement made with the ryots: 'Ryots' were peasant cultivators. While land measurement units like 'bigha' were certainly relevant to agreements between cultivators and landlords or the state, 'bigha' itself is not the name of an agreement. Agreements might be about the rent paid per bigha, but not the agreement itself.
- A revenue estate which has one or more villages: This description sounds more like a larger administrative or revenue unit, possibly akin to a 'mahal' or 'taluka' in certain contexts, rather than a basic unit for measuring land area like the 'bigha'. While a 'bigha' would be part of such an estate, it is not the estate itself.
Conclusion on 'Bigha'
Therefore, the most accurate definition of 'bigha' in the context of British plantations and land in India is a unit used for measuring land area.
Important Questions from Modern Indian History
Subsidiary alliance treaty was imposed on Awadh in ________.
Which of the following revolutionaries stated during his trial that “he did not wish to glorify the cult of the bomb and pistol but wanted a revolution in society”?
Krishnadeva Raya composed a work on __________ in Telugu known as the Amuktamalyada.
Who designed the administrative code to separate revenue administration from judicial administration?
When was a comprehensive despatch on education called Wood’s despatch on education sent?
