The Ryotwari experiment in land revenue was started by
Alexander Reed
Understanding the Ryotwari Land Revenue System
The question asks about who started the experiment of the Ryotwari system for land revenue collection in British India. This system was a significant approach to administering land and collecting revenue directly from the cultivators.
Origin of the Ryotwari Experiment
The initial experimental phase of the Ryotwari land revenue system was indeed started by Alexander Reed. This experiment took place in the Baramahal area, which was ceded by Tipu Sultan after the Third Anglo-Mysore War.
Key points about the origin:
- The system aimed to collect land revenue directly from the individual cultivator, known as the 'Ryot'.
- It bypassed intermediaries like zamindars (landlords), which was the basis of the Permanent Settlement system prevalent in Bengal.
- Alexander Reed conducted this initial experiment in the Baramahal region during the late 18th century (around 1792).
- Following Reed's work, the system was further developed and extensively implemented by Thomas Munro, particularly in the Madras Presidency, which became a stronghold of the Ryotwari system.
Comparing Land Revenue Systems: Ryotwari vs. Others
The British implemented various land revenue systems in different parts of India. The Ryotwari system stood in contrast to others like the Permanent Settlement and the Mahalwari system.
Here's a brief comparison:
| System | Settlement With | Area Prevalent | Introduced By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Settlement | Zamindars (Landlords) | Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Varanasi | Lord Cornwallis |
| Ryotwari System | Ryot (Cultivator) | Madras, Bombay, Assam, Coorg | Experimental stage: Alexander Reed Full Implementation: Thomas Munro |
| Mahalwari System | Village Committee or Mahal (Group of Villages) | Punjab, North-Western Provinces, Central India | Holt Mackenzie, William Bentinck |
The Ryotwari experiment by Alexander Reed laid the groundwork for a system that would significantly impact land administration in large parts of South India.
Revision Table: Key Figures in Land Revenue Systems
| Figure | Contribution to Land Revenue |
|---|---|
| Alexander Reed | Started the Ryotwari experiment in Baramahal. |
| Thomas Munro | Extended and fully implemented the Ryotwari system. |
| Lord Cornwallis | Introduced the Permanent Settlement. |
| Holt Mackenzie | Proposed the Mahalwari system (1822). |
Additional Information on British Land Revenue Systems
Understanding the different land revenue systems implemented by the British is crucial for grasping the economic history of India during colonial rule. Each system had distinct features and consequences:
- Permanent Settlement (1793):
- Declared Zamindars as owners of the land.
- Fixed the revenue demand permanently.
- Created a loyal class of zamindars but often led to exploitation of peasants and state loss of revenue when land value increased.
- Ryotwari System:
- Revenue settlement was made directly with the cultivator (ryot).
- Revenue rates were typically high and subject to revision (usually every 20-30 years).
- Aimed to eliminate intermediaries but often led to over-assessment and peasant distress.
- Mahalwari System:
- Revenue was settled with the village community or a group of villages (Mahal).
- The community or its representative was responsible for collecting and paying the revenue.
- Revenue rates were revised periodically.
- Attempted to preserve traditional village structures but could still lead to heavy burdens on cultivators.
The Ryotwari experiment initiated by Alexander Reed was a foundational step towards establishing one of these major systems, later expanded by Thomas Munro.
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