Understanding the Zamindari Settlement

The question asks about the historical figure responsible for introducing the Zamindari Settlement as a method for administering land revenue in British India. This was a significant policy that impacted land ownership and revenue collection for a long time.

The Zamindari Settlement, also known as the Permanent Settlement, was a land revenue system introduced by the British East India Company. Under this system, the Zamindars (landlords) were recognized as the owners of the land. They were responsible for collecting rent from the farmers or peasants who cultivated the land and paying a fixed amount of revenue to the Company government. The fixed nature of the revenue demand was a key feature, intended to ensure a stable income for the Company.

Lord Cornwallis and the Permanent Settlement

The Permanent Settlement, which is essentially the Zamindari Settlement in the areas where it was applied permanently, was introduced in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha in 1793. The Governor-General responsible for implementing this system was Lord Cornwallis.

Lord Cornwallis believed that fixing the land revenue demand would encourage Zamindars to invest in improving the land, as they would benefit from any increase in production beyond the fixed revenue payment. However, the system often led to exploitation of the cultivators by the Zamindars and created a class of wealthy landlords loyal to the British.

Analysing the Options

Let's look at the other options provided:

• Lord Curzon: Known for the Partition of Bengal (1905) and administrative reforms, but not for introducing the Zamindari Settlement.
• Lord Wellesley: Known for the Subsidiary Alliance system and expansion of British territory, but not for the Zamindari Settlement.
• Lord Lytton: Known for the Vernacular Press Act and the Arms Act, serving much later than the introduction of the Zamindari system.

Based on historical records, Lord Cornwallis is correctly credited with introducing the Permanent Settlement or Zamindari Settlement in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha in 1793.

Key Facts: Zamindari Settlement Revision

• Introduced by: Lord Cornwallis
• Year of Introduction: 1793
• Areas Covered: Bengal, Bihar, Odisha
• System: Zamindars recognized as landowners; fixed revenue payable to the British; Zamindars collected rent from cultivators.
• Also known as: Permanent Settlement

Understanding Land Revenue Systems: Additional Information

The British introduced several land revenue systems in India, each with different features and impacts. Besides the Zamindari system (Permanent Settlement), two other major systems were:

• Ryotwari System: Introduced primarily in Southern India (like Madras Presidency) by Thomas Munro. Here, revenue was collected directly from the cultivators (ryots), who were recognized as landowners. The revenue rates were often subject to periodic revision.
• Mahalwari System: Introduced in areas like the North-Western Provinces, Punjab, and parts of Central India. Under this system, revenue was collected from a village or a group of villages (mahal) collectively. The village headman or representatives were responsible for collecting and paying the revenue, which was also revised periodically.

Each of these systems had different consequences for land rights, agricultural production, and social structures in their respective regions.