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UPSC MainsHISTORY-PAPER-II201310 Marks150 Words
Q3.

Ryotwari falls into three stages-early, middle and late, and the only description common to all is that it is a mode of settlement with small farmers, so small, indeed, that their average holding is, on recent figures, only about 6½ acres.

How to Approach

The question asks for a commentary on the Ryotwari system, focusing on its three stages and the commonality of small landholdings. The answer should trace the evolution of the Ryotwari system, highlighting the changes in each stage – early, middle, and late – and how these changes impacted the size of landholdings. It should also discuss the socio-economic implications of these small holdings. A chronological structure, detailing each stage, is recommended.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The Ryotwari system, introduced by the British in parts of India, particularly in the Madras Presidency and Bombay Presidency, represented a significant departure from earlier land revenue systems. Unlike the Zamindari system, it involved direct settlement with the peasant cultivator – the ‘ryot’. However, the system wasn’t static; it evolved through three distinct stages, each characterized by adjustments in revenue demands and administrative practices. A consistent feature across these stages was the prevalence of extremely small landholdings, averaging around 6.5 acres, which profoundly shaped the socio-economic landscape of the regions where it was implemented.

Early Ryotwari (1798-1820)

The initial phase, pioneered by Thomas Munro in the Madras Presidency, aimed to create a class of independent peasant proprietors. The core principle was to assess land revenue based on soil fertility and potential yield. Land was surveyed, and revenue fixed for a period, typically 20-30 years. However, early assessments were often high, leading to widespread indebtedness and land alienation. The focus was on maximizing revenue collection, and the system lacked adequate safeguards for the ryots.

  • Assessment Methods: Based on soil classification and estimated yield.
  • Revenue Demand: Initially high, often 50-60% of the gross produce.
  • Impact: Increased peasant indebtedness and vulnerability to moneylenders.

Middle Ryotwari (1820-1860)

This stage witnessed a gradual moderation of revenue demands following criticisms of the early system. The British administration began to recognize the need for a more sustainable approach. Revenue assessments were revised downwards in some areas, and attempts were made to provide some relief to indebted ryots. However, the system remained inflexible, and the ryots were still subject to stringent revenue collection procedures. The introduction of the ‘kuluvai’ system in Madras Presidency, offering temporary advances to ryots, also emerged during this period, further entrenching debt.

  • Revenue Revision: Downward revision in some areas, but still substantial.
  • Kuluvai System: Temporary advances to ryots, leading to increased debt.
  • Impact: Continued indebtedness, but slightly reduced pressure compared to the early phase.

Late Ryotwari (1860 onwards)

The final stage saw further refinements, driven by famines and peasant unrest. The focus shifted towards stabilizing revenue assessments and providing some degree of security of tenure. The introduction of the ‘Settlement Operations’ aimed at more accurate land surveys and revenue assessments. However, the small size of holdings remained a persistent problem. The system also became increasingly bureaucratic, with a complex hierarchy of revenue officials. The average holding size remained consistently small, around 6.5 acres, hindering agricultural development and perpetuating poverty.

  • Settlement Operations: More accurate land surveys and revenue assessments.
  • Security of Tenure: Some degree of security provided, but still limited.
  • Impact: Stabilization of revenue, but small holdings continued to be a major constraint.
Stage Revenue Demand Landholding Size Key Features
Early (1798-1820) High (50-60%) Small (around 6.5 acres) Initial implementation, maximizing revenue, high indebtedness.
Middle (1820-1860) Moderate Small (around 6.5 acres) Revenue revision, introduction of Kuluvai system, continued debt.
Late (1860 onwards) Stabilized Small (around 6.5 acres) Settlement Operations, some security of tenure, bureaucratic system.

Conclusion

The Ryotwari system, despite its initial intentions, ultimately failed to create a prosperous class of peasant proprietors. While it avoided the intermediaries of the Zamindari system, the consistently high revenue demands and the extremely small size of landholdings led to widespread indebtedness, land alienation, and limited agricultural development. The system’s evolution through its three stages demonstrates a gradual recognition of its shortcomings, but the fundamental problem of small holdings remained unresolved, leaving a lasting impact on the agrarian structure of the regions where it was implemented.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Ryot
A Ryot refers to the peasant cultivator, the actual tiller of the land, who had direct contact with the British administration under the Ryotwari system.
Kuluvai System
The Kuluvai system was a practice prevalent in the Madras Presidency where temporary advances were given to ryots, often at high interest rates, leading to increased indebtedness and dependence on moneylenders.

Key Statistics

According to historical records, the average landholding size under the Ryotwari system was approximately 6.5 acres (as stated in the question). This figure remained relatively consistent across the three stages.

Source: Based on historical land records and scholarly research (knowledge cutoff 2023)

Studies suggest that land alienation rates were significantly higher under the Ryotwari system compared to the Zamindari system, particularly during the early stages of implementation.

Source: Land Records of British India (knowledge cutoff 2023)

Examples

Madras Presidency

The Madras Presidency was a prime example of the Ryotwari system in practice. The system was initially implemented here by Thomas Munro and subsequently refined over time, demonstrating the evolution of the system through its three stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶How did the Ryotwari system differ from the Zamindari system?

The Ryotwari system involved direct settlement with the peasant cultivator, eliminating intermediaries like Zamindars. In contrast, the Zamindari system involved settling revenue with Zamindars, who then collected it from the peasants.

Topics Covered

HistoryEconomyIndian HistoryLand RevenueAgricultureColonial EconomyBritish India
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