Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Permanent Settlement, introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793, represents a landmark event in the history of British land revenue administration in India. Prior to this, revenue systems like the Zamindari system under the Mughals and subsequent experiments by the East India Company were characterized by instability and frequent revisions. The aim of the Permanent Settlement was to create a stable and predictable revenue stream for the Company, while also establishing a class of loyal landowners. This system, primarily implemented in Bengal, Bihar, and parts of Orissa, fundamentally altered land ownership and agrarian relations in these regions, with far-reaching consequences.
Historical Context and Precursors
Before the Permanent Settlement, the East India Company experimented with various revenue systems. The initial system involved collecting revenue directly from the cultivators. However, this proved difficult to administer. Subsequently, the Company adopted a system of auctioning land revenue rights to the highest bidders, which led to exploitation and instability. The need for a more stable and predictable system led to the formulation of the Permanent Settlement.
Key Features of the Permanent Settlement
- Parties Involved: The settlement recognized three main parties – the Zamindars (landlords), the Ryots (cultivators), and the British Government.
- Fixed Revenue Demand: The most significant feature was the fixing of land revenue at a permanent amount. This amount was approximately 89% of the revenue collected by the Company in the preceding years.
- Zamindars as Landowners: The Zamindars were granted hereditary rights to collect land revenue from the ryots within their zamindari. They were effectively recognized as landowners, with the right to sell or transfer their land.
- State Security: The government’s revenue was fixed, providing a secure income.
- No Revision of Revenue: The revenue demand was not subject to revision, regardless of changes in productivity or market conditions.
- Collection and Payment: Zamindars were responsible for collecting revenue from the ryots and paying a fixed amount to the Company.
Implementation and Regional Variations
The Permanent Settlement was primarily implemented in Bengal, Bihar, and parts of Orissa. However, its implementation varied across regions. In Bengal, the settlement was more comprehensive, while in Bihar, it was less so due to the prevalence of multiple co-sharers in land ownership. Similar systems, though with variations, were later introduced in other parts of India, such as the Ryotwari system in Madras and the Mahalwari system in North-Western Provinces.
Impact of the Permanent Settlement
Positive Impacts
- Revenue Stability: The Company secured a stable and predictable revenue stream.
- Creation of a Landowning Class: A class of loyal landowners emerged, who were expected to support British rule.
- Administrative Efficiency: The system simplified land revenue administration.
Negative Impacts
- Exploitation of Ryots: The Zamindars often exploited the ryots by imposing excessive rents and illegal dues.
- Agrarian Distress: The rigid revenue demand led to widespread agrarian distress, particularly during periods of crop failure.
- Increased Landlessness: Many ryots were forced into landlessness due to their inability to pay the high rents.
- Stagnation of Agriculture: The lack of investment in agricultural improvements due to the focus on revenue collection hindered agricultural growth.
- Rise of Absentee Landlordism: Many Zamindars became absentee landlords, neglecting the welfare of their tenants and the development of their estates.
Comparison with Other Revenue Systems
| Feature | Permanent Settlement | Ryotwari System | Mahalwari System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue Demand | Fixed in perpetuity | Periodically revised | Periodically revised |
| Land Ownership | Zamindars as landowners | Ryots as landowners | Village communities as landowners |
| Revenue Collection | Zamindars | Directly from Ryots | Village headmen |
| Regions | Bengal, Bihar, Orissa | Madras, Bombay | North-Western Provinces |
Conclusion
The Permanent Settlement, while intended to provide stability and efficiency, ultimately had a mixed legacy. It succeeded in securing a stable revenue stream for the British government but at the cost of widespread agrarian distress and exploitation. The creation of a powerful landowning class, while intended to foster loyalty, often led to absentee landlordism and the neglect of agricultural development. The system’s rigidity and lack of responsiveness to changing conditions contributed to long-term economic stagnation in the affected regions, leaving a lasting impact on India’s agrarian structure.
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.