With reference to Ryotwari Settlement, consider the following statements: 1. The rent was paid directly by the peasants to the Government. 2. The Government gave Pattas to the Ryots. 3. The lands were surveyed and assessed before being taxed. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The Ryotwari Settlement was a land revenue system introduced by the British in parts of India. Let's analyze each statement: 1. The rent was paid directly by the peasants to the Government. This is correct. In the Ryotwari system, the settlement was made directly with the cultivators (ryots), who were recognized as the owners of the land as long as they paid the land revenue. There was no intermediary like a zamindar. 2. The Government gave Pattas to the Ryots. This is correct. A patta is a title deed or document confirming the landholder's rights and the terms of revenue payment. Since the ryots were directly responsible for revenue and recognized as landholders, the government issued pattas to them. 3. The lands were surveyed and assessed before being taxed. This is correct. A distinguishing feature of the Ryotwari system was the detailed survey and assessment of each plot of land to determine its productivity and, consequently, the revenue demand. This was done to ensure a more systematic and 'fair' assessment of tax. Since all three statements accurately describe features of the Ryotwari Settlement, option C is the correct answer.