Question

Explain the Permanent Settlement system implemented by the British in 1793.

Hint:

The {Permanent Settlement of 1793}, introduced by Lord Cornwallis, fixed land revenue permanently and made {zamindars responsible for tax collection}.

Answer 1

Concept: The British introduced several land revenue systems in India to collect taxes from agriculture. One of the earliest systems was the Permanent Settlement, introduced in 1793 in Bengal, Bihar, and parts of Odisha during the governorship of Lord Cornwallis.
Step 1:Meaning of Permanent Settlement The Permanent Settlement was a system in which the land revenue was fixed permanently. The responsibility of collecting revenue from farmers was given to the zamindars (landlords).

• Zamindars were required to pay a fixed amount of revenue to the British government.
• If they failed to pay the revenue on time, their land could be confiscated and auctioned.

Step 2:Main Features

• The amount of land revenue was fixed permanently.
• Zamindars were recognized as landowners.
• Zamindars collected rent from the peasants or cultivators.
• The system aimed to ensure a regular and stable income for the British government.

Step 3:Impact of the Permanent Settlement

• It created a class of powerful landlords.
• Many peasants were exploited by zamindars through high rents.
• Agricultural productivity did not improve significantly.
• It strengthened British control over the rural economy.