Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the meaning of 'arable land' as defined or understood in the context of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The term 'arable land' is defined in Section 3(aa) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. This definition was inserted by an amendment.
The definition is as follows: "'arable land' means any land which is fit for cultivation, whether in fact cultivated or not, and includes garden land and land used for dairy farming, poultry farming, pisciculture or breeding of live-stock, but does not include land used for public purposes;"
The core meaning of the word 'arable' itself relates to land used or suitable for growing crops. The legal definition confirms this.
- Options (A), (B), and (D) describe land uses that are distinct from cultivation.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Under the Land Acquisition Act, 'arable land' primarily means land that is useful for cultivation.