Question

Why did the British prefer the ‘Ryotwari system’ in Bombay over the ‘Permanent Settlement’?

• A. For simplifying revenue collection
• B. For bringing decentralized control
• C. For maximising their revenue
• D. For empowering the zamindars

Hint:

The Ryotwari system gave the British more control over taxation and allowed them to adjust rates based on cultivation, helping them earn more revenue over time.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The British opted for the Ryotwari system in regions like Bombay and Madras as it allowed them to directly collect taxes from individual cultivators (ryots), bypassing intermediaries such as zamindars. This system enabled them to regularly reassess land taxes and adjust them according to productivity, ultimately leading to higher revenue collection. The Permanent Settlement, in contrast, fixed the revenue permanently and was less flexible in terms of increasing returns.