Question

Write about Sunset Law.

Hint:

Always link the Sunset Law with the Permanent Settlement introduced by Lord Cornwallis. It highlights the rigid and revenue-focused nature of the British land policies.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for an explanation of the 'Sunset Law' in the context of British India.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Sunset Law was a crucial and strict provision associated with the Permanent Settlement of land revenue introduced by Lord Cornwallis in Bengal in 1793.
The law stipulated that the zamindars (landlords) had to pay their fixed annual revenue to the East India Company by sunset on a specified date. If a zamindar failed to make the payment by this exact deadline, their zamindari (land estate) was liable to be auctioned off by the government to recover the arrears. This law was very rigid and did not allow for any delays, even in cases of crop failure. It led to many traditional zamindars losing their lands, which were then often bought by merchants and moneylenders from the cities.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Sunset Law was a rule under the Permanent Settlement (1793) which stated that if a zamindar's revenue payment was not received by sunset on the due date, their estate would be sold at auction.