The Permanent Settlement of the land revenues of Bengal under the colonial rule was made in (A) 1757 (B) 1793 (C) 1764 (D) 1800

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Points to Remember:

  • The Permanent Settlement was a landmark land revenue system implemented by the British East India Company in Bengal.
  • It had significant long-term consequences for the region’s economy and social structure.
  • The year of its implementation is crucial to understanding its historical context.

Introduction:

The Permanent Settlement, also known as the Zamindari system, was a crucial land revenue policy introduced by Lord Cornwallis, the then Governor-General of Bengal, in 1793. This system aimed to establish a stable and predictable revenue stream for the British East India Company while simultaneously creating a class of loyal Zamindars (landlords). Understanding the exact year of its implementation is vital for comprehending its place within the broader history of British colonial rule in India. The question requires a factual approach, focusing on identifying the correct year from the given options.

Body:

The Year of Implementation:

The correct answer is (B) 1793. The Permanent Settlement was formally introduced in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa in 1793. Options (A), (C), and (D) are incorrect. 1757 marks the Battle of Plassey, a significant turning point in British power in India, but not the implementation of the Permanent Settlement. 1764 saw the Battle of Buxar, further solidifying British control, and 1800 falls well after the implementation of the system.

Consequences of the Permanent Settlement:

While the intended purpose of the Permanent Settlement was to create a stable revenue system, its long-term consequences were complex and multifaceted:

  • Positive Aspects (limited): Initially, it provided a degree of certainty for the Zamindars regarding land ownership and revenue demands. This, in theory, could have stimulated investment in land improvement.

  • Negative Aspects (significant): The system led to the exploitation of peasants, who were burdened with high taxes. Zamindars often acted as intermediaries, extracting excessive rents and neglecting the welfare of the cultivators. This resulted in widespread rural poverty and indebtedness. The system also hindered agricultural innovation and economic growth due to the lack of investment in land improvement by Zamindars. The system created a rigid social hierarchy that perpetuated inequality.

Conclusion:

The Permanent Settlement, implemented in 1793, was a pivotal moment in the history of British India. While initially intended to streamline revenue collection, its long-term effects were largely negative, contributing to widespread rural poverty and social inequality. The systemâ??s flaws highlight the complexities of colonial land policies and their lasting impact on the socio-economic fabric of the affected regions. A more equitable and participatory approach to land management, prioritizing the welfare of the cultivators, would have been a more sustainable and just alternative. Understanding this historical event is crucial for comprehending the complexities of India’s agrarian history and the enduring legacy of colonial rule. The correct answer to the question is (B) 1793.

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