Land Revenue Policies in Colonial India
Dr. K. Vijay Kumar
Principal and Associate Professor of History, Government Arts & Science College, Kamareddy
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http://doi.org/10.37648/ijps.v18i01.016
Abstract
The British colonial authority in India implemented a number of different land revenue policies, which had a considerable impact on the economy, society, and politics of the country. One of the most important policies that was put into effect was the Permanent Settlement, followed by the Ryotwari System and the Mahalwari System. The implementation of these policies resulted in an increase in the collection of land income; but, they also led to widespread poverty, debt, and dissatisfaction among Indian peasants. Additionally, the policies were a contributing factor in the downfall of traditional Indian industries as well as the development of a new class of individual landowners. This research investigates the effects that these policies had on Indian society and the economy, drawing attention to the intricacies and difficulties that were associated with colonial control. Permanent Settlement, the Ryotwari System, and the Mahalwari System were the three land revenue systems that were in place during the colonial period. These policies directly contributed to a significant rise in the levels of poverty, debt, and dissatisfaction that plagued the population. While the colonial period was in effect, the policies that were put into place were intended to encourage the collection of revenue and to reduce the number of traditional companies. These policies, which also brought about adjustments in the social structure, produced a new landowning class that arose as a result of their implementation.
Keywords:
Colonial Period; Zamindari System; Rytwari System; Mahalwari System
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