Describe the land revenue systems introduced by the British and their effects on Indian peasants.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Open in one line. The British needed huge sums for wars, trade and administration, so they raised land revenue through three systems.
2 · Permanent Settlement. In 1793 Cornwallis made Bengal and Bihar zamindars pay a fixed sum; they became hereditary owners, and lost land if they failed to pay.
3 · Mahalwari. From 1822, in the North Western Provinces, Punjab and the Ganga valley, a mahal paid jointly; demands were very high.
4 · Ryotwari. In Bombay and Madras each ryot paid directly and owned land only while he paid; demands stayed high.
5 · Debt and loss of land. Peasants borrowed from moneylenders at high interest, and many lost their land to them.
6 · Famine and revolt. Hunger and famine pushed peasants to join revolts such as the Sanyasi and Fakir rising.
7 · Close in one line. So every system served British revenue, and the peasant paid the price.
Scoring tip: Write the three systems in the same order, each with its year or place and who paid. Then give two effects.
