🌾 Why Land Revenue Was Important

Land revenue was the main source of income for the British Indian government — accounting for 50-60% of total revenue. The British introduced three major land revenue systems in different parts of India.

🏛️ 1. Permanent Settlement (Zamindari System)

• Introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 CE
• Area: Bengal, Bihar, Orissa (about 19% of British India)
• Revenue fixed permanently — zamindars paid a fixed amount to the British forever
• Zamindars became permanent landowners — could sell, mortgage, or inherit land
• Zamindars kept the surplus after paying the British

Impact:

• Positive: Created a loyal class of zamindars; stable revenue for British
• Negative: Exploited peasants — zamindars could evict peasants for non-payment; absentee landlordism; agricultural stagnation
• Peasants had no security of tenure — could be evicted at will

🏛️ 2. Ryotwari System

• Introduced by Thomas Munro (Governor of Madras) and Elphinstone (Bombay)
• Area: Madras, Bombay (about 51% of British India)
• British dealt directly with the ryot (peasant) — no zamindars
• Revenue assessed on each plot of land; revised periodically
• Peasant paid revenue directly to the government

Impact:

• Positive: No zamindars to exploit peasants; peasants had security of tenure
• Negative: Revenue demands were high; peasants became indebted to moneylenders; no improvement in agriculture

🏛️ 3. Mahalwari System

• Introduced by Holt Mackenzie (1822); modified by R. Martin Bird
• Area: UP, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh (about 30% of British India)
• Settlement made with village community (mahal) — joint responsibility
• Village headman (lambardar) collected revenue from all villagers
• Revenue revised periodically

📊 Comparison of Land Revenue Systems