Holt Mackenzie
Explanation
The Mahalwari system was a land revenue arrangement introduced by the British in India, where the revenue settlement was made with the entire village community or "Mahal" collectively, rather than with individual cultivators (Ryots) or landlords (Zamindars).Analysis of Options:
- Charles Cornwallis Charles Cornwallis: Incorrect. Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement (Zamindari System) in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha in 1793. Under this system, Zamindars were recognized as the owners of the land.
- Thomas Munro Thomas Munro: Incorrect. Sir Thomas Munro, along with Alexander Read, is credited with developing and implementing the Ryotwari System, primarily in the Madras and Bombay Presidencies. This system established a direct settlement between the government and the individual cultivator.
- Holt Mackenzie Holt Mackenzie: Correct. The Mahalwari system was devised by Holt Mackenzie in 1822. It was implemented in the North-Western Provinces of the Bengal Presidency (most of this area is now in Uttar Pradesh), parts of Central India, and Punjab. The village headman (Lambardar) was responsible for collecting revenue and remitting it to the government.
- Alexander Read Alexander Read: Incorrect. Captain Alexander Read conducted the initial experiments of the Ryotwari System in the Baramahal district in 1792, which was later expanded by Thomas Munro.
Key Takeaway:
Holt Mackenzie devised the Mahalwari System (1822), focusing on the village (Mahal) as the unit of assessment. It was later reformed under William Bentinck by R.M. Bird and James Thomson in 1833.