With reference to the Zamindari system, consider the following statements: 1. Zamindars invested heavily to improve the condition of agriculture. 2. It was implemented in the then Bengal Presidency. 3. The terms of revenue settlement were flexible and dependent on the harvest. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is 2 only Explanation The Zamindari system, formalized under the Permanent Settlement Act of 1793 by Lord Cornwallis, fundamentally altered the management of Land (a primary factor of production). It recognized Zamindars as the owners of the land, tasked with collecting revenue from peasants and paying a fixed share to the British government. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect: The system was implemented in the Bengal Presidency (which included present-day West Bengal, Bangladesh, Bihar, and Odisha) and later in Varanasi and parts of Northern Madras. It covered approximately 19% of British India. - Statement 2 is Correct: Zamindars generally did not invest in the improvement of agriculture or land productivity. They often functioned as absentee landlords living in cities, focusing on rent extraction rather than capital investment in the land. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: Under the Permanent Settlement, the revenue demand payable to the state was fixed in perpetuity. It was not flexible and did not vary with the harvest. The "Sunset Law" required Zamindars to pay the fixed revenue by a specific date or face the auction of their land rights, regardless of crop failure. Key Takeaway: The Zamindari system (Permanent Settlement) established a rigid revenue structure where the state's demand was fixed, and land ownership was vested in intermediaries who largely neglected agricultural development.

With reference to the Zamindari system,… - NCERT Class 11 Economics MCQ

NCERT Class 11 Economics — Chapter 1: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence

mcqmedium

With reference to the Zamindari system, consider the following statements:

Zamindars invested heavily to improve the condition of agriculture.
It was implemented in the then Bengal Presidency.
The terms of revenue settlement were flexible and dependent on the harvest.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Indian Economic Development · Page 6

Options

A1 and 3 only
B1, 2 and 3
C1 only
D2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

The Zamindari system, formalized under the Permanent Settlement Act of 1793 by Lord Cornwallis, fundamentally altered the management of Land (a primary factor of production). It recognized Zamindars as the owners of the land, tasked with collecting revenue from peasants and paying a fixed share to the British government.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The system was implemented in the Bengal Presidency (which included present-day West Bengal, Bangladesh, Bihar, and Odisha) and later in Varanasi and parts of Northern Madras. It covered approximately 19% of British India.
Statement 2 is Correct: Zamindars generally did not invest in the improvement of agriculture or land productivity. They often functioned as absentee landlords living in cities, focusing on rent extraction rather than capital investment in the land.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Under the Permanent Settlement, the revenue demand payable to the state was fixed in perpetuity. It was not flexible and did not vary with the harvest. The "Sunset Law" required Zamindars to pay the fixed revenue by a specific date or face the auction of their land rights, regardless of crop failure.

Key Takeaway: The Zamindari system (Permanent Settlement) established a rigid revenue structure where the state's demand was fixed, and land ownership was vested in intermediaries who largely neglected agricultural development.

Your note

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