In which of the following years the East India Company introduced the Permanent Settlement?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 3: 1793.
Explanation:
The East India Company implemented the Permanent Settlement—also known as the 'Istamrari Settlement'—on March 22, 1793.
Governor-General: It was introduced in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha by the then Governor-General, Lord Cornwallis.
Key Feature: Under this system, Zamindars (landlords) were made the permanent owners of the land. They were required to pay a fixed amount of land revenue to the Company, which was fixed in perpetuity.
Sunset Law: If a Zamindar failed to deposit the revenue by sunset on the stipulated date, his Zamindari (estate) would be auctioned off.
Revenue Division: Zamindars were required to pay 10/11ths of the total revenue collected to the Company, while they were permitted to retain 1/11th for themselves.
Other Major Land Revenue Systems of the British Era (For Revision):
| System | Founder | Region | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Settlement | Lord Cornwallis | Bengal, Bihar, Odisha | Revenue settled with the Zamindars. |
| Ryotwari System | Thomas Munro | Madras, Bombay | Revenue settled directly with the farmers (Ryots). |
| Mahalwari System | Holt Mackenzie | Punjab, Central Provinces, North India | Revenue settled with the entire village (Mahal). |
Important Questions for Upcoming Examinations:
Question: Who is considered the architect (father) of the 'Permanent Settlement'?
Answer: Lord Cornwallis.
Question: In which part of India was the Ryotwari System primarily implemented?
Answer: South India (Madras and Bombay Presidencies).
Question: In which system did the term 'Mahal' refer to a village or a group of villages?
Answer: The Mahalwari System.