SSC CHSL 2025 PYQ — Question 97

The correct answer is Option 3 (Both I and II).
During British rule, various land revenue systems were implemented in India; the details of these systems are as follows:
Details of Revenue Systems
1.    Mahalwari Settlement (Mahalwari System):
o    Architect: Its framework was devised by Holt Mackenzie, and it was implemented in 1822.
o    Feature: Under this system, the 'village' or 'Mahal' was considered the unit of revenue assessment. The revenue for the entire village was fixed collectively, and the responsibility for collecting it was entrusted to the village headman (Lambardar).
o    Region: It was primarily implemented in the North-Western Provinces, Punjab, and parts of Central India.
2.    Ryotwari System:
o    Architects: It was first introduced by Captain Alexander Read in 1792 in the Baramahal district of Madras. Later, Thomas Munro expanded it and implemented it across the entire Madras Presidency in 1820.
o    Feature: This system involved a direct agreement between the government and the farmer (Ryot). The farmer was recognized as the owner of the land and paid land revenue directly to the government.
o    Region: It was primarily implemented in Madras, the Bombay Presidency, and parts of Assam.
Land Revenue Systems at a Glance
System    - Key Figures    - Region
Permanent Settlement    - Lord Cornwallis    - Bengal, Bihar, Orissa
Ryotwari    - Thomas Munro, Alexander Read    - Madras, Bombay, Assam
Mahalwari    - Holt Mackenzie    - North-Western Provinces, Punjab
Important Questions for Upcoming Examinations:
•    Question: Who implemented the 'Permanent Settlement' and when?
o    Answer: Lord Cornwallis, in 1793. •    Question: On what basis was revenue assessed under the Ryotwari system?
o    Answer: Based on land surveys and soil quality.
•    Question: Who was responsible for revenue collection under the Mahalwari system?
o    Answer: The village headman or the head of the Mahal.