Question

Explain two land revenue administrative systems introduced by the British in colonial India. 

Hint:

Remember that both the Zamindari and Ryotwari systems resulted in collection of high taxes from cultivators, who were left in poverty.

Answer 1

Zamindari System: The Zamindari system granted property rights to Zamindars, who were then tasked with collecting taxes from cultivators. This empowered Zamindars significantly, leading to agricultural stagnation and substantial revenue collection from cultivators.
Ryotwari System: In the Ryotwari system, cultivators, known as 'raiyats', were directly responsible for tax payments. This arrangement incentivized cultivators to invest in agriculture by eliminating Zamindars as intermediaries.
Other relevant system: The Mahalwari and Taluqdari systems were other notable land revenue arrangements.