Question

In the eighteenth-century, which of the following was not the reason for the defaults on payments by the zamindars?

• A. The initial demands were very high.
• B. The zamindars' were allowed to organise troops and "cutcheries", for increasing their authority in the rural areas.
• C. High demand was imposed at a time when the prices of agricultural produce were depressed.
• D. The revenue was invariable, regardless of the harvest, and had to be paid punctually.

Hint:

Remember that a key goal of the Permanent Settlement, besides fixing revenue, was to subordinate the zamindars and establish the authority of the Company's Collector as the pre-eminent figure in the district. This involved taking away the zamindars' military and judicial powers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question requires identifying the incorrect reason for zamindars defaulting on their revenue payments to the East India Company following the 1793 Permanent Settlement.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Analysis of default reasons:


(1) The initial demands were very high: This is a recognized cause. The Company set revenue demands excessively high to maximize revenue, making payment difficult for zamindars. This is a valid reason.

(3) High demand was imposed at a time when the prices of agricultural produce were depressed: This is also accurate. Low agricultural prices at the time of the settlement reduced ryot income, hindering zamindars' ability to collect the fixed high revenue. This is a valid reason.

(4) The revenue was invariable... and had to be paid punctually: This pertains to the "Sunset Law," which mandated the auction of a zamindari if payment was not received by sunset on the due date. This rigidity significantly contributed to defaults. This is a valid reason.

(2) The zamindars' were allowed to organise troops...: This statement is false. Conversely, the Permanent Settlement significantly curtailed zamindar power. Their troops were disbanded, their local courts (\textit{cutcheries}) were placed under the Company Collector's supervision, and their local justice and police authority was revoked. This diminished authority made it harder to compel ryots to pay revenue. Consequently, this exacerbated their problems, rather than being an action they were "allowed" to take to enhance their authority.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The assertion that zamindars were permitted to organize troops and cutcheries to bolster their authority is not a cause of default and is factually erroneous.