Question

Which among the following statement(s) is/are correct about the Raiyatwari system:-
(A) Raiyat means cultivator.
(B) The actual cultivators were responsible for paying the tax.
(C) Zamindars play a dominant role.
(D) Colonial government dealt directly with the farmer.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only
• C. (A), (C) and (D) only
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only

Hint:

When studying land revenue systems (Zamindari, Raiyatwari, Mahalwari), focus on three key aspects: who owned the land, who paid the tax to the government, and the role of intermediaries. This will help you easily differentiate between them.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The Raiyatwari system, implemented by the British in regions like Madras and Bombay presidencies, was a land revenue system establishing a direct link between the state and the cultivator (ryot). It stood as one of three primary land tenure systems, alongside Zamindari and Mahalwari. Analyzing the statements: (A) 'Raiyat' signifies 'cultivator', a correct assertion as the term originates from Arabic for peasant or cultivator, and the system is named after them due to direct dealings. (B) Actual cultivators were responsible for tax payment. This is accurate; the system recognized the individual ryot as the landowner, directly accountable for remitting land revenue to the government. (C) Zamindars did not play a dominant role. This is incorrect. The Raiyatwari system aimed to circumvent intermediaries like Zamindars. Unlike the Zamindari system, where Zamindars collected taxes, the government collected directly from ryots. (D) The colonial government engaged directly with the farmer. This is correct, as the system's defining characteristic was the direct settlement between the government and the ryot. Consequently, statements (A), (B), and (D) accurately describe the Raiyatwari system, while statement (C) is inaccurate. The correct option comprises only (A), (B), and (D).