Question

Which of the following was the consequence of not paying the revenue by sunset on the specified date under the British Sunset Law enacted in Bengal?

• A. The payment period was extended
• B. The Zamindari was put on auction
• C. The revenue rates were reduced
• D. The case was referred to the High Court

Hint:

The British Sunset Law was one of the many revenue-related policies during British rule that caused significant distress to Indian landowners and farmers. The stringent nature of the law led to the auctioning of land when payments were missed.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The British Sunset Law in Bengal mandated the auction of Zamindari (landlordship) for failure to pay revenue by sunset on the due date. This stringent policy resulted in numerous zamindars losing their land due to untimely tax payments. While intended for prompt and efficient revenue collection, the law inflicted significant hardship on both peasants and zamindars.