Economic Condition of Tamil Nadu under British | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

 Page 1


20
21
T amilnadu economy was dominated by agriculture.  From the very
early times rulers and the public have shown interest in irrigation works.
Failure of the monsoon, floods and storms during the rainy season hit
the peasants.
Land revenue was the main source of income to the Government.
Besides the land revenue, income tax was also collected.  The
manufacture of Aluminium utensils, shoes, boots and other articles of
leather were in existence.  Several new industries came into being.
The Indian Trade Union Act of 1926, the Mines Act of 1935,
Workers Compensation Act of 1923, etc protected the interests of
the workers.  T amilians went to foreign countries for the betterment of
their life.  They went to Ceylon,Malaya,Singapore, Burma and South
Africa.  They worked in the Tea plantaions of Ceylon, Rubber
plantations of Malaya and Mines of South Africa.  But after
Independence in these countries, the Tamilians were put to several
hardships.
Land Revenue System: When the company took over the
administration of the country, different forms of revenue collections
were in operation.  The company set the task of evolving a land revenue
system to maximise its revenue.  In this process it experimented with
different methods of Revenue settlement.
Permanent land revenue settlement: From 1792 the company
reorganised the working of the Revenue Department.  Thanjavur came
under the company rule in 1799 and Carnatic region in 1801.  Edward
Clive, the Governor wanted to introduce an uniform tax system.  He
wanted to enforce the Permanent settlement system of Cornwallis.  In
Chenglepet the permanent system was experimented.  This system
brought large tracts of land under a single unit for taxation.  It was
called Mitta.  The Mitta’s were leased to Mittadars, Brehmehal region
was brought under this  permanent system in 1802.  Palayams were
converted into Zamins.  The company adapted the system of lease in
the collection of tax.  This system failed in Chenglepet, Salem, Dindugal,
Ramanathapuram and Tirunelveli.
Village Settlement: Since the Permanent Revenue System did not
fulfil the expectations of the company, between 1804 and 1814 the
village lease system was implemented in the districts of Tirunelveli,
Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, South Arcot and North Arcot.  Under this
system the company farmed out the lands to the principal cultivators.
They further divided and leased the land to the individual ryots. As
there was no difference between the Permanent revenue settlement
and village settlement, the company directed the Madras Council to
implement the Ryotwari settlement.
Ryotwari Settlement: Corn W allis, appointed
Alexander Reed, and Thomas Munro to reform
the revenue system.  After deep analysis Thomas
Munro introduced the Ryotwari System.This
system was introduced in Chennai Presidency
between 1820-27. Later this system was introduced in Salem,
Malabar, Thanjavur and Royalaseema.  According to Munro the term
Page 2


20
21
T amilnadu economy was dominated by agriculture.  From the very
early times rulers and the public have shown interest in irrigation works.
Failure of the monsoon, floods and storms during the rainy season hit
the peasants.
Land revenue was the main source of income to the Government.
Besides the land revenue, income tax was also collected.  The
manufacture of Aluminium utensils, shoes, boots and other articles of
leather were in existence.  Several new industries came into being.
The Indian Trade Union Act of 1926, the Mines Act of 1935,
Workers Compensation Act of 1923, etc protected the interests of
the workers.  T amilians went to foreign countries for the betterment of
their life.  They went to Ceylon,Malaya,Singapore, Burma and South
Africa.  They worked in the Tea plantaions of Ceylon, Rubber
plantations of Malaya and Mines of South Africa.  But after
Independence in these countries, the Tamilians were put to several
hardships.
Land Revenue System: When the company took over the
administration of the country, different forms of revenue collections
were in operation.  The company set the task of evolving a land revenue
system to maximise its revenue.  In this process it experimented with
different methods of Revenue settlement.
Permanent land revenue settlement: From 1792 the company
reorganised the working of the Revenue Department.  Thanjavur came
under the company rule in 1799 and Carnatic region in 1801.  Edward
Clive, the Governor wanted to introduce an uniform tax system.  He
wanted to enforce the Permanent settlement system of Cornwallis.  In
Chenglepet the permanent system was experimented.  This system
brought large tracts of land under a single unit for taxation.  It was
called Mitta.  The Mitta’s were leased to Mittadars, Brehmehal region
was brought under this  permanent system in 1802.  Palayams were
converted into Zamins.  The company adapted the system of lease in
the collection of tax.  This system failed in Chenglepet, Salem, Dindugal,
Ramanathapuram and Tirunelveli.
Village Settlement: Since the Permanent Revenue System did not
fulfil the expectations of the company, between 1804 and 1814 the
village lease system was implemented in the districts of Tirunelveli,
Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, South Arcot and North Arcot.  Under this
system the company farmed out the lands to the principal cultivators.
They further divided and leased the land to the individual ryots. As
there was no difference between the Permanent revenue settlement
and village settlement, the company directed the Madras Council to
implement the Ryotwari settlement.
Ryotwari Settlement: Corn W allis, appointed
Alexander Reed, and Thomas Munro to reform
the revenue system.  After deep analysis Thomas
Munro introduced the Ryotwari System.This
system was introduced in Chennai Presidency
between 1820-27. Later this system was introduced in Salem,
Malabar, Thanjavur and Royalaseema.  According to Munro the term
20
21
T amilnadu economy was dominated by agriculture.  From the very
early times rulers and the public have shown interest in irrigation works.
Failure of the monsoon, floods and storms during the rainy season hit
the peasants.
Land revenue was the main source of income to the Government.
Besides the land revenue, income tax was also collected.  The
manufacture of Aluminium utensils, shoes, boots and other articles of
leather were in existence.  Several new industries came into being.
The Indian Trade Union Act of 1926, the Mines Act of 1935,
Workers Compensation Act of 1923, etc protected the interests of
the workers.  T amilians went to foreign countries for the betterment of
their life.  They went to Ceylon,Malaya,Singapore, Burma and South
Africa.  They worked in the Tea plantaions of Ceylon, Rubber
plantations of Malaya and Mines of South Africa.  But after
Independence in these countries, the Tamilians were put to several
hardships.
Land Revenue System: When the company took over the
administration of the country, different forms of revenue collections
were in operation.  The company set the task of evolving a land revenue
system to maximise its revenue.  In this process it experimented with
different methods of Revenue settlement.
Permanent land revenue settlement: From 1792 the company
reorganised the working of the Revenue Department.  Thanjavur came
under the company rule in 1799 and Carnatic region in 1801.  Edward
Clive, the Governor wanted to introduce an uniform tax system.  He
wanted to enforce the Permanent settlement system of Cornwallis.  In
Chenglepet the permanent system was experimented.  This system
brought large tracts of land under a single unit for taxation.  It was
called Mitta.  The Mitta’s were leased to Mittadars, Brehmehal region
was brought under this  permanent system in 1802.  Palayams were
converted into Zamins.  The company adapted the system of lease in
the collection of tax.  This system failed in Chenglepet, Salem, Dindugal,
Ramanathapuram and Tirunelveli.
Village Settlement: Since the Permanent Revenue System did not
fulfil the expectations of the company, between 1804 and 1814 the
village lease system was implemented in the districts of Tirunelveli,
Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, South Arcot and North Arcot.  Under this
system the company farmed out the lands to the principal cultivators.
They further divided and leased the land to the individual ryots. As
there was no difference between the Permanent revenue settlement
and village settlement, the company directed the Madras Council to
implement the Ryotwari settlement.
Ryotwari Settlement: Corn W allis, appointed
Alexander Reed, and Thomas Munro to reform
the revenue system.  After deep analysis Thomas
Munro introduced the Ryotwari System.This
system was introduced in Chennai Presidency
between 1820-27. Later this system was introduced in Salem,
Malabar, Thanjavur and Royalaseema.  According to Munro the term
Page 3


20
21
T amilnadu economy was dominated by agriculture.  From the very
early times rulers and the public have shown interest in irrigation works.
Failure of the monsoon, floods and storms during the rainy season hit
the peasants.
Land revenue was the main source of income to the Government.
Besides the land revenue, income tax was also collected.  The
manufacture of Aluminium utensils, shoes, boots and other articles of
leather were in existence.  Several new industries came into being.
The Indian Trade Union Act of 1926, the Mines Act of 1935,
Workers Compensation Act of 1923, etc protected the interests of
the workers.  T amilians went to foreign countries for the betterment of
their life.  They went to Ceylon,Malaya,Singapore, Burma and South
Africa.  They worked in the Tea plantaions of Ceylon, Rubber
plantations of Malaya and Mines of South Africa.  But after
Independence in these countries, the Tamilians were put to several
hardships.
Land Revenue System: When the company took over the
administration of the country, different forms of revenue collections
were in operation.  The company set the task of evolving a land revenue
system to maximise its revenue.  In this process it experimented with
different methods of Revenue settlement.
Permanent land revenue settlement: From 1792 the company
reorganised the working of the Revenue Department.  Thanjavur came
under the company rule in 1799 and Carnatic region in 1801.  Edward
Clive, the Governor wanted to introduce an uniform tax system.  He
wanted to enforce the Permanent settlement system of Cornwallis.  In
Chenglepet the permanent system was experimented.  This system
brought large tracts of land under a single unit for taxation.  It was
called Mitta.  The Mitta’s were leased to Mittadars, Brehmehal region
was brought under this  permanent system in 1802.  Palayams were
converted into Zamins.  The company adapted the system of lease in
the collection of tax.  This system failed in Chenglepet, Salem, Dindugal,
Ramanathapuram and Tirunelveli.
Village Settlement: Since the Permanent Revenue System did not
fulfil the expectations of the company, between 1804 and 1814 the
village lease system was implemented in the districts of Tirunelveli,
Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, South Arcot and North Arcot.  Under this
system the company farmed out the lands to the principal cultivators.
They further divided and leased the land to the individual ryots. As
there was no difference between the Permanent revenue settlement
and village settlement, the company directed the Madras Council to
implement the Ryotwari settlement.
Ryotwari Settlement: Corn W allis, appointed
Alexander Reed, and Thomas Munro to reform
the revenue system.  After deep analysis Thomas
Munro introduced the Ryotwari System.This
system was introduced in Chennai Presidency
between 1820-27. Later this system was introduced in Salem,
Malabar, Thanjavur and Royalaseema.  According to Munro the term
20
21
T amilnadu economy was dominated by agriculture.  From the very
early times rulers and the public have shown interest in irrigation works.
Failure of the monsoon, floods and storms during the rainy season hit
the peasants.
Land revenue was the main source of income to the Government.
Besides the land revenue, income tax was also collected.  The
manufacture of Aluminium utensils, shoes, boots and other articles of
leather were in existence.  Several new industries came into being.
The Indian Trade Union Act of 1926, the Mines Act of 1935,
Workers Compensation Act of 1923, etc protected the interests of
the workers.  T amilians went to foreign countries for the betterment of
their life.  They went to Ceylon,Malaya,Singapore, Burma and South
Africa.  They worked in the Tea plantaions of Ceylon, Rubber
plantations of Malaya and Mines of South Africa.  But after
Independence in these countries, the Tamilians were put to several
hardships.
Land Revenue System: When the company took over the
administration of the country, different forms of revenue collections
were in operation.  The company set the task of evolving a land revenue
system to maximise its revenue.  In this process it experimented with
different methods of Revenue settlement.
Permanent land revenue settlement: From 1792 the company
reorganised the working of the Revenue Department.  Thanjavur came
under the company rule in 1799 and Carnatic region in 1801.  Edward
Clive, the Governor wanted to introduce an uniform tax system.  He
wanted to enforce the Permanent settlement system of Cornwallis.  In
Chenglepet the permanent system was experimented.  This system
brought large tracts of land under a single unit for taxation.  It was
called Mitta.  The Mitta’s were leased to Mittadars, Brehmehal region
was brought under this  permanent system in 1802.  Palayams were
converted into Zamins.  The company adapted the system of lease in
the collection of tax.  This system failed in Chenglepet, Salem, Dindugal,
Ramanathapuram and Tirunelveli.
Village Settlement: Since the Permanent Revenue System did not
fulfil the expectations of the company, between 1804 and 1814 the
village lease system was implemented in the districts of Tirunelveli,
Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, South Arcot and North Arcot.  Under this
system the company farmed out the lands to the principal cultivators.
They further divided and leased the land to the individual ryots. As
there was no difference between the Permanent revenue settlement
and village settlement, the company directed the Madras Council to
implement the Ryotwari settlement.
Ryotwari Settlement: Corn W allis, appointed
Alexander Reed, and Thomas Munro to reform
the revenue system.  After deep analysis Thomas
Munro introduced the Ryotwari System.This
system was introduced in Chennai Presidency
between 1820-27. Later this system was introduced in Salem,
Malabar, Thanjavur and Royalaseema.  According to Munro the term
Ryotwari refers to the direct connections of the ryots (farmers) with
the government.  Its aim was to pay tax directly to the government,
hence this system was called Ryotwari.
The main features of this settlement were:
1. The T axable land was made known.
2 The ryots right over the lands were settled.
3 W aste lands were brought under the control of the government.
4 Probable tax was assessed.
5 The ryots were given the right to complain against tax collectors.
6 The ryots were also given the right to appeal for over taxation.
Merits of the Ryotwari  System:
1 Ryots paid tax directly to the government.
2 The quantum of the tax payable was known.
3 Government was assured of a fixed revenue through tax.
4 Unwanted lands were not thrusted on peasants.
Demerits of The Ryotwari System:
1. In most places the revenue fixed was high.  The ryot was left
with nothing for his maintenance.
2. The settlements were made directly with the cultivators.  While
measuring the land and assessing the revenue, the landlords were
ignored.
By 1857 most of the T amil country was brought under the  Ryotwari
System.
The Mahalwari System: The Mahalwari system was introduced
in 1833 by Lord Willam Bentick.  Under this system the peasant and
the proprietors entered into a contract with the state for a fixed period.
The position of the cultivators under Mahalwari and Ryotwari systems
were identical.
Agriculture:Agriculture is the back bone of our Economy.
Agriculture was the main source of livelihood for about 95% of the
people of Tamilnadu.  In the middle of the 18
th
 century land was in
abundance while the population was limited.  The people practised
extensive  cultivation.  The farmers produced mainly food crops.  The
methods and techniques of production were old and backward.  There
was no modernisation in agricultural sector.  Agricultural society was
predominantly feudal in character .  Cultivators used to pay land revenue
to the rulers.  The British followed the policy of encouraging the
cultivation of cash crops, like cotton, jute, indigo, paper, sugarcane,
tobacco ,oilseeds etc.  The main purpose of cash crop cultivation was
to increase the production for sale.  This led to commercialisation of
agriculture.  The development in commercial agriculture was found in
tea, coffee and rubber plantation.
Irrigation: Irrigation in India had a history even from the ancient
period.  The Grand Anicut (Kallanai) is regarded as one of the greatest
engineering feats of ancient India.  It is believed to have been originally
built by Karikala Cholan in the Second century A.D.  The upper Anicut
22 23
constructed in 1839 over the Cauvery, was the first major project in
the British period.  Lower anicut was built around the same period.
Lord Dalhousie established the Public W orks Department in 1852 in
Madras Presidency.  The Tank Restoration scheme was started in
1883 for investigating the condition of tanks.  The larger tanks irrigating
over 200 acres of land were placed under the Public Works
Department and the tanks irrigating less than 200 acres of land were
placed under the Revenue Department.  The departments were granted
The Grand Anicut (Kallanai)
Page 4


20
21
T amilnadu economy was dominated by agriculture.  From the very
early times rulers and the public have shown interest in irrigation works.
Failure of the monsoon, floods and storms during the rainy season hit
the peasants.
Land revenue was the main source of income to the Government.
Besides the land revenue, income tax was also collected.  The
manufacture of Aluminium utensils, shoes, boots and other articles of
leather were in existence.  Several new industries came into being.
The Indian Trade Union Act of 1926, the Mines Act of 1935,
Workers Compensation Act of 1923, etc protected the interests of
the workers.  T amilians went to foreign countries for the betterment of
their life.  They went to Ceylon,Malaya,Singapore, Burma and South
Africa.  They worked in the Tea plantaions of Ceylon, Rubber
plantations of Malaya and Mines of South Africa.  But after
Independence in these countries, the Tamilians were put to several
hardships.
Land Revenue System: When the company took over the
administration of the country, different forms of revenue collections
were in operation.  The company set the task of evolving a land revenue
system to maximise its revenue.  In this process it experimented with
different methods of Revenue settlement.
Permanent land revenue settlement: From 1792 the company
reorganised the working of the Revenue Department.  Thanjavur came
under the company rule in 1799 and Carnatic region in 1801.  Edward
Clive, the Governor wanted to introduce an uniform tax system.  He
wanted to enforce the Permanent settlement system of Cornwallis.  In
Chenglepet the permanent system was experimented.  This system
brought large tracts of land under a single unit for taxation.  It was
called Mitta.  The Mitta’s were leased to Mittadars, Brehmehal region
was brought under this  permanent system in 1802.  Palayams were
converted into Zamins.  The company adapted the system of lease in
the collection of tax.  This system failed in Chenglepet, Salem, Dindugal,
Ramanathapuram and Tirunelveli.
Village Settlement: Since the Permanent Revenue System did not
fulfil the expectations of the company, between 1804 and 1814 the
village lease system was implemented in the districts of Tirunelveli,
Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, South Arcot and North Arcot.  Under this
system the company farmed out the lands to the principal cultivators.
They further divided and leased the land to the individual ryots. As
there was no difference between the Permanent revenue settlement
and village settlement, the company directed the Madras Council to
implement the Ryotwari settlement.
Ryotwari Settlement: Corn W allis, appointed
Alexander Reed, and Thomas Munro to reform
the revenue system.  After deep analysis Thomas
Munro introduced the Ryotwari System.This
system was introduced in Chennai Presidency
between 1820-27. Later this system was introduced in Salem,
Malabar, Thanjavur and Royalaseema.  According to Munro the term
20
21
T amilnadu economy was dominated by agriculture.  From the very
early times rulers and the public have shown interest in irrigation works.
Failure of the monsoon, floods and storms during the rainy season hit
the peasants.
Land revenue was the main source of income to the Government.
Besides the land revenue, income tax was also collected.  The
manufacture of Aluminium utensils, shoes, boots and other articles of
leather were in existence.  Several new industries came into being.
The Indian Trade Union Act of 1926, the Mines Act of 1935,
Workers Compensation Act of 1923, etc protected the interests of
the workers.  T amilians went to foreign countries for the betterment of
their life.  They went to Ceylon,Malaya,Singapore, Burma and South
Africa.  They worked in the Tea plantaions of Ceylon, Rubber
plantations of Malaya and Mines of South Africa.  But after
Independence in these countries, the Tamilians were put to several
hardships.
Land Revenue System: When the company took over the
administration of the country, different forms of revenue collections
were in operation.  The company set the task of evolving a land revenue
system to maximise its revenue.  In this process it experimented with
different methods of Revenue settlement.
Permanent land revenue settlement: From 1792 the company
reorganised the working of the Revenue Department.  Thanjavur came
under the company rule in 1799 and Carnatic region in 1801.  Edward
Clive, the Governor wanted to introduce an uniform tax system.  He
wanted to enforce the Permanent settlement system of Cornwallis.  In
Chenglepet the permanent system was experimented.  This system
brought large tracts of land under a single unit for taxation.  It was
called Mitta.  The Mitta’s were leased to Mittadars, Brehmehal region
was brought under this  permanent system in 1802.  Palayams were
converted into Zamins.  The company adapted the system of lease in
the collection of tax.  This system failed in Chenglepet, Salem, Dindugal,
Ramanathapuram and Tirunelveli.
Village Settlement: Since the Permanent Revenue System did not
fulfil the expectations of the company, between 1804 and 1814 the
village lease system was implemented in the districts of Tirunelveli,
Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, South Arcot and North Arcot.  Under this
system the company farmed out the lands to the principal cultivators.
They further divided and leased the land to the individual ryots. As
there was no difference between the Permanent revenue settlement
and village settlement, the company directed the Madras Council to
implement the Ryotwari settlement.
Ryotwari Settlement: Corn W allis, appointed
Alexander Reed, and Thomas Munro to reform
the revenue system.  After deep analysis Thomas
Munro introduced the Ryotwari System.This
system was introduced in Chennai Presidency
between 1820-27. Later this system was introduced in Salem,
Malabar, Thanjavur and Royalaseema.  According to Munro the term
Ryotwari refers to the direct connections of the ryots (farmers) with
the government.  Its aim was to pay tax directly to the government,
hence this system was called Ryotwari.
The main features of this settlement were:
1. The T axable land was made known.
2 The ryots right over the lands were settled.
3 W aste lands were brought under the control of the government.
4 Probable tax was assessed.
5 The ryots were given the right to complain against tax collectors.
6 The ryots were also given the right to appeal for over taxation.
Merits of the Ryotwari  System:
1 Ryots paid tax directly to the government.
2 The quantum of the tax payable was known.
3 Government was assured of a fixed revenue through tax.
4 Unwanted lands were not thrusted on peasants.
Demerits of The Ryotwari System:
1. In most places the revenue fixed was high.  The ryot was left
with nothing for his maintenance.
2. The settlements were made directly with the cultivators.  While
measuring the land and assessing the revenue, the landlords were
ignored.
By 1857 most of the T amil country was brought under the  Ryotwari
System.
The Mahalwari System: The Mahalwari system was introduced
in 1833 by Lord Willam Bentick.  Under this system the peasant and
the proprietors entered into a contract with the state for a fixed period.
The position of the cultivators under Mahalwari and Ryotwari systems
were identical.
Agriculture:Agriculture is the back bone of our Economy.
Agriculture was the main source of livelihood for about 95% of the
people of Tamilnadu.  In the middle of the 18
th
 century land was in
abundance while the population was limited.  The people practised
extensive  cultivation.  The farmers produced mainly food crops.  The
methods and techniques of production were old and backward.  There
was no modernisation in agricultural sector.  Agricultural society was
predominantly feudal in character .  Cultivators used to pay land revenue
to the rulers.  The British followed the policy of encouraging the
cultivation of cash crops, like cotton, jute, indigo, paper, sugarcane,
tobacco ,oilseeds etc.  The main purpose of cash crop cultivation was
to increase the production for sale.  This led to commercialisation of
agriculture.  The development in commercial agriculture was found in
tea, coffee and rubber plantation.
Irrigation: Irrigation in India had a history even from the ancient
period.  The Grand Anicut (Kallanai) is regarded as one of the greatest
engineering feats of ancient India.  It is believed to have been originally
built by Karikala Cholan in the Second century A.D.  The upper Anicut
22 23
constructed in 1839 over the Cauvery, was the first major project in
the British period.  Lower anicut was built around the same period.
Lord Dalhousie established the Public W orks Department in 1852 in
Madras Presidency.  The Tank Restoration scheme was started in
1883 for investigating the condition of tanks.  The larger tanks irrigating
over 200 acres of land were placed under the Public Works
Department and the tanks irrigating less than 200 acres of land were
placed under the Revenue Department.  The departments were granted
The Grand Anicut (Kallanai)
Ryotwari refers to the direct connections of the ryots (farmers) with
the government.  Its aim was to pay tax directly to the government,
hence this system was called Ryotwari.
The main features of this settlement were:
1. The T axable land was made known.
2 The ryots right over the lands were settled.
3 W aste lands were brought under the control of the government.
4 Probable tax was assessed.
5 The ryots were given the right to complain against tax collectors.
6 The ryots were also given the right to appeal for over taxation.
Merits of the Ryotwari  System:
1 Ryots paid tax directly to the government.
2 The quantum of the tax payable was known.
3 Government was assured of a fixed revenue through tax.
4 Unwanted lands were not thrusted on peasants.
Demerits of The Ryotwari System:
1. In most places the revenue fixed was high.  The ryot was left
with nothing for his maintenance.
2. The settlements were made directly with the cultivators.  While
measuring the land and assessing the revenue, the landlords were
ignored.
By 1857 most of the T amil country was brought under the  Ryotwari
System.
The Mahalwari System: The Mahalwari system was introduced
in 1833 by Lord Willam Bentick.  Under this system the peasant and
the proprietors entered into a contract with the state for a fixed period.
The position of the cultivators under Mahalwari and Ryotwari systems
were identical.
Agriculture:Agriculture is the back bone of our Economy.
Agriculture was the main source of livelihood for about 95% of the
people of Tamilnadu.  In the middle of the 18
th
 century land was in
abundance while the population was limited.  The people practised
extensive  cultivation.  The farmers produced mainly food crops.  The
methods and techniques of production were old and backward.  There
was no modernisation in agricultural sector.  Agricultural society was
predominantly feudal in character .  Cultivators used to pay land revenue
to the rulers.  The British followed the policy of encouraging the
cultivation of cash crops, like cotton, jute, indigo, paper, sugarcane,
tobacco ,oilseeds etc.  The main purpose of cash crop cultivation was
to increase the production for sale.  This led to commercialisation of
agriculture.  The development in commercial agriculture was found in
tea, coffee and rubber plantation.
Irrigation: Irrigation in India had a history even from the ancient
period.  The Grand Anicut (Kallanai) is regarded as one of the greatest
engineering feats of ancient India.  It is believed to have been originally
built by Karikala Cholan in the Second century A.D.  The upper Anicut
22 23
constructed in 1839 over the Cauvery, was the first major project in
the British period.  Lower anicut was built around the same period.
Lord Dalhousie established the Public W orks Department in 1852 in
Madras Presidency.  The Tank Restoration scheme was started in
1883 for investigating the condition of tanks.  The larger tanks irrigating
over 200 acres of land were placed under the Public Works
Department and the tanks irrigating less than 200 acres of land were
placed under the Revenue Department.  The departments were granted
The Grand Anicut (Kallanai)
Page 5


20
21
T amilnadu economy was dominated by agriculture.  From the very
early times rulers and the public have shown interest in irrigation works.
Failure of the monsoon, floods and storms during the rainy season hit
the peasants.
Land revenue was the main source of income to the Government.
Besides the land revenue, income tax was also collected.  The
manufacture of Aluminium utensils, shoes, boots and other articles of
leather were in existence.  Several new industries came into being.
The Indian Trade Union Act of 1926, the Mines Act of 1935,
Workers Compensation Act of 1923, etc protected the interests of
the workers.  T amilians went to foreign countries for the betterment of
their life.  They went to Ceylon,Malaya,Singapore, Burma and South
Africa.  They worked in the Tea plantaions of Ceylon, Rubber
plantations of Malaya and Mines of South Africa.  But after
Independence in these countries, the Tamilians were put to several
hardships.
Land Revenue System: When the company took over the
administration of the country, different forms of revenue collections
were in operation.  The company set the task of evolving a land revenue
system to maximise its revenue.  In this process it experimented with
different methods of Revenue settlement.
Permanent land revenue settlement: From 1792 the company
reorganised the working of the Revenue Department.  Thanjavur came
under the company rule in 1799 and Carnatic region in 1801.  Edward
Clive, the Governor wanted to introduce an uniform tax system.  He
wanted to enforce the Permanent settlement system of Cornwallis.  In
Chenglepet the permanent system was experimented.  This system
brought large tracts of land under a single unit for taxation.  It was
called Mitta.  The Mitta’s were leased to Mittadars, Brehmehal region
was brought under this  permanent system in 1802.  Palayams were
converted into Zamins.  The company adapted the system of lease in
the collection of tax.  This system failed in Chenglepet, Salem, Dindugal,
Ramanathapuram and Tirunelveli.
Village Settlement: Since the Permanent Revenue System did not
fulfil the expectations of the company, between 1804 and 1814 the
village lease system was implemented in the districts of Tirunelveli,
Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, South Arcot and North Arcot.  Under this
system the company farmed out the lands to the principal cultivators.
They further divided and leased the land to the individual ryots. As
there was no difference between the Permanent revenue settlement
and village settlement, the company directed the Madras Council to
implement the Ryotwari settlement.
Ryotwari Settlement: Corn W allis, appointed
Alexander Reed, and Thomas Munro to reform
the revenue system.  After deep analysis Thomas
Munro introduced the Ryotwari System.This
system was introduced in Chennai Presidency
between 1820-27. Later this system was introduced in Salem,
Malabar, Thanjavur and Royalaseema.  According to Munro the term
20
21
T amilnadu economy was dominated by agriculture.  From the very
early times rulers and the public have shown interest in irrigation works.
Failure of the monsoon, floods and storms during the rainy season hit
the peasants.
Land revenue was the main source of income to the Government.
Besides the land revenue, income tax was also collected.  The
manufacture of Aluminium utensils, shoes, boots and other articles of
leather were in existence.  Several new industries came into being.
The Indian Trade Union Act of 1926, the Mines Act of 1935,
Workers Compensation Act of 1923, etc protected the interests of
the workers.  T amilians went to foreign countries for the betterment of
their life.  They went to Ceylon,Malaya,Singapore, Burma and South
Africa.  They worked in the Tea plantaions of Ceylon, Rubber
plantations of Malaya and Mines of South Africa.  But after
Independence in these countries, the Tamilians were put to several
hardships.
Land Revenue System: When the company took over the
administration of the country, different forms of revenue collections
were in operation.  The company set the task of evolving a land revenue
system to maximise its revenue.  In this process it experimented with
different methods of Revenue settlement.
Permanent land revenue settlement: From 1792 the company
reorganised the working of the Revenue Department.  Thanjavur came
under the company rule in 1799 and Carnatic region in 1801.  Edward
Clive, the Governor wanted to introduce an uniform tax system.  He
wanted to enforce the Permanent settlement system of Cornwallis.  In
Chenglepet the permanent system was experimented.  This system
brought large tracts of land under a single unit for taxation.  It was
called Mitta.  The Mitta’s were leased to Mittadars, Brehmehal region
was brought under this  permanent system in 1802.  Palayams were
converted into Zamins.  The company adapted the system of lease in
the collection of tax.  This system failed in Chenglepet, Salem, Dindugal,
Ramanathapuram and Tirunelveli.
Village Settlement: Since the Permanent Revenue System did not
fulfil the expectations of the company, between 1804 and 1814 the
village lease system was implemented in the districts of Tirunelveli,
Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, South Arcot and North Arcot.  Under this
system the company farmed out the lands to the principal cultivators.
They further divided and leased the land to the individual ryots. As
there was no difference between the Permanent revenue settlement
and village settlement, the company directed the Madras Council to
implement the Ryotwari settlement.
Ryotwari Settlement: Corn W allis, appointed
Alexander Reed, and Thomas Munro to reform
the revenue system.  After deep analysis Thomas
Munro introduced the Ryotwari System.This
system was introduced in Chennai Presidency
between 1820-27. Later this system was introduced in Salem,
Malabar, Thanjavur and Royalaseema.  According to Munro the term
Ryotwari refers to the direct connections of the ryots (farmers) with
the government.  Its aim was to pay tax directly to the government,
hence this system was called Ryotwari.
The main features of this settlement were:
1. The T axable land was made known.
2 The ryots right over the lands were settled.
3 W aste lands were brought under the control of the government.
4 Probable tax was assessed.
5 The ryots were given the right to complain against tax collectors.
6 The ryots were also given the right to appeal for over taxation.
Merits of the Ryotwari  System:
1 Ryots paid tax directly to the government.
2 The quantum of the tax payable was known.
3 Government was assured of a fixed revenue through tax.
4 Unwanted lands were not thrusted on peasants.
Demerits of The Ryotwari System:
1. In most places the revenue fixed was high.  The ryot was left
with nothing for his maintenance.
2. The settlements were made directly with the cultivators.  While
measuring the land and assessing the revenue, the landlords were
ignored.
By 1857 most of the T amil country was brought under the  Ryotwari
System.
The Mahalwari System: The Mahalwari system was introduced
in 1833 by Lord Willam Bentick.  Under this system the peasant and
the proprietors entered into a contract with the state for a fixed period.
The position of the cultivators under Mahalwari and Ryotwari systems
were identical.
Agriculture:Agriculture is the back bone of our Economy.
Agriculture was the main source of livelihood for about 95% of the
people of Tamilnadu.  In the middle of the 18
th
 century land was in
abundance while the population was limited.  The people practised
extensive  cultivation.  The farmers produced mainly food crops.  The
methods and techniques of production were old and backward.  There
was no modernisation in agricultural sector.  Agricultural society was
predominantly feudal in character .  Cultivators used to pay land revenue
to the rulers.  The British followed the policy of encouraging the
cultivation of cash crops, like cotton, jute, indigo, paper, sugarcane,
tobacco ,oilseeds etc.  The main purpose of cash crop cultivation was
to increase the production for sale.  This led to commercialisation of
agriculture.  The development in commercial agriculture was found in
tea, coffee and rubber plantation.
Irrigation: Irrigation in India had a history even from the ancient
period.  The Grand Anicut (Kallanai) is regarded as one of the greatest
engineering feats of ancient India.  It is believed to have been originally
built by Karikala Cholan in the Second century A.D.  The upper Anicut
22 23
constructed in 1839 over the Cauvery, was the first major project in
the British period.  Lower anicut was built around the same period.
Lord Dalhousie established the Public W orks Department in 1852 in
Madras Presidency.  The Tank Restoration scheme was started in
1883 for investigating the condition of tanks.  The larger tanks irrigating
over 200 acres of land were placed under the Public Works
Department and the tanks irrigating less than 200 acres of land were
placed under the Revenue Department.  The departments were granted
The Grand Anicut (Kallanai)
Ryotwari refers to the direct connections of the ryots (farmers) with
the government.  Its aim was to pay tax directly to the government,
hence this system was called Ryotwari.
The main features of this settlement were:
1. The T axable land was made known.
2 The ryots right over the lands were settled.
3 W aste lands were brought under the control of the government.
4 Probable tax was assessed.
5 The ryots were given the right to complain against tax collectors.
6 The ryots were also given the right to appeal for over taxation.
Merits of the Ryotwari  System:
1 Ryots paid tax directly to the government.
2 The quantum of the tax payable was known.
3 Government was assured of a fixed revenue through tax.
4 Unwanted lands were not thrusted on peasants.
Demerits of The Ryotwari System:
1. In most places the revenue fixed was high.  The ryot was left
with nothing for his maintenance.
2. The settlements were made directly with the cultivators.  While
measuring the land and assessing the revenue, the landlords were
ignored.
By 1857 most of the T amil country was brought under the  Ryotwari
System.
The Mahalwari System: The Mahalwari system was introduced
in 1833 by Lord Willam Bentick.  Under this system the peasant and
the proprietors entered into a contract with the state for a fixed period.
The position of the cultivators under Mahalwari and Ryotwari systems
were identical.
Agriculture:Agriculture is the back bone of our Economy.
Agriculture was the main source of livelihood for about 95% of the
people of Tamilnadu.  In the middle of the 18
th
 century land was in
abundance while the population was limited.  The people practised
extensive  cultivation.  The farmers produced mainly food crops.  The
methods and techniques of production were old and backward.  There
was no modernisation in agricultural sector.  Agricultural society was
predominantly feudal in character .  Cultivators used to pay land revenue
to the rulers.  The British followed the policy of encouraging the
cultivation of cash crops, like cotton, jute, indigo, paper, sugarcane,
tobacco ,oilseeds etc.  The main purpose of cash crop cultivation was
to increase the production for sale.  This led to commercialisation of
agriculture.  The development in commercial agriculture was found in
tea, coffee and rubber plantation.
Irrigation: Irrigation in India had a history even from the ancient
period.  The Grand Anicut (Kallanai) is regarded as one of the greatest
engineering feats of ancient India.  It is believed to have been originally
built by Karikala Cholan in the Second century A.D.  The upper Anicut
22 23
constructed in 1839 over the Cauvery, was the first major project in
the British period.  Lower anicut was built around the same period.
Lord Dalhousie established the Public W orks Department in 1852 in
Madras Presidency.  The Tank Restoration scheme was started in
1883 for investigating the condition of tanks.  The larger tanks irrigating
over 200 acres of land were placed under the Public Works
Department and the tanks irrigating less than 200 acres of land were
placed under the Revenue Department.  The departments were granted
The Grand Anicut (Kallanai)
large sums of money for repairs and maintenance. several important
anicuts such as the Tirukoilur in 1895, Sethiatope in 1895 and Palar
in1896, Periyar in 1897 belong to this period.  The last major project
of the pre-independence period was the Mettur dam in 1934.
Comming of Industrial Goods: After the 1857 revolt the whole
of English territories in India were brought under the British Crown.
Queen Victoria was proclaimed as the ruler of India.  This created a
golden opportunity to British merchants.  India with its more than 30
crores of population, then, proved to be a dumping yard to British
products.  Under the British rule the industrial goods were brought to
T amilnadu.  The plantation industries of Indigo, T ea and Coffee were
the first to be introduced in India.
Clothes made of synthetic fibre were brought to T amilnadu.  They
replaced the traditional Khadi products.  The Indians were forced to
buy the British products.  Locomotives and steam engines were brought
to Tamilnadu.  Telegraph, Telephone and Postal systems were
introduced.  There was a great revolution in the Department of
Railways.  The Railway line between Madras and Arakonam was laid
in 1856. Royapuram near Chennai was the first Railway station
constructed by the British in 1856.  Pamban Railway bridge was built
between Rameswaram and Mandabam.  The Broadcasting technology
was brought by the British.  All India Radio Station was started in
1936.  The income to the British government came from industrial
investment in plantations, mines, Banking and Insurance, shipping, jute
mills etc.  Thus the establsihment of modern industries began in India
during the second half of the nineteenth century. But its growth was
slow and steady.
Decline of Handicrafts: From being an exporter of artisan
products, India was turned into a massive source of  cheap raw
materials such as cotton, Jute, Indigo and Tea.  The famous artisan
industry collapsed in the face of cheap machine  made imports.  On
account of the flooding of the market with the industrially produced
goods, the demand for the products of the rural artisans declined.
Many of the village artisans deserted their traditional occupations and
migrated to urban areas.
Because of the introduction of Railway line in T amilnadu by the British,
the handicraft industries began to decline.  The railways helped the
British products to reach the remote villages in the country .  The native
products were not encouraged by the British.  The gradual
disappearance of the Indian rulers and their courts, who were the
main customers of the handicrafts gave a death blow to the village
industries.  The products like Pottery, glass, khadi clothes, cotton
goods, palm products and coir products lost their importance.  The
decline of handicrafts resulted in a large scale unemployment problem.
Thus within half a century of the British rule in India, the handicraft
industries, once the pride and glory of India declined gradually .
24