Which one of the following regarding the land ownership patterns durin...
During this period, there were significant changes in land ownership patterns. The correct option is 'D', which means that all of the given statements are true. Let's explore each statement in detail:
a) Considerable Growth of Dependent Peasantry:
- The growth of dependent peasantry refers to an increase in the number of peasants who were dependent on landlords for their livelihood.
- This was primarily a result of the consolidation of power by rulers and chiefs, who acquired more land and asserted control over the peasantry.
- The dependent peasantry worked on the lands owned by the rulers, paying rent or taxes in the form of crops or labor.
- This system led to the growth of a large population of peasants who were economically and socially dependent on the ruling elite.
b) Smaller Peasants Reduced to Poverty by Oppression and Overtaxation:
- The smaller peasants, who owned small plots of land, were often subjected to oppression and overtaxation by the ruling elite.
- The rulers and chiefs imposed heavy taxes and rents on the peasants, which often left them with little to no surplus for their own sustenance.
- This led to a cycle of poverty, as the peasants struggled to meet their basic needs and were unable to improve their economic conditions.
c) Weaker Peasant Proprietors Surrendered Lands to Chiefs and Rulers:
- The weaker peasant proprietors, who were unable to cope with the oppressive taxation and exploitation, often surrendered their lands to the chiefs and rulers.
- In return for surrendering their lands, these peasant proprietors sought protection from the ruling elite.
- This land consolidation by the rulers and chiefs further strengthened their control over the agricultural resources and increased their wealth and power.
In conclusion, during this period, there was a considerable growth of dependent peasantry, smaller peasants were reduced to poverty by oppression and overtaxation, and weaker peasant proprietors surrendered their lands to chiefs and rulers in return for protection. These changes in land ownership patterns had significant socio-economic impacts on the peasants and further consolidated the power of the ruling elite.
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