The main objective of the zamindars during the land settlement system was toa)Improve the economic condition of the cultivatorsb)Improve the crop yield by making significant contributions in technology and fertilisers usagec)Collection of rent with no interest in the economic condition of the cultivatorsd)Cooperating with colonial government to improve the condition of agricultureCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

The main objective of the zamindars during the land settlement system was to collect rent with no interest in the economic condition of the cultivators. The zamindars were intermediaries between the colonial government and the cultivators, responsible for collecting revenue from the farmers and forwarding it to the British authorities. They were given the right to collect rent from the peasants in exchange for a fixed amount payable to the colonial government.

The reasons behind the zamindars' lack of interest in the economic condition of the cultivators can be understood by examining the nature of their position and the land settlement system itself.

1. Role of Zamindars:
The zamindars were mainly interested in maximizing their own revenue collection. They were not concerned with the welfare or economic condition of the cultivators. Their primary goal was to extract as much rent as possible to meet their own expenses and maintain their luxurious lifestyles.

2. Revenue Collection:
The zamindars were responsible for the collection of revenue from the cultivators. They had a fixed amount to be paid to the colonial government, known as the revenue demand. To meet this demand, they often resorted to exploitative practices, such as charging exorbitant rents, imposing arbitrary taxes, and subjecting the peasants to various forms of extortion.

3. No Incentive for Improvement:
Since the zamindars' revenue was fixed, they had no incentive to invest in the improvement of agricultural practices or the economic condition of the cultivators. Their income was not linked to the productivity or welfare of the peasants. Therefore, they did not make significant contributions in terms of technology, fertilizers, or other agricultural advancements.

4. Lack of Accountability:
The zamindars operated with a high level of autonomy and enjoyed considerable power in their territories. They were not accountable to the colonial government or the cultivators. This lack of accountability allowed them to exploit the tenants and prioritize their own financial interests over the well-being of the agricultural sector.

In conclusion, the main objective of the zamindars during the land settlement system was to collect rent without any interest in the economic condition of the cultivators. Their focus was on maximizing their own revenue collection, leading to exploitative practices and a disregard for the welfare of the peasants.

Answer

Zamindars did nothing to improve the condition of agriculture and focused on the collection of rent which caused immense misery and social tension for the cultivators.

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