Explanation:

Kuttagari is a type of lease system of cultivation that was prevalent in ancient India, particularly in the Deccan plateau region. Under this system, certain lands were leased out to cultivators for a fixed period of time, usually for a period of 5 years. The cultivator had to pay a fixed rent to the landowner, which was usually a percentage of the produce.

Features of Kuttagari:

- Lease system: Kuttagari was a type of lease system of cultivation. Cultivators were given the right to cultivate the land for a fixed period of time, in exchange for paying a fixed rent to the landowner.

- Fixed period of time: The lease period under Kuttagari was usually for a period of 5 years. After the lease period was over, the land would be given to another cultivator.

- Percentage of produce: The rent paid by the cultivator was usually a percentage of the produce. This ensured that the landowner got a share of the profits, while also incentivizing the cultivator to produce more.

- Deccan plateau region: Kuttagari was particularly prevalent in the Deccan plateau region of India, which includes the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Advantages of Kuttagari:

- Incentivizes cultivation: The lease system of Kuttagari incentivizes cultivators to produce more, as they get to keep the remaining produce after paying the rent.

- Provides land security: Cultivators who have leased land under Kuttagari have a sense of land security, as they know that they have the right to cultivate the land for a fixed period of time.

- Increases agricultural productivity: Kuttagari can increase agricultural productivity, as it encourages cultivators to invest in the land and adopt better farming practices.

Conclusion:

Kuttagari was a lease system of cultivation that was prevalent in ancient India. It incentivized cultivation, provided land security, and increased agricultural productivity. While Kuttagari is no longer prevalent in India, it has left an indelible mark on Indian agriculture and continues to be studied by scholars and researchers.