Jotedars were an influential group of landowners in Bengal, India during the colonial period. They were known for their control over the local economy and their exploitation of the rural population. They exercised their power over the peasants by manipulating the credit market and money lending.

Control over Moneylending:
Jotedars controlled the money lending business in rural Bengal. They provided loans to the peasants during the sowing season, and in return, they demanded a high rate of interest. This high-interest rate was used as a tool to keep the peasants in debt, and they remained under the control of the Jotedars. The Jotedars also controlled the repayment of the loans. They would often refuse to accept the principal amount, and instead, demand a higher amount, which resulted in the peasants falling deeper into debt.

Manipulation of credit market:
The Jotedars controlled the credit market in rural Bengal. They would often force the peasants to buy goods from their shops on credit and then manipulate the prices of these goods to ensure that the peasants would never be able to repay the debt. The Jotedars also controlled the market for agricultural produce. They would often buy the produce from the peasants at a low price and then sell it at a higher price in the market.

Exploitation of the Rural Population:
The Jotedars were known for their exploitation of the rural population. They would use their position of power to force the peasants to work on their land for low wages. The Jotedars would often confiscate the land of the peasants who were unable to repay their loans, and they would then force them to work on their land as bonded laborers.

Conclusion:
In summary, Jotedars controlled the money lending business in rural Bengal, and they used this power to manipulate the credit market and exploit the rural population. Their practices were usurious, and they played a significant role in keeping the peasants in debt and under their control.