Who cultivated a large part of the land Jotedars acquired?a)Ex-Slavesb...
Introduction:
In the context of land ownership and cultivation, Jotedars were a privileged class of landlords in Bengal, India, during the pre-independence era. They acquired large expanses of land and exerted control over the agricultural activities within their domain. However, the cultivation of this land was not carried out by Jotedars themselves.
Explanation:
The correct answer to the question is option 'D': Sharecroppers. Sharecroppers were the individuals who cultivated a large part of the land acquired by Jotedars. Let's delve into the explanation:
1. Jotedars as Landlords:
Jotedars were the upper-class landlords who held significant power and influence in the rural areas of Bengal. They amassed large tracts of agricultural land and established themselves as the owners of these properties.
2. Acquisition of Land:
Jotedars acquired land through various means, such as inheritance, purchase, or through the zamindari system, where they acted as intermediaries between the British colonial administration and the local peasants.
3. Sharecropping System:
Once Jotedars acquired the land, they employed a sharecropping system for agricultural cultivation. In this system, the Jotedars allowed landless individuals or families, known as sharecroppers, to cultivate a portion of their land in exchange for a share of the crops produced.
4. Role of Sharecroppers:
Sharecroppers, who were primarily landless peasants, would till and cultivate the land provided by the Jotedars. They would invest their labor, time, and resources in the cultivation process, including sowing, weeding, harvesting, and other agricultural activities.
5. Sharecropper's Share:
In return for their efforts, sharecroppers were entitled to a share of the harvested crops. The exact share varied depending on the agreement between the Jotedar and the sharecropper. Generally, the sharecropper would receive a certain percentage of the crop, while the Jotedar would retain the remaining portion.
6. Socio-economic Dynamics:
The sharecropping system was an exploitative arrangement, as the sharecroppers often received an inadequate share of the crops, leaving them in a cycle of poverty and dependence. This system perpetuated the socio-economic divide between the Jotedars and the landless peasants.
Conclusion:
In summary, the large part of the land acquired by Jotedars was cultivated by sharecroppers. These landless individuals or families would work on the land, investing their labor, and in return, receive a share of the crops produced. The sharecropping system created an exploitative relationship between the Jotedars and the sharecroppers, further reinforcing the socio-economic inequalities prevalent in rural Bengal during that time.
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