Which ruler is known for implementing the Permanent Settlement of Beng...
The Permanent Settlement of Bengal was implemented by Lord Cornwallis in 1793. This was a land revenue system that aimed to fix land taxes permanently, but it led to several negative consequences for the Indian peasants.
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Which ruler is known for implementing the Permanent Settlement of Beng...
Introduction
The Permanent Settlement of Bengal was a significant land revenue system introduced in British India that transformed the agrarian structure of the region.
Who Implemented the Permanent Settlement?
- The Permanent Settlement was implemented by Lords Cornwallis in 1793 during his tenure as the Governor-General of India.
Key Features of the Permanent Settlement
- Fixed Revenue: The settlement fixed the land revenue that zamindars (landlords) had to pay to the British government, making it a permanent arrangement.
- Zamindari System: It established the zamindars as the landowners, who were responsible for collecting taxes from the peasants and paying a fixed amount to the British.
- Transfer of Risks: By fixing the revenue, the British transferred the risks of agricultural fluctuations from themselves to the zamindars.
Impacts of the Permanent Settlement
- Economic Impact: The zamindars often exploited the peasants, leading to increased poverty and landlessness among the rural population.
- Agricultural Decline: The focus on revenue collection over agricultural productivity resulted in a decline in agricultural practices and yields.
- Social Changes: The system altered traditional landholding patterns and created a class of wealthy zamindars who often did not invest in agricultural improvements.
Conclusion
Lord Cornwallis's implementation of the Permanent Settlement had profound implications not only for Bengal’s economy but also for the social fabric of Indian society. It marked a pivotal moment in British colonial policy, reflecting a shift towards a more structured extraction of revenue from Indian agriculture.