Zamindars were landowners or landlords in the feudal system of India during the British colonial period. They were granted extensive land rights by the British authorities and had the power to collect revenue from the peasants who worked on their land. The zamindari system was characterized by a hierarchical structure, with zamindars at the top and peasants at the bottom.

In the context of the given options, zamindars had the authority to prosecute defaulters. Let's explore this in more detail:

Definition of a Defaulter:
A defaulter in this context refers to someone who failed to pay their rent or revenue to the zamindar on time. The zamindars relied on this revenue to maintain their lifestyle and fulfill their obligations to the British authorities. When a tenant or cultivator failed to pay the required amount, they were considered defaulters.

Prosecuting Defaulters:
Zamindars had the power to take legal action against defaulters in order to recover the unpaid revenue. This could involve filing a complaint with the local authorities or taking the matter to court. The zamindars could seek legal remedies to recover the outstanding amount, including enforcing the sale of the defaulter's property or seizing their assets.

Reasons for Prosecution:
There could be various reasons why a defaulter failed to pay their rent or revenue on time. Some common reasons include crop failure, economic hardships, or disputes over the amount to be paid. However, regardless of the reasons, zamindars had the right to prosecute defaulters as it was their source of income and it was essential for them to maintain their authority and control over the land.

Impact on Peasants:
The prosecution of defaulters by zamindars had a significant impact on the peasants. If a peasant was unable to pay their rent or revenue, they faced the risk of losing their land, eviction, or even imprisonment. This further exacerbated the already exploitative relationship between the zamindars and the peasants, as it increased the vulnerability of the latter.

In conclusion, zamindars had the authority to prosecute defaulters who failed to pay their rent or revenue on time. This was an essential aspect of their role as landowners in the feudal system and had significant implications for the peasants who were dependent on the land for their livelihood.