What impact did the Permanent Settlement have on the income of the Sta...
The rates fixed with zamindars under the Permanent Settlement were double the rates of 1765, resulting in a significant increase in the income of the State.
What impact did the Permanent Settlement have on the income of the Sta...
Impact of the Permanent Settlement on State Income
The Permanent Settlement, introduced by the British in Bengal in 1793, significantly transformed the agrarian landscape and the revenue system.
Fixed Revenue System
- The Permanent Settlement established a fixed revenue demand from landlords, who were made the zamindars.
- This meant that zamindars had to pay a set amount of revenue to the British government, regardless of agricultural yield or market prices.
Increased Income as Rates Were Doubled
- The British doubled the revenue rates compared to previous systems, ensuring a substantial initial increase in state income.
- This fixed revenue system allowed the British to collect more predictable and higher amounts from zamindars, effectively increasing the state’s income.
Economic Stability
- By securing a fixed revenue, the British could plan their budgets better, leading to more stability in state finances.
- The fixed rates incentivized zamindars to maximize agricultural production to cover their fixed costs, which could lead to increased overall agricultural output.
Long-term Effects
- While the immediate impact was an increase in income, the long-term effects included economic distress for farmers, leading to a decline in agricultural productivity and, eventually, a detrimental effect on zamindar income.
- However, in the short to medium term, the British benefited from a more robust revenue stream due to the higher fixed rates.
In conclusion, the answer is indeed option 'B' because the Permanent Settlement initially led to an increase in state income by doubling revenue rates, enhancing the overall financial capacity of the British administration.
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