Test: Colonialism And The Countryside- 2 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

When was an auction in Burdwan?

• A: 1794


• B: 1797


• C: 1800


• D: 1793

Answer: b. 1797

Detailed

• The auction in Burdwan took place in the year 1797.


• During this auction, various items or properties may have been sold to the highest bidder.


• Historical records might provide more information about the specific details of the auction in Burdwan in 1797.


• It is important to study the context of the auction, the reasons behind it, and the outcomes of the auction to understand its significance in history.


• Further research and exploration of primary sources related to the auction in Burdwan in 1797 could offer more insights into this event.

• Impact of Permanent Settlement: The Permanent Settlement was a system introduced by the British in India, which aimed to fix the land revenue demand in perpetuity.



• Zamindars and Rent Collection: Zamindars were the landowners who collected rent from the peasants or ryots who worked on their land.



• Limitation on Zamindar's Power: The Permanent Settlement limited the zamindar's power to collect rent directly from the ryots.



• Ryots as Beneficiaries: Instead of collecting rent from the ryots, the zamindar had to collect it through intermediaries like the Tehsildar or other officials.



• Empowerment of Ryots: This limitation on the zamindar's power benefited the ryots as it protected them from arbitrary rent hikes and exploitation by the zamindars.

• Bankrupts: Zamindars could prosecute individuals who were declared bankrupts and unable to pay their debts.


• Marshals: Zamindars did not have the power to prosecute marshals, as marshals were typically law enforcement officers.


• Innocents: Zamindars could not prosecute innocent individuals who had not committed any crimes or wrongdoings.


• Defaulters: Zamindars could prosecute defaulters who failed to pay their dues or fulfill their obligations as per agreements or contracts.

• Ex-Slaves: Ex-slaves did not cultivate the land acquired by Jotedars, as they were previously enslaved and did not have the means to acquire land.


• Robbers: Robbers were not responsible for cultivating the land acquired by Jotedars, as their activities were focused on theft and not agriculture.


• Landless: While landless individuals may have worked on the land owned by Jotedars as laborers, they did not cultivate a large part of the land themselves.


• Sharecroppers: Sharecroppers were the ones who cultivated a large part of the land acquired by Jotedars. Sharecropping was a system where tenants worked on the land owned by landlords in exchange for a share of the crops grown.

Where were the Jotedars most powerful?

• A: North Bengal


• B: West Bengal


• C: Karnataka


• D: Gantidars

Answer: A

Detailed

• North Bengal: Jotedars were most powerful in North Bengal region. They held significant influence and control over land, resources, and local politics in this area.


• West Bengal: While Jotedars had some presence in West Bengal as well, their stronghold was primarily in North Bengal.


• Karnataka: Jotedars were not known to be powerful in Karnataka, as their influence was more concentrated in the Bengal region.


• Gantidars: Gantidars were a different group and not specifically associated with the power of Jotedars in North Bengal.

• Ryots: The ryots, or peasants, resisted the entry of outsiders into their territories.


• Reasons for resistance:
  
  
  
  • The ryots were concerned about the impact of outsiders on their land and resources.
  
  
  • They feared exploitation and loss of control over their livelihoods.
  
  
  
  


• Methods of resistance:
  
  
  
  • Ryots often organized protests, strikes, and demonstrations to resist the entry of outsiders.
  
  
  • They sometimes resorted to violent means to protect their territories.
  
  
  
  


• Impact of resistance:
  
  
  
  • The resistance of the ryots often led to conflicts and tensions between them and the outsiders.
  
  
  • It also highlighted the power dynamics and struggles for control over land and resources.
  
  
  
  

Rules of Revenue Payment:

• Flexibility: Revenue payment rules were made to be flexible, allowing for adjustments and changes as needed.


• Adaptability: The rules were designed to be adaptable to different situations and circumstances.


• Rigidity: The rules were not rigid, but rather allowed for some leeway and discretion in payment processes.


• Permanence: While the rules were not set in stone, they were meant to provide a sense of stability and consistency in revenue payment.

• Introduction: The expansion of the peasant economy in the Rajmahal hills refers to the increase in agricultural activities and economic growth among the local peasant population.


• Creation of Conflict: As the peasant economy expanded, it led to competition for resources such as land, water, and other essential factors for agriculture. This competition often resulted in conflicts among the peasants over access to these resources.


• Social Disparities: The expansion of the peasant economy also created social disparities among the local population. Those who were able to benefit from the economic growth became more prosperous, while others were left behind, leading to tensions and conflicts within the community.


• Political Instability: The increase in economic activities in the Rajmahal hills also led to political instability as different groups vied for power and control over the resources. This further fueled conflicts and disputes among the peasants.


• Conclusion: In conclusion, the expansion of the peasant economy in the Rajmahal hills created conflicts due to competition for resources, social disparities, and political instability. It is essential to address these issues through proper governance and equitable distribution of resources to ensure peace and stability in the region.

• Who hired the Santhals to reclaim land and expand cultivation?

• Answer: Zamindars

• Reasoning:

• Zamindars were the landlords or landowners in colonial India who hired the Santhals, an indigenous tribe, to reclaim land and expand cultivation.

• The Zamindars wanted to increase agricultural production on their lands and saw the Santhals as a way to achieve this goal.

• The Santhals were often exploited by the Zamindars and faced harsh working conditions in return for meager wages.

• This practice of hiring Santhals for land reclamation and cultivation was common during the colonial period in India.

• Stipulation: The land grant to the Santhals included a requirement that a certain percentage of the area must be cleared and cultivated within a specific timeframe.

• Requirement: The stipulation required that at least one-tenth of the area had to be cleared and cultivated within the first period.


• Clarification: This means that out of the total land granted to the Santhals, one-tenth had to be prepared for cultivation within the specified time frame.

• Significance: Clearing the land is essential for starting agricultural activities and ensuring a sustainable livelihood for the Santhal community.


• Productivity: Cultivating the cleared land would lead to increased agricultural productivity and economic development for the Santhals.

Costs of Buchanan’s Travels:

• Who bears the costs: The costs of Buchanan’s travels were borne by the East India Company.


• Reasoning: Buchanan was appointed as a surgeon and naturalist by the East India Company to travel across India and collect botanical specimens, study local customs, and report on various aspects of the region.


• Role of East India Company: The East India Company sponsored Buchanan's travels as part of their efforts to gather information about the Indian subcontinent for economic, political, and administrative purposes.


• Significance: Buchanan's travels and reports provided valuable insights into the natural history, geography, and society of India during that time period.


• Impact: The information gathered by Buchanan during his travels helped the East India Company in making informed decisions regarding trade, governance, and other activities in India.