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Ryotwari System – Key Facts, MCQs

The Ryotwari System was a land revenue system introduced by the British, where individual peasants (ryots) were made the owners of the land and had to pay land revenue directly to the government. It was implemented in regions where the Zamindari system was not suitable.


Introduction of the Ryotwari System

Introduced by: Captain Alexander Read in Baramahal (Tamil Nadu)
Developed by: Thomas Munro (Governor of Madras)
Officially Implemented by: Lord Hastings in 1820
Regions Covered:

  • Madras Presidency
  • Bombay Presidency
  • Parts of Assam and Coorg
    Purpose:
  • Direct collection of revenue from peasants.
  • Eliminate intermediaries like Zamindars.
  • Ensure a stable revenue system for the British.

Features of the Ryotwari System

  1. Direct Relationship Between Peasants and Government:
    • Farmers (ryots) were made the owners of the land.
    • They had to pay taxes directly to the British government.
  2. Tax Based on Land Fertility:
    • The land tax was not fixed permanently and was revised every 20–30 years based on land productivity and irrigation.
  3. High Land Revenue Demand:
    • The British collected 50-60% of the total produce as land revenue.
  4. Land Ownership Was Not Secure:
    • If a farmer failed to pay revenue, his land was confiscated.
  5. Government Had No Responsibility for Farmers:
    • No government support for irrigation, land improvements, or loans.

Comparison of Zamindari, Ryotwari & Mahalwari Systems

FeatureZamindari SystemRyotwari SystemMahalwari System
Introduced byLord Cornwallis (1793)Thomas Munro (1820)Holt Mackenzie (1822)
Revenue CollectorZamindars (landlords)Individual Peasants (Ryots)Village Headmen
Ownership of LandZamindarsPeasants (Ryots)Joint village ownership
Revenue PaymentFixed & PermanentVariable, revised periodicallyVariable, revised periodically
Failure to Pay TaxZamindar’s land was auctionedPeasant lost his landWhole village was responsible
Areas CoveredBengal, Bihar, Orissa, VaranasiMadras, Bombay, Assam, CoorgPunjab, Uttar Pradesh, North India
Major DrawbackPeasants were exploited by ZamindarsHigh tax, land insecurityBurden on entire village

Effects of the Ryotwari System

Advantages:
Peasants Became Landowners – Unlike the Zamindari system, ryots had direct land ownership.
No Middlemen – The system removed landlords, reducing their exploitation.
Flexibility in Revenue – Taxes were based on land fertility and productivity.

Disadvantages:
High Taxes – Peasants had to pay 50-60% of produce, leading to widespread poverty.
Lack of Government Support – No loans, irrigation, or relief during famines.
Loss of Land – If peasants failed to pay, they lost their land, increasing rural distress.
Famines & Debt Cycle – High taxes forced farmers into debt, and many had to sell their land.


Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

  1. Who introduced the Ryotwari System in India?
    a) Lord Cornwallis
    b) Thomas Munro
    c) Lord Dalhousie
    d) Warren Hastings
    Answer: b) Thomas Munro
  2. In which year was the Ryotwari System officially implemented?
    a) 1793
    b) 1820
    c) 1858
    d) 1885
    Answer: b) 1820
  3. The Ryotwari System was mainly implemented in which regions?
    a) Bengal & Bihar
    b) Punjab & Uttar Pradesh
    c) Madras & Bombay
    d) Delhi & Rajasthan
    Answer: c) Madras & Bombay
  4. What was the main disadvantage of the Ryotwari System?
    a) Peasants became landowners
    b) Land tax was extremely high
    c) Zamindars exploited farmers
    d) Revenue was permanently fixed
    Answer: b) Land tax was extremely high
  5. Which land revenue system involved a direct agreement between peasants and the British government?
    a) Zamindari System
    b) Mahalwari System
    c) Ryotwari System
    d) Iqta System
    Answer: c) Ryotwari System

Conclusion

The Ryotwari System had a direct tax collection method, but it led to high taxation, poverty, and peasant exploitation. Though peasants were landowners, they faced economic hardships due to British policies.

This covers all facts, comparisons & MCQs on the Ryotwari System. Let me know if you need more details! 😊

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