Zamindari System – Key Facts and MCQs

The Zamindari System was a land revenue system introduced by the British in India. Under this system, Zamindars (landlords) were made responsible for collecting revenue from peasants and paying it to the British government.

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Introduction of the Zamindari System

✅ Introduced by: Lord Cornwallis in 1793 through the Permanent Settlement of Bengal.
✅ Applied in: Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, parts of Madras, and Varanasi.
✅ Purpose: Ensure fixed land revenue for the British East India Company.

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Features of the Zamindari System

1. Zamindars as Landowners: The British declared Zamindars as the owners of the land.
2. Fixed Revenue System: Land revenue was permanently fixed, meaning it would not change over time.
3. Hereditary Rights: Zamindari status was hereditary—it passed from father to son.
4. Failure to Pay Revenue: If a Zamindar failed to pay revenue on time, his land was auctioned.
5. Peasants Became Tenants: Farmers had no ownership rights; they worked under Zamindars and were often exploited.

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Effects of the Zamindari System

✅ Advantages:

• Provided a stable income for the British government.
• Strengthened the power of landlords, who helped the British rule India.

❌ Disadvantages:

• Peasants suffered due to high taxes and exploitation.
• Agricultural productivity declined because farmers had no motivation to improve land.
• Famines increased as peasants were forced to grow cash crops instead of food.
• Created a landless peasant class.

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Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Who introduced the Zamindari System in India?
   a) Lord Wellesley
   b) Lord Cornwallis
   c) Lord Dalhousie
   d) Lord Curzon
   ✅ Answer: b) Lord Cornwallis
2. In which year was the Zamindari System introduced?
   a) 1765
   b) 1793
   c) 1813
   d) 1858
   ✅ Answer: b) 1793
3. Under which system were Zamindars made landowners and tax collectors?
   a) Ryotwari System
   b) Mahalwari System
   c) Permanent Settlement
   d) Subsidiary Alliance
   ✅ Answer: c) Permanent Settlement
4. Which of the following was a major disadvantage of the Zamindari System?
   a) Peasants became landowners
   b) Zamindars lost their land rights
   c) Peasants were exploited by landlords
   d) British lost control over revenue collection
   ✅ Answer: c) Peasants were exploited by landlords

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This covers key points & MCQs for the Zamindari System. Let me know if you need more details! 😊