With reference to revenue collection by Cornwallis, consider the following statements :
1. Under the Ryotwari Settlement of revenue collection, the peasants were exempted from revenue payment in case of bad harvests or natural calamities.
2. Under the Permanent Settlement in Bengal, if the Zamindar failed to pay his revenues to the state, on or before the fixed date, he would be removed from his Zamindari.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
1. Under the Ryotwari Settlement of revenue collection, the peasants were exempted from revenue payment in case of bad harvests or natural calamities.
2. Under the Permanent Settlement in Bengal, if the Zamindar failed to pay his revenues to the state, on or before the fixed date, he would be removed from his Zamindari.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- A. 1 only
- B. 2 only
- C. Both 1 and 2
- D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Ryotwari Settlement, while establishing a direct relationship with cultivators, was often characterized by rigid revenue demands. There was generally no provision for exemption from revenue payment during bad harvests or natural calamities, leading to significant peasant distress. Statement 2 is correct. The Permanent Settlement, introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793, included a strict ‘Sunset Clause.’ If a zamindar failed to pay the fixed revenue by the stipulated date, their zamindari rights were forfeited, and their lands were auctioned off. This question tests knowledge of British land revenue policies in India.