With reference to revenue collection by Cornwallis, consider the following statements:

Question

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 1

(b) 2 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Incorrect. Under the Ryotwari Settlement, which was primarily implemented in parts of Madras and Bombay presidencies, the peasants (ryots) were directly responsible for paying land revenue to the government. However, they were not necessarily exempted from revenue payment in case of bad harvests or natural calamities. The assessment was more flexible compared to the Permanent Settlement, but it did not provide automatic exemptions.

• Statement 2: Correct. The Permanent Settlement, introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793, fixed the land revenue that zamindars had to pay to the state. If a zamindar failed to pay the fixed revenue on time, he could lose his zamindari (landholding rights).

Therefore, the correct answer is (b) 2 only.