1. Match the following:
a. Ryot 1. Village
b. Mahal 2. Peasant
c. Nij cultivation 3. On ryot’s land
d. Ryoti cultivation 4. On planter’s own land
Answer:
a. 2, b. 1, c. 4, d. 3
2. Fill in the blanks:
a. Growers of woad in europe saw………………as a crop which would provide competition to their earnings.
b. The demand for indigo increased in late 18th century Britain because of……………
c. The international demand for indigo was affected by the discovery of…………………
d. The Champaran movement was against ………………………..
Answer:
a. indigo, b. increased cotton textile production c. synthetic dyes, d. indigo planters
Q3.Describe the main features of permanent settlement?
Answer:
1. Permanent Settlement system was introduced by Charles Cornwallis.
2. It was introduced in 1793.
3. The rajas and taluqdars were recognised as Zamindars and they were asked to collect the revenue.
4. The revenue was fixed.
5. The zamindars would benefit from increased production from the land.
4. How was the Mahalwari system different from the permanent settlement?
Answer:
Mahalwari System | Permanent Settlement |
1. Introduced by Holt Mackenzie | 1. Introduced by Charles Cornwallis. |
2. Introduced in 1822. | 2. Introduced in 1793. |
3. Revenue was not fixed. | 3. It was fixed. |
4. Village headman collect the revenue. 5. Most benefitted British government. | 4. Zamindars collect the revenue. 5.The Zamindars would benefit. |
5. Give two problems which arose with the new Munro system in fixing revenue.
Answer:
1. The revenue officials fixed too high a revenue demand.
2. The peasants were not able to pay revenue.
3. Ryots fled the countryside.
4. Villages became deserted in many areas/ regions.
5. It was felt that the new system would transform the peasants into rich farmers.
6. Why were ryots reluctant to grow Indigo?
Answer:
1. The planters/ peasants forced to grow indigo.
2. At least 25% fields used to grow indigo.
3. The planters provide seeds, drill etc.
4. At the time of harvesting crops, loans were provide to the planters.
5. The interest rate on loan was very high.
6. In this way ryots trapped in a cycle of loan.
7. What were the circumstances which led to the eventual collapse of Indigo production in Bengal?
Answer:
1. In 1859, Ryots in Bengal refused to grow indigo and refused to pay revenue.
2. Local zamindars and village headman began to favour ryots.
3. British government was worried about another revolt after 1857.
4. Government brought in military and set up Indigo commission to inquire.
5. It declared indigo production was not profitable for ryots.
After this revolt indigo production in Bengal collapsed.