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Ryotwari Settlements
- This land revenue system introduced in 1820 by Sir Thomas Munroe & Captain Read in Madras province.
- Later it extended to Bombay, part of Assam, Coorg province and certain other parts.
- 51% land of total area of British came under this system.
Features
- Right of ownership given to Peasants which means they recognized as the Proprietor of the land.
- Revenue was collected directly from Peasants.
- Initially 50:50 ratio later changed as 1 / 3.
- Revenue fixed and collected on the basis of soil & nature of crop.
- Rents for land would be revised periodically.
Demerits
- In most of the areas the fixed revenue was excessive so many peasants could not pay.
- Official took harsh measures for non-payment or delayed Payment.
- This system also failed at end and it is also exploited farmers.
Mahalwari Systems (1833)
- Brain child of Hold Mackenzie and first introduced in Ganga Valley in 1822 and later it was extended to North Western Province, Central India and Punjab.
- In 1833 Lord William Bentinck made changes in Mackenzie’s system with the Guidance of Robert Martins Birds and named as Mahalwari Revenue Settlement system.
- 30% land of total area of British came under this system.
- The revenue of land collected through Village Head men or Lambardar.
- All Peasants and Proprietors are responsible for payment of Revenue.
- Initially the revenue share was 2/3 but later Bentinck reduced it to 50 percent.
Merits
- Village wise assessment took place for fixing the revenue.
- It brought improvement in Irrigation policy and eliminated middleman between British and Peasants.
Demerits
- Peasants over burdened with taxation and increases Land sales & dispossession.
- Lambarder enjoyed privileges and cultivators receive no benefit.
- It benefited the upper-class people in Villages.