Question

Which of the following statements are true regarding the Permanent Settlement introduced by the British in India?

1. It was implemented mainly in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.
2. Landlords were given permanent ownership rights over their lands.
3. Revenue rates could be adjusted periodically based on agricultural output.
4. The primary goal was to protect the rights of Indian peasants.

• A. i, ii
• B. All
• C. i, iv
• D. None of these

Answer 1

Answer:

A. i, ii

• The Permanent Settlement was introduced in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha by Lord Cornwallis in 1793.

• It created a class of zamindars (landlords) who were given permanent ownership rights over land in return for fixed revenue payments to the British.

• Statement 3 is incorrect because the revenue rates were fixed permanently and could not be adjusted, which often led to peasant exploitation.

• Statement 4 is also incorrect; the goal was to create loyal landlords, not to protect peasants.