The East India Company's Rule in Bengal and the Indigo Cultivation

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The East India Company's Rule in Bengal and the Indigo Cultivation




The East India Company, a powerful British trading company, gradually expanded its influence in India during the 18th century. In 1765, a significant turning point occurred when the Company was granted the right to collect revenue from Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. This marked the beginning of direct British rule in these regions.

As the Company's administrative and economic power grew, they sought to maximize revenue. This led to the implementation of new land revenue systems:

 - The Permanent Settlement (1793): This system aimed to ensure a steady flow of revenue for the Company. Land rights were granted to zamindars (landlords) in exchange for a fixed annual payment. While intended to encourage agricultural development, the high fixed revenue often led to the exploitation of peasants by zamindars.

 - The Mahalwari System (1822): This system introduced a village-level approach to revenue collection, with village headmen responsible for payments to the Company.

 - The Ryotwari System (South India): This system dealt directly with individual cultivators (ryots), assessing revenue based on their landholdings.

The Rise of Indigo Cultivation

Indigo, a plant that produces a deep blue dye, was highly valued in Europe. Indian indigo was particularly prized for its superior quality. As European demand for indigo grew, the East India Company actively encouraged its cultivation in India.

Methods of Indigo Cultivation:-

  Nij Cultivation: Planters directly controlled land and employed laborers.

 - Ryoti Cultivation: Planters entered into contracts with peasants, providing loans in exchange for a portion of their land being used for indigo cultivation. This often led to exploitative practices, trapping peasants in a cycle of debt.

Peasant Resistance and the Decline of Indigo

The oppressive conditions faced by indigo cultivators led to widespread discontent. In 1859, a major peasant rebellion, often referred to as the "Blue Rebellion," erupted in Bengal. Peasants refused to cultivate indigo and actively resisted the demands of planters.

The British government, concerned about the growing unrest, established the Indigo Commission in 1860 to investigate the situation. The commission's findings exposed the exploitative nature of indigo cultivation and led to some reforms.

The Champaran Movement (1917): Mahatma Gandhi's involvement in the Champaran movement against indigo planters in Bihar further highlighted the plight of Indian peasants and played a crucial role in the eventual decline of indigo cultivation.

Key Takeaways:

 -The East India Company's rule in Bengal brought about significant changes in land ownership and revenue collection systems.

 - The demand for indigo in Europe led to its widespread cultivation in India, often at the expense of peasant livelihoods.

 - The indigo cultivation system, particularly the ryoti system, was characterized by exploitation and forced labor.

 * Peasant resistance and government intervention ultimately led to the decline of indigo cultivation in India.


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