Ruling the Countryside

-

 Ruling the Countryside (Class 8 Social Science) in a concise Q&A and textual-exercise format, based on the linked BYJ



Key Q&A

1. When did the East India Company become Diwan of Bengal?

On 12 August 1765, the Company took over the Diwani (right to collect taxes) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa 


.


2. What was the Permanent Settlement (1793)?


Initiated by Cornwallis, it recognized landlords (Rajas, taluqdars) as zamindars.


Revenue to be paid to the Company was fixed permanently.


Intended to encourage land investment but often demanded high sums, causing hardship 


.


3. How does the Mahalwari system differ?


Started in 1822 by Holt Mackenzie.


Revenue assessed village-wise (“mahal”), not permanently fixed—subject to periodic revision.


Collected by village headmen, not zamindars 



4. What is the Munro (Ryotwari) system?


Introduced in South India (1820s) by Sir Thomas Munro.


Direct interaction and revenue assessment with individual ryots after surveying their lands 


.


5. What problems did peasants face under these systems?


High, often unaffordable, revenue demands.


Peasants took moneylender loans, and were frequently evicted or fled, leaving villages deserted 


.


6. Why was indigo in demand?


Provided richer blue dye than European woad.


Growing indigo production from India replaced diminishing supplies from the West Indies and America 


.


7. What were the two forms of indigo cultivation?


Nij: Planters cultivated on their own lands using hired labor.


Ryoti: Ryots leased land via contract (“satta”), took advances, grew indigo but became trapped in debt cycles 



8. Why did ryots revolt?


Low prices, forced cultivation on fertile land, soil exhaustion, and loan exploitation.


Social violence erupted against planters’ agents (gomasthas).


The 1859 “Blue Rebellion” led to the establishment of the Indigo Commission and ended forced cultivation 

.


9. What is the Champaran Movement?


In 1917, Gandhi led a campaign in Champaran (Bihar) against oppressive indigo planter policies 


✍️ Textual Exercises

Match the terms


Ryot → Peasant


Mahal → Village


Nij → Cultivation on planter’s own land


Ryoti → Cultivation on ryot’s land 



Fill in the blanks

a. Growers of woad in Europe saw indigo as a rival crop.

b. Demand for indigo rose due to the expansion of cotton production.

c. International demand dropped with the invention of synthetic dyes.

d. The Champaran movement was against indigo planters 


.


Short‑answer questions


State two features of the Permanent Settlement.

• Zamindars were finalized as tax collectors with fixed revenue.

• Failure to pay led to loss of zamindari.


List two differences between Mahalwari and Permanent systems.

• Mahalwari used village-level assessments, revised periodically; Permanent was fixed forever.

• Mahalwari revenue was collected by village headmen, Permanent by zamindars 


.


Describe two problems with the Munro (Ryotwari) system.

• Assessment was too high.

• Led to widespread peasant eviction or migration 



Why were ryots reluctant to grow indigo?

• Received low payments.

• High interest advances trapped them in debt.

• Cultivation required fertile soil, making it impossible to grow food crops afterward 


.


**Explain the collapse of indigo production in Bengal.**

• Peasant refusal and revolts.

• Support from local zamindars/village heads.

• Government-established Indigo Commission recommended ending coercive indigo cultivation. Planters subsequently retreated 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

CLASS 7 SOCIAL SCIENCE 2025-26 MID TERM

-
HISTORY --- Chapter 1: Kings and Kingdoms #### NCERT Questions and Answers 1. **Who were the parties involved in the “tripartite struggle”?**    The Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, and Palas were involved in the tripartite struggle over the control of Kanauj. 2. **What were the qualifications necessary to become a member of a committee of the sabha in the Chola empire?**    The person had to be a landowner, know the Vedas, aged between 35–70, and should not have been involved in any criminal activity. Anyone failing to submit accounts was disqualified. 3. **What were the functions of the sabha?**    The sabha was responsible for managing irrigation, agricultural activities, collection of taxes, temple maintenance, and village administration. #### Extra Questions (20–60 words) 1. **What is a sabha in Chola rule?**    Sabha was a Brahmin village assembly that managed local issues, including temple construction and irrigation systems. 2. **Who was ...
Read more

MY STRUGGLE FOR THE EXISTENCE

-
Image
As I ruminate on my life's journey, I am reminded of the capricious nature of fate, which can effortlessly metamorphose one's existence in the blink of an eye. At the tender age of six, I became an orphan, bereft of the loving care and nurturing presence of my parents. This cataclysmic event would indelibly leave an imprint on my psyche, shaping my worldview and informing my future endeavors. Despite the formidable challenges that lay ahead, I was fortunate to have my indefatigable single Muslim mother, Shazia Rehman, who assumed the onerous responsibility of raising me. Her unwavering dedication, unrelenting perseverance, and unconditional love served as a bulwark against the vicissitudes of life, enabling me to navigate the complexities of growing up. As I traversed the labyrinthine corridors of my educational journey, I began to develop a profound affinity for Hinduism and, more importantly, humanism. The eclectic mix of philosophical and theological perspectives that I enco...
Read more

Literacy Rate in India 2025: State-Wise Insights

-
Image
  Literacy Rate in India 2025: State-Wise Insights As citizens of India, understanding the literacy rate of our country is crucial. India, the world's largest democracy, has made significant progress in improving literacy levels over the years. However, challenges remain, with disparities across states and between genders. In this article, we provide an updated and detailed analysis of the literacy rate in India in 2025, including state-wise data, key trends, and insights into how we can further improve literacy levels nationwide. India's Literacy Rate in 2025: As of 2025, India's overall literacy rate stands at 77.7%, reflecting steady progress from earlier years. While this is an improvement from the 2011 Census figure of 74.04%, it still means that nearly one in four Indians remains unable to read or write. The male literacy rate is 84.7%, while the female literacy rate is 70.3%, highlighting a persistent gender gap. Key Highlights of India's Literacy Rate  - Categor...
Read more