Bengal and Zamindars

Introduction

Zamindari system was introduced in 1793 - an important year for India as an agreement was fixed related to the land revenue between the company and the Zamindars. Zamindari system was first established in Bengal, Bihar and Odisha and then spread to Madras as well as Varanasi. Cornwallis was inspired by the land revenue prevailing system in England. It presents that the landlords were the masters and the peasants gave them revenue.

Zamindars of Bengal

The Zamindars in Bengal were called the holder of land and here the root words were Persian. Bengal is considered to be one of the most important parts here because in this place the word denied the meaning of hereditary tax collector and they were able in retaining 10 % of the collected revenue. It was observed that the government of Britain made the zamindars the landlords. This incident happened in the 18th century and in this way, they made a landed aristocracy in Bengal and Bihar. This system stayed until India achieved its freedom. It was observed that in the northern parts of Lidia such as Uttar Pradesh zamindar was called the larger landowners having full proprietary rights. On the other hand, in Maratha territories, they were famous as hereditary revenue officers.

Stability and Change in the Zamindar Class

The eighteen century showed the establishment of regional semi-independence and was performed by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan. This system also showed the war between the successors of Khan for Nawabi.

The sub-continent of India witnessed some facts such as the grant of Diwani rights, the famine of 1769-1770, as well as the company's full Diwani power. This situation gave Bengal a chance to increase nobility, army, and bureaucracy. The zamindars participated in this for increasing their power and territory. Murshid Quli Khan took an important place in that era and his period of office is essential for knowing about the zamindars.

Revenue Management

Management of revenue was one of the most important duties of the zamindars and it described the relationship with the government. The zamindars were responsible for promoting the cultivation's advancement, and the country's improvement, as well as increasing the products.

There were the responsibilities of the zamindars that ensured the regular increase of incomes. The arable lands gave rent to the imperial revenue for its creation, and the ponds, as well as marshes, also contributed a lot to this creation. The zamindars earned income in the form of three sources, namely, mal, sair, and bazi-jama.

Military Powers of the Zamindars

The zamindars enjoyed military powers and it has a connection to the Subah of Bengal. The zamindars required service in the military when there was the reign of the Mughals. The circles of Fjaujdari were important in this period and the zamindars were obliged for furnishing the assistance of the military. The rulers of the Mughals did not maintain a large standing army.

The zamindars introduced the policy of mansabdars and they enroll on the service of properties. The status of the mansabs decided their salary and Hazari was the most important concept of this. These were the concept of the zamindari system as well as the military powers of then in the field of Bengal.

Zamindar’s Role in Justice Administration

The zamindars were responsible for controlling the criminal activities in the interior. It was observed that they failed to follow their duties and some of the crimes that were organised were seen in the rural areas.

It was observed that Azim-ush-shah controlled judicial administration system in Calcutta. He was the grandson of Aurangzeb and was the Subhahdar of Bengal.

The company get control of the zamindari system and Azim helped them in this matter. It was considered to be a great move towards the system of administration. The company also achieved the status of the constitution under the Mughal administration machinery. The zamindars in this pair were liable for the system of administration. They follow the order as well as law and the prince set up the judiciary service.

A gap was seen in the field of law and order resulting in the absence of the supreme power. The Zamindars assumed the law and order powers, took such matters into their hands and performed the necessary judiciary function.

Conclusion

This tutorial presents that 1793 was the year when the zamindari system was introduced in very few places in India like Bengal and Bihar. Lord Cornwallis was considered to be the person who introduced this system in those places. This system presents the right as well as the power of a zamindar in taking charge of the land. The zamindar had the responsibility for paying a fixed amount of money to the Company.

FAQs

1. Who introduced the Dual Government system in India?

Robert Clive introduced the system of Dual Government and he was a follower of the British East India Company. This system continued from 1765 to 1772 and it divided the system of administration of Bengal into Nizamat and Diwani. Warren Hastings abolished the system in 1772 and the Britishers controlled Bengal directly.

2. Who introduced the Permanent settlement of Bengal?

This settlement was introduced by Lord Cornwallis in the year 1793. This settlement was introduced in some places like Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, parts of Northern Karnataka, and Varanasi. According to this system, the zamindars needed to pay a proper amount of money to the company.

3. What was the reason for abolishing the zamindars?

The main motto for bringing this system of zamindars into this place for bringing some changes to the revenue system. This system was considered to be good for cultivators. It was observed that this system’s abolition made bonded the labours in a punishable offence and the system was abolished.