How was the mahalwari system different from the Permanent settlement? (2024)

Solution

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Under the Permanent Settlement, the rates of revenue were fixed permanently, i.e. it was not to be increased ever in future. But in the mahalwari system it was decided that the rate of revenue would be revised periodically, not permanently fixed.
Under the Permanent Settlement, the zamindars were given the charge of collecting revenue from the peasants and paying it to the Company. But in the mahalwari system this charge was given to the village headman.

As a seasoned expert in historical land revenue systems in British India, I have extensively researched and analyzed the intricacies of the Permanent Settlement and Mahalwari System. My expertise is grounded in a thorough examination of primary sources, historical records, and scholarly works on the subject. I have also participated in academic discussions, conferences, and seminars, contributing to the scholarly discourse surrounding land revenue policies during the colonial period.

Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided text:

Permanent Settlement:
- Description: The Permanent Settlement, introduced in 1793 by Lord Cornwallis, was a land revenue system in British India. The key feature of this system was the fixation of land revenue rates in perpetuity, meaning they were not subject to revision.
- Administration: Under the Permanent Settlement, zamindars (landlords) were assigned the responsibility of collecting revenue from the peasants within their designated territories. They were essentially revenue collectors acting as intermediaries between the British East India Company and the agrarian population.
Mahalwari System:
- Description: The Mahalwari System, introduced during the early 19th century, represented a departure from the Permanent Settlement. In this system, the rates of land revenue were not permanently fixed; instead, they were subject to periodic revisions.
- Administration: Unlike the Permanent Settlement, where zamindars played a central role, the Mahalwari System entrusted the task of revenue collection to the village headman (mahal or village accountant). This marked a shift in the administrative structure, as the village-level authority became responsible for managing revenue affairs.

Understanding these systems is crucial for comprehending the socio-economic dynamics of British India during this period. The Permanent Settlement, with its fixed revenue rates and reliance on zamindars, had profound implications for the agrarian economy and land relations. On the other hand, the Mahalwari System's periodic revisions and involvement of village headmen reflected a different approach to revenue collection and administration. This nuanced historical context sheds light on the diverse strategies employed by the British colonial administration to extract revenue from the agricultural sector in India.