MODULE 5

Agriculture
Land Reforms:
o Land reforms are often connected with re-distribution of agricultural
land and hence it is related to agrarian reforms too.
o Colonial rule by British saw a dramatic shift in the land ownership
pattern of India. Land of many tribal/forest communities was seized by
British cultivators and Zamindars, and land tax was widely collected
through systems like Zamindari, Ryotwari or Mahalwari.
Land Revenue Systems in British India:
Three major systems of land revenue collection existed in India. They were –
Zamindari, Ryotwari and Mahalwari.
- Zamindari System
Zamindari System was introduced by Cornwallis in 1793 through Permanent
Settlement Act. Zamindars were recognized as owner of the lands. Zamindars
were given the rights to collect the rent from the peasants.
- Ryotwari System
Ryotwari System was introduced by Thomas Munro in 1820. In Ryotwari
System the ownership rights were handed over to the peasants. British
Government collected taxes directly from the peasants.
- Mahalwari System
Mahalwari system was introduced in 1833 during the period of William
Bentick. It was introduced in Central Province, North-West Frontier, Agra,
Punjab, Gangetic Valley, etc of British India. Ownership rights were vested with
the peasants. The villages committee was held responsible for collection of the
taxes.
o A rich-minority-landowning class and poor-landless-peasant class
became symbols of Indian agrarian society. 
o Rich Zamindar class, became more powerful year after year,
accumulating wealth. 
o The peasants, who actually cultivated the land, was often in poverty and
remained landless.
o Land reforms are essential steps towards social and economic equality
as land is a fundamental asset needed for the healthy development of
an individual.
o Zamindari Abolition Act was passed by UP, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Madhya
Pradesh, etc. Surplus lands were confiscated from zamindars. Later Land
Ceilings Act was passed by different states.