The Land Revenue System in Rajasthan Under British Rule

The Land Revenue System in Rajasthan Under British Rule

The land revenue system in Rajasthan during the British Raj was a complex and multifaceted issue. It was influenced by a variety of factors, including the historical and cultural traditions of the region, the economic policies of the British government, and the social and political conditions prevailing at the time.

The British inherited a diverse and fragmented land revenue system in Rajasthan. There were a number of different types of land tenure, each with its own unique rules and regulations. These included Khalsa land, Jagir land, Biswadari land, Ijara land, and Ryotwari land.

Khalsa Land

Khalsa land was under the direct management of the state. It was the most common type of land tenure in Rajasthan, and it accounted for a significant portion of the state's revenue. The British introduced a number of reforms to the Khalsa land system, including the standardization of land measurement and the introduction of new methods of revenue assessment.

Jagir Land

Jagir land was held by grantees, who were appointed by the rulers of the princely states. Jagirs were often hereditary, and they could be passed down from one generation to the next. The British government took a cautious approach to Jagir land, seeking to preserve the authority of the princely rulers while also ensuring that the land revenue was collected regularly.

Biswadari Land

Biswadari land was a type of land tenure in which holders were given occupancy rights that were hereditary. Biswadars were required to pay a fixed land revenue to the state. The Biswadari system was particularly common in the Marwar region of Rajasthan.

Ijara Land

Ijara land was a type of land tenure in which the right to collect land revenue was sold to the highest bidder. The bidder, known as an Ijradar, was responsible for collecting the land revenue from the peasants. The Ijara system was often used in areas where the state lacked the resources or the capacity to collect land revenue directly.

Ryotwari Land

Ryotwari land was a type of land tenure in which peasants did not possess any tenancy rights. Peasants were required to pay a land revenue directly to the state, and they were subject to eviction if they failed to pay. The Ryotwari system was introduced by the British in some parts of Rajasthan, but it was not as widespread as other types of land tenure.

Methods of Land Revenue Assessment

The British introduced a number of different methods of land revenue assessment in Rajasthan. The most common method was the Batai system, which involved sharing the grain after threshing. Other methods included Lata and Kunta, which estimated the produce of the standing crop.

Cesses

In addition to land revenue, peasants were also subject to a large number of cesses. These cesses included those related to agricultural production, irrigation, cattle breeding, goods transportation, and social functions. The cesses were often levied by the state, but they could also be imposed by local landlords or village communities.

Impact of the Land Revenue System

The land revenue system had a significant impact on the social, economic, and political life of Rajasthan. It was a major source of revenue for the state, and it also played a crucial role in shaping the relationship between the state and the peasantry.

The land revenue system was also a source of discontent and unrest among the peasantry. Many peasants struggled to pay the high land revenue demands, and they often resorted to protest and resistance. The British government attempted to address these concerns through a number of reforms, but the land revenue system remained a contentious issue throughout the colonial period.

The land revenue system in Rajasthan under British rule was a complex and multifaceted issue. It was influenced by a variety of factors, including the historical and cultural traditions of the region, the economic policies of the British government, and the social and political conditions prevailing at the time. The land revenue system had a significant impact on the social, economic, and political life of Rajasthan, and it continues to shape the region's history and culture today.