Question

Fill in the blank with the suitable option given below.
In 1859, the British passed the __________ that stated that the loan bonds signed between moneylenders and ryots would have a validity period of three years.

• A. Ilbert Bill
• B. Rowlatt Act
• C. Limitation Law
• D. Arms Act

Hint:

The 'ryots' were common peasants, and the exploitation by moneylenders was a central theme of agrarian unrest in colonial India. The Rowlatt Act was a much later piece of legislation passed in 1919 regarding revolutionary activities.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:

• The 19th century witnessed deep agrarian distress in India, exacerbated by colonial legal systems.
• Laws regarding credit and debt were frequently manipulated to the advantage of moneylenders.

Step 1: Identifying the specific law
The 'Limitation Law' was passed in 1859 to regulate the legal standing of loan agreements.
It declared that loan bonds signed by peasants would only be valid for three years, after which they had to be renewed.

Step 2: Understanding the impact
Moneylenders often tricked illiterate ryots into signing new, updated bonds every three years, effectively keeping them in a perpetual cycle of debt.
This law became one of the major grievances that triggered the Deccan Riots of 1875.