Question

Who amongst the following British Governor Generals introduced the Permanent Settlement in Bengal?

• A. \( \text{Charles Cornwallis} \)
• B. \( \text{Warren Hastings} \)
• C. \( \text{William Bentinck} \)
• D. \( \text{George Barlow} \)

Hint:

Associate "Cornwallis" with "Permanent" (1793). Remember that this system led to the "Sunset Law," where Zamindari rights were auctioned if revenue wasn't paid by sunset of the specified date.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
• The Permanent Settlement (also known as the Zamindari System) was a land revenue system introduced in 1793.
• It aimed to fix the land revenue demand permanently to provide financial stability to the East India Company and encourage agricultural investment.
• Under this system, Zamindars were recognized as owners of the land, provided they paid a fixed revenue to the state.

Step 1: Determine the time period and administration
In the late 18th century, the East India Company faced inconsistent revenue collection in Bengal. Lord Cornwallis, who arrived as Governor-General in 1786, was tasked with reforming the revenue and judicial administration.

Step 2: Analyze the implementation of the policy
In 1793, Cornwallis enacted the Permanent Settlement. He believed that by making the revenue demand permanent, Zamindars would feel secure enough to invest in land improvements, similar to the landed gentry in England.

Step 3: Differentiate from other Governor Generals
Warren Hastings was involved in the earlier "Ijaradari" or farming system (auctioning revenue rights). William Bentinck is known for social reforms (like Sati abolition) and the Mahalwari system in Northern India. Cornwallis is the definitive architect of the Permanent Settlement in Bengal and Bihar.