Question

UPSC Prelims 2019 Question:

With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct?

  1. 1. The ceiling laws were aimed at family holdings and not individual holdings.
  2. 2. The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.
  3. 3. It resulted in cultivation of cash crops as a predominant form of cultivation.
  4. 4. Land reforms permitted no exemptions to the ceiling limits.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2: The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.

Detailed Solution

Explanation: 

  • At the time of independence, India was an agrarian economy (land remained the means of livelihood for the larger section of society) and had inherited a very inequitable agrarian system. Land reforms were major reforms in the agrarian structure, especially in landholdings and the distribution of land that benefitted the maximum number of people by improving their economic conditions.

  • The government took three main steps to realize the objectives of land reforms,

  • Abolition of Intermediaries

  • The age-old exploitative land tenure systems of the Zamindari, Mahalwari and Ryotwari were fully abolished. 

  • Tenancy Reforms
    • Regulation of rent
    • Security of tenure
    • Ownership rights to tenant

  • Reorganization of Agriculture:
    • Redistribution of land among the landless poor masses after promulgating timely ceiling laws
    • Consolidation of land
    • Cooperative farming

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

Subject: History | Miscellaneous(hist)

Latest UPSC Exam 2026 Updates

Last updated on January, 2026

→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Interview Guidance Programme for expert help to crack your final UPSC stage.

UPSC Mains Result 2025 is now out.

UPSC Notification 2026 Postponed for CSE & IFS which was scheduled to be released on 14 January 2026.

UPSC Calendar 2026 has been released.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

→ Prepare effectively with Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Prelims Test Series 2026 featuring full-length mock tests, detailed solutions, and performance analysis.

→ Enroll in Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mains Test Series 2026 for structured answer writing practice, expert evaluation, and exam-oriented feedback.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Best UPSC Mentorship Program for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.

UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!

UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.

→ Also check Best UPSC Coaching in India

Vajiram Content Team
Vajiram Content Team
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,75,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹85000
Enroll Now
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
₹19000
Enroll Now
Prelims Powerup Test Series
Prelims Powerup Test Series
₹8500
Enroll Now
Enquire Now