Mahalwari system of land revenue in India was introduced during the period of

The correct answer is Lord William Bentinck.

The Mahalwari System was introduced in the early 19th century as part of the British East India Company's efforts to reform land revenue systems in its territories. Following the Permanent Settlement of 1793, which fixed land revenues but led to significant issues in Bengal, the British sought a more flexible approach for other regions.

Pioneer of Mahalwari System: The Mahalwari System began to be considered for implementation in parts of Northern India around 1819, following a recommendation by Holt Mackenzie, the secretary to the board of commissioners. His proposal was formalised through Regulation VII of 1822.

Purpose: The system aimed to enhance revenue collection by leveraging the existing village structure, with the village headman, or lambardar, responsible for collecting revenue on behalf of the community.

Revision of Mahalwari System: The Regulation of 1833 aimed to simplify the process of estimating land production. Merttins Bird, known as the Father of Land Settlements in Northern India, oversaw this revised scheme, which involved surveying tracts of land to delineate field boundaries for both cultivated and fallow areas.