UPSC Prelims 2017 Question:

Who among the following was/were associated with the introduction of Ryotwari Settlement in India during the British Rule?

1. Lord Cornwallis
2. Alexander Read
3. Thomas Munro
   
   

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Explanation: 

• Ryotwari system, one of the three principal methods of revenue collection in British India. It was prevalent in most of southern India, being the standard system of the Madras Presidency (a British-controlled area now constituting much of present-day Tamil Nadu and portions of neighboring states). 
  • The system was devised by Captain Alexander Read and Thomas (later Sir Thomas) Munro at the end of the 18th century and introduced by the latter when he was Governor (1820–27) of Madras (present day Chennai). So, points 2 and 3 are correct.
  • The principle was the direct collection of the land revenue from each individual cultivator by government agents. 
  • For this purpose all holdings were measured and assessed according to crop potential and actual cultivation. The advantages of this system were the elimination of intermediaries, who often oppressed villagers, and an assessment of the tax on land actually cultivated and not merely occupied.
    
    
• Lord Cornwallis was associated with the Permanent Settlement of Land Revenue. So, point 1 is not correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: History | British Administration and Policies in India