Question

Which of these Governor-Generals implemented Zamindari system in India?
1. Lord Dalhousie
2. Lord Canning
3. Lord Warren Hastings
4. Lord Cornwallis

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Lord Cornwallis

The correct answer is Lord Cornwallis.

• Zamindari System:
  • The zamindari system was introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 through the Permanent Settlement Act. 
  • It was introduced in the provinces of Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, and Varanasi.
  • Under the Zamindari system, the land revenue was collected from the cultivators by the intermediaries known as zamindars. 
  • It vested the land ownership right in the zamindars.
  • The customary occupancy rights of peasants were ignored and they were reduced to the status of tenants. 
  • The share of the government in the total land revenue collected by the zamindars was very large (10/11th part of the revenue). 
  • Due to high revenue and exploitative measures, The peasants found this system oppressive and exploitative.
• Reforms under Lord Cornwallis:
  • He introduced the system of Daroga as part of Police reforms.​
  • He established courts in the districts, provinces, and states. The highest court was the Supreme Court of Calcutta.
  • He introduced Civil Services in India.

• Important events under Lord Hastings (1813-1823): 
  • Third Anglo-Maratha war.
  • Abolition of Dual Government system of Clive.
  • Abolition of Peshwaship.
  • Establishment of the Ryotwari System in Madras (By Thomas Munroe) and Bombay.
  • Mahalwari system in north-western Provinces and Bombay. 
• Important events under Lord Dalhousie (1848 - 1856):
  • Lord Dalhousie came to India as the Governor-General in 1848.
  • The policy of the Doctrine of lapse was introduced by Lord Dalhousie.
  • The first-ever railway line was laid between Bombay and Thane in the year 1853. 
  • He is known as the Father of the Indian Railway since he launched the first-ever railway carriage in the country. 
  • He also established the telegraph line between Calcutta and Agra in 1853. 
  • He was also known for the establishment of the Public Works Department and Widow Remarriage Act 1856.
• Important events under Lord Canning (1856 - 1862):​
  • The Mutiny of 1857, which he was able to suppress successfully,
  • Passing of Indian Councils Act, 1861 which introduced a portfolio system in India.
  • Withdrawal of “Doctrine of Lapse” was one of the main reasons for the mutiny of 1858.
  • Introduction of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
  • Enactment of Indian High Courts Act.
  • Indian Penal Code (1858)
  • Bengal Rent Act (1859)
  • Introduction of Income-tax on an experimental basis etc.