The Ryotwari system was first implemented in –
- AGujarat
- BMadras
- CBombay
- DOdisha
- ENone of the above/More than one of the above
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (b) Madras
Explanation
The Ryotwari system was first introduced experimentally in the Madras Presidency by Alexander Read in 1792 in the Baramahal region of Tamil Nadu. Thomas Munro is closely associated with the Ryotwari system. After becoming the Governor of Madras in 1820, he implemented it throughout the Madras Presidency. Munro’s disciple Elphinstone introduced it in the Bombay Presidency. This system was implemented in about 51% of the total area of British India (Madras, some parts of Bombay, Assam and Coorg now a part of modern Karnataka, etc.). Under this system, ryots were given ownership rights over land, and they were directly and individually responsible for paying land revenue. After 1835, G. Wingate and H. E. Goldsmith introduced reforms in this system.