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3. Ruling the Countryside

The chapter explores the establishment of British colonial rule in the Indian countryside, focusing on the economic and administrative transformations that occurred post the East India Company's appointment as the Diwan of Bengal. It discusses the revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement and the Mahalwari system, the introduction and impact of cash crops like indigo, and the resulting struggles of peasants under these exploitative systems, culminating in the Indigo Rebellion and subsequent movements for reform.

Sections

Ruling the Countryside

This section examines how the East India Company became the Diwan of Bengal and the implications of their revenue system on the local economy and population.

3 Section Overview

Start current section content and materials

3.1 The Company Becomes the Diwan

In 1765, the East India Company was appointed as the Diwan of Bengal, transforming its role from a trading organization to the chief financial administrator of the region.

3.1.1 Revenue for the Company

This section discusses how the East India Company transitioned to a governing power in Bengal and its compulsions regarding revenue generation amidst economic crises.

3.1.2 The need to improve agriculture

The East India Company recognized the necessity to enhance agricultural practices in Bengal to secure continuous revenue and stabilize the region's economy.

3.1.3 The problem

This section discusses the challenges faced by the East India Company after becoming the Diwan of Bengal, including revenue collection issues and the impact of agricultural exploitation on local peasants and artisans.

3.1.4 A new system is devised

The section discusses the changes introduced in the revenue system by the East India Company in the early 19th century, focusing on the mahalwari and ryotwari systems.

3.1.5 The Munro system

The Munro system represents a shift from the Permanent Settlement in British India to a more direct form of revenue assessment and collection from individual cultivators.

3.1.6 All was not well

The East India Company's attempt to administer Bengal faced severe challenges, resulting in an economic crisis and widespread discontent among peasants and artisans.

3.2 Crops for Europe

This section discusses how the British expanded crop cultivation in India, particularly focusing on indigo, for European markets and the impact of such practices on local agriculture.

3.2.1 Does colour have a history?

This section explores the historical significance of indigo dye production in India and its impact on the global textile industry, particularly in Britain.

3.2.2 Why the demand for Indian indigo?

The demand for Indian indigo surged in the late 18th century due to its superior dye quality compared to local alternatives.

3.2.3 Britain turns to India

This section discusses the East India Company's transition from a trading entity to the financial administrator of Bengal and the subsequent impact on the agricultural and economic landscape of India.

3.2.4 How was indigo cultivated?

This section discusses the cultivation of indigo in India, primarily focusing on the systems of nij and ryoti cultivation and the economic exploits in the indigo trade.

3.2.5 The problem with nij cultivation

Nij cultivation faced significant challenges due to land scarcity, labor mobilization difficulties, and unsustainable agricultural practices, making it a less viable option for indigo production in Bengal.

3.2.6 Indigo on the land of ryots

This section highlights the exploitation of Bengali ryots under the indigo cultivation system established by British planters during colonial rule.

3.2.7 How was indigo produced?

This section explores the historical production of indigo in India, its significance in the global market, and the systems of labor and cultivation used.

3.3 The “Blue Rebellion” and After

The 'Blue Rebellion' was a significant uprising of indigo growers in Bengal against oppressive plantation practices, leading to substantial changes in indigo production.

Learning Objectives

  • The East India Company was appointed as the Diwan of Bengal, becoming the primary financial administrator of the region.

  • The Permanent Settlement and the Mahalwari system were major revenue systems implemented by the Company, each with its own set of challenges.

  • The demand for crops like indigo led to oppressive practices, inciting peasants to revolt and seek autonomy.

Key Concepts

Diwani

The appointment of the East India Company as the chief financial administrator of Bengal, allowing it to control revenue collection.

Permanent Settlement

A revenue system established in 1793 that fixed the payment of revenue for zamindars permanently, leading to various social and economic problems.

Mahalwari System

A revenue collection system introduced in 1822 where village headmen collected assessed revenue from cultivators, aiming for more periodic adjustments.

Indigo

A cash crop grown extensively in Bengal for its dye, which became a major point of conflict between peasants and planters due to exploitative practices.

Indigo Rebellion

A revolt by ryots in 1859 against the oppressive indigo cultivation system, reflecting broader resistance to colonial agricultural practices.

Practice Exercises

Total Questions

3

Estimated Time

6 min

Passing Score

70%

Instructions

  • Read each question carefully
  • You can use hints if you need help
  • Complete all questions before submitting