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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.

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Sections

  • 3

    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.

    Learning Practice

  • 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.

    Learning Practice

  • 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.

    Learning Practice

  • 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.

    Learning Practice

  • 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.

    Learning Practice

  • 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.

    Learning Practice

  • 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.

    Learning Practice

  • 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.

    Learning Practice

  • 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.

    Learning Practice

  • 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.

    Learning Practice

  • 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.

    Learning Practice

  • 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.

    Learning Practice

  • 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.

    Learning Practice

  • 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.

    Learning Practice

  • 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.

    Learning Practice

  • 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.

    Learning Practice

  • 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 Practice

References

NCERT Study Material

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • The East India Company was ...
  • The Permanent Settlement an...
  • The demand for crops like i...

Final Test

Revision Tests

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