Utilitarianism and Rayotwari Revenue System in Western India

The Impact of the Ryotwari System on Land Revenue in Western India

Abstract

After the completion of the permanent settlement in Eastern India, the East India Company was in favour of extending it to Madras. However, attention was soon focused on the effects of the permanent settlement, particularly in respect of State’s share of land revenue and, in consequence, official opinion began to favour the Ryotwari System.Under this system, the ryot was directly under the state. Land revenue was assessed on each separate holding held by the ryot who was recognised as proprietor, i.e. he could sublet, mortgage or transfer by gift or sale. He could not be ejected so long as he paid the assessment. Ryotwari settlement was a temporary one, the period of assessment varying between 20—40 years.