Explain the Land Revenue System introduced by the British.

The British introduced new land revenue systems in India to generate revenue for administration and wars.

1. Permanent Settlement (1793) – Introduced by Lord Cornwallis in Bengal and Bihar:

   • Zamindars were made owners of the land and their rights became hereditary and transferable.
   • Revenue was fixed and had to be paid in cash by zamindars, collected from peasants.
   • Zamindars became a powerful class supporting British rule, while peasants became tenants.

2. Ryotwari System (1820) – Introduced by Alexander Reed and Thomas Munro in Madras, Bombay, Assam, and Coorg:

   • Revenue was settled directly with the cultivators (ryots).
   • Settlements were revised every 20–30 years to increase revenue.

3. Mahalwari System – Introduced in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and North-West Provinces:

   • Revenue was settled village by village or estate by estate (Mahal) with landlords or heads of families.
   • Revenue was periodically revised.