question_answer

Examine the land revenue system that was introduced in Bombay Deccan. How did the peasants fall into the debt-trap of the moneylenders? Explain.

Or

'Rumours and prosphesies played a part in moving the people into action during the revolt of 1857.' Examine the statement with rumours and reasons for its belief.

 

Answer:

Land Revenue Systems in British India: Three major systems of land revenue collection existed in India. They were - Zaminidari, Ryotwari and Mahalwari.

After the land revenue system introduced in Bombay Deccan, the peasants fell into the debt trap or moneylenders i.e., Zamindars.

The money lenders were insensitive to the plight of small peasants. The moneylenders were powerful and were violating the customary norms that regulated the relationship between moneylenders and small peasants.

The ryots and peasants often complained of moneylenders manipulating laws and forging accounts. In 1859, the British passed a limitation law that stated that the loan bond validity shall be 3 years. This law was meant to check the accumulation of interest over time - However, moneylenders turned the law around, forcing borrowers to sign the bond every three years. When new bond was signed, the unpaid accumulated interest amount was added to principal and hence principal amount increased. The moneylenders used various methods like; they refused to give receipts when loan was repaid, entered fictitious figures in loan bonds, acquired the peasant?s harvest at a lower price, and ultimately took over peasant?s property.

The peasants were made to sign or in case of uneducated peasants, took thumb impression on documents, but peasants did not know what they were actually signing on and the clauses that the moneylenders inserted in the bonds. They feared the written words, but had no choice because they needed loans to survive. This way the peasants faced injustice in the hands of moneylenders and under debt-trap they lost all their lands.