UPSC Prelims 2011 · GS Paper I

Question 53: History and Culture

The tendency for increased litigation was visible after the introduction of the land settlement system of Lord Cornwallis in 1793. The reason for this is normally traced to which of the following provisions ?

aMaking Zamindar's position stronger vis-a-vis the ryot

bMaking East India Company an overlord of Zamindars

cMaking judicial system more efficient

dNone of the (a), (b) and (c) above

AnswerThe answer is (c).

The Cornwallis Code of 1793 set up a regular system of civil courts and took judicial powers away from Collectors, so that disputes over rent, land and revenue went to the courts. Together with the Permanent Settlement, which made zamindars owners of land and fixed the revenue, this created property rights that people could sue over. Cases between zamindars and ryots, and between zamindars and the Company over arrears, multiplied. The given answer traces the rise in litigation to the new judicial system.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) A stronger zamindar position is a plausible factor, but the given answer prefers the court system.
(b) The Company's overlordship did not itself generate suits.
(c) Right: the new judicial system and civil courts invited litigation.
(d) One of the options given is correct.

Worth knowing: Option (a) is also a plausible cause, since secure zamindari rights led to suits against ryots; the given answer picks (c).

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2011, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.