UPSC Prelims 2017 · GS Paper I
Question 13: History and Culture
Who among the following was/were associated with the introduction of Ryotwari Settlement in India during the British rule ?
- 1.Lord Cornwallis
- 2.Alexander Read
- 3.Thomas Munro
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
The Ryotwari system settled revenue directly with the cultivator (ryot) rather than a zamindar. It began in the Baramahal region with Captain Alexander Read and was extended and popularised in Madras by Thomas Munro, who later became Governor of Madras. Lord Cornwallis is linked with the Permanent Settlement of 1793 in Bengal, a zamindari arrangement. Remember: Cornwallis for Zamindari, Read and Munro for Ryotwari.
- 1. Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement in Bengal (1793).
- 2. Alexander Read began the system in Baramahal.
- 3. Thomas Munro extended it across Madras.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a), (b) and (d) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement in Bengal (1793).
Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statements 2 or 3.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: Cornwallis introduced the Permanent (zamindari) Settlement.
- (b) Wrong: it includes Cornwallis, who is not linked with Ryotwari.
- (c) Right: Alexander Read and Thomas Munro were behind Ryotwari.
- (d) Wrong: Cornwallis is associated with the Permanent Settlement, not Ryotwari.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2017, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.