Class 8 Our Past III Ruling the Countryside Notes

Class 8 Our Past III Ruling the Countryside Notes

. Introduction

  • After gaining control over large territories, the British East India Company had to manage the countryside.
  • This chapter explains how the Company collected revenue, controlled villages, and ruled over peasants.
  • Understanding this shows how ordinary people were affected under colonial rule.

2. Revenue Collection

  • The Company needed money to maintain its army and administration.
  • Zamindari System: Introduced mainly in Bengal.
    • Zamindars (landowners) collected taxes from peasants.
    • Peasants often paid high taxes, leading to poverty and debt.
  • Ryotwari System: Introduced in Madras and Bombay.
    • Peasants (ryots) paid tax directly to the government.
  • Mahalwari System: Used in parts of North India.
    • Village communities were responsible for paying taxes.

3. Exploitation of the Countryside

  • High taxes left peasants with very little to survive.
  • Indebtedness became common; peasants borrowed money from moneylenders at high interest.
  • Famine and poverty were worsened because of harsh revenue policies.
  • Local landlords (zamindars) often exploited peasants further.

4. British Control Over Villages

  • The Company maintained law and order to secure revenue.
  • Villages were surveyed, recorded, and taxed systematically.
  • This led to rigid control over agriculture and peasant life.

5. Impact on Society

  • Economic: Peasants became poor and indebted, traditional industries declined.
  • Social: Villagers faced loss of autonomy; rural communities were under Company control.
  • Political: Landlords became agents of British power, reducing peasants’ independence.

6. Key Terms to Remember

  • Zamindari System: Tax collected by landlords.
  • Ryotwari System: Tax collected directly from peasants.
  • Mahalwari System: Village community responsible for tax.
  • Ryot: Peasant farmer.
  • Indebtedness: Borrowing money, often at high interest.

7. Most Probable Questions (One/Two Word Answers)

  1. System of tax collection in Bengal → Zamindari
  2. Landowners who collected tax → Zamindars
  3. System where peasants paid tax directly → Ryotwari
  4. System where village paid tax collectively → Mahalwari
  5. Peasant farmer → Ryot
  6. Effect of high taxes → Poverty
  7. Who exploited peasants further? → Zamindars
  8. Reason for British revenue collection → Army
  9. Loan with high interest → Indebtedness
  10. Outcome of Company control → Famine