The correct answer is: b) Landlessness and economic inequality.
The zamindari system was a system of land tenure in British India under which the British East India Company granted large tracts of land to a small number of landlords, known as zamindars, in exchange for a fixed annual revenue. The zamindars were responsible for collecting revenue from the peasants who worked the land, and they were also given the power to administer justice in their areas.
The zamindari system had a number of negative consequences. First, it led to landlessness and economic inequality. The zamindars often took advantage of their position to extract as much revenue as possible from the peasants, which left many peasants landless and impoverished. Second, the zamindari system weakened traditional community ownership of land. Under the zamindari system, land was seen as a commodity that could be bought and sold, which undermined the traditional system of communal ownership. Third, the zamindari system did not lead to improved agricultural productivity. The zamindars were more interested in extracting revenue from the peasants than in improving agricultural practices.
In conclusion, the zamindari system was a system of land tenure that had a number of negative consequences, including landlessness, economic inequality, and the weakening of traditional community ownership of land. It did not lead to improved agricultural productivity.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- a) Improved agricultural productivity. The zamindari system did not lead to improved agricultural productivity. The zamindars were more interested in extracting revenue from the peasants than in improving agricultural practices.
- b) Landlessness and economic inequality. The zamindari system led to landlessness and economic inequality. The zamindars often took advantage of their position to extract as much revenue as possible from the peasants, which left many peasants landless and impoverished.
- c) Strengthening traditional community ownership. The zamindari system weakened traditional community ownership of land. Under the zamindari system, land was seen as a commodity that could be bought and sold, which undermined the traditional system of communal ownership.
- d) Greater protection for tenant farmers. The zamindari system did not provide greater protection for tenant farmers. The zamindars often exploited tenant farmers, and there was little legal recourse for tenant farmers who were mistreated.