The Permanent Settlement was a land revenue system introduced in Bengal in 1793 by Lord Cornwallis. It was later extended to other parts of India, including Bihar.
Under the Permanent Settlement, the zamindars, or landlords, were given permanent ownership of the land in return for a fixed annual rent to be paid to the British government. This system had a number of negative consequences for Bihar.
First, it led to the decline of traditional industries. The zamindars were more interested in collecting rent than in investing in their land or the people who lived on it. This led to a decline in agricultural production and a loss of jobs in traditional industries such as weaving and pottery.
Second, the Permanent Settlement led to economic stagnation in rural areas. The zamindars were often absentee landlords who lived in cities and did not take an interest in the welfare of their tenants. This led to a decline in the quality of life for many people in rural areas.
Third, the Permanent Settlement led to the rise of powerful zamindars. The zamindars were able to accumulate large amounts of wealth and power under the Permanent Settlement. This made them a threat to the authority of the British government and led to social unrest in Bihar.
In conclusion, the Permanent Settlement had a number of negative consequences for Bihar. It led to the decline of traditional industries, economic stagnation in rural areas, and the rise of powerful zamindars.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Decline of traditional industries: The Permanent Settlement led to the decline of traditional industries because the zamindars were more interested in collecting rent than in investing in their land or the people who lived on it. This led to a decline in agricultural production and a loss of jobs in traditional industries such as weaving and pottery.
- Economic stagnation in rural areas: The Permanent Settlement led to economic stagnation in rural areas because the zamindars were often absentee landlords who lived in cities and did not take an interest in the welfare of their tenants. This led to a decline in the quality of life for many people in rural areas.
- Rise of powerful zamindars: The Permanent Settlement led to the rise of powerful zamindars because the zamindars were able to accumulate large amounts of wealth and power under the Permanent Settlement. This made them a threat to the authority of the British government and led to social unrest in Bihar.