The correct answer is: D) All of the above.
The abolition of zamindaris was a major land reform measure undertaken by the British government in India in the early 20th century. The zamindars were a class of hereditary landlords who had been granted large tracts of land by the Mughal emperors in return for collecting taxes from the peasants who lived on the land. The zamindars had a great deal of power and influence over the peasants, and they often exploited them by charging high rents and taking a large share of the crops.
The British government abolished the zamindari system in order to improve the lives of the peasants. The abolition of zamindaris was intended to redistribute land to the peasants, increase agricultural productivity, and reduce social inequality.
The abolition of zamindaris was a complex and controversial measure. It was opposed by the zamindars, who lost their land and power, and by some peasants, who were not prepared for the responsibilities of owning land. However, the abolition of zamindaris was ultimately successful in improving the lives of the majority of peasants in India.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Redistribute land to peasants: The abolition of zamindaris was intended to redistribute land to the peasants. The zamindars were required to sell their land to the government, which then sold it to the peasants at a low price. This allowed the peasants to own their own land for the first time.
- Increase agricultural productivity: The abolition of zamindaris was also intended to increase agricultural productivity. The zamindars had often been absentee landlords, who had little interest in improving the productivity of their land. The abolition of zamindaris led to the formation of a new class of peasant proprietors, who were more interested in improving their land and increasing their yields.
- Reduce social inequality: The abolition of zamindaris was also intended to reduce social inequality. The zamindars had been a powerful and privileged class, while the peasants had been a poor and oppressed class. The abolition of zamindaris helped to reduce this inequality by giving the peasants a greater share of the land and by making them more independent.