The correct answer is: b) Land revenue collection.
The Permanent Settlement was a land revenue system introduced by the British East India Company in Bengal in 1793. Under this system, the Company granted large tracts of land to local landlords, known as zamindars, in return for a fixed annual payment. This system had a major impact on land revenue collection in Bengal.
Prior to the Permanent Settlement, land revenue was collected by the Company’s officials. This system was often inefficient and corrupt, and the Company often failed to collect the full amount of revenue that was due. The Permanent Settlement was designed to address these problems by giving zamindars a direct interest in collecting revenue.
Under the Permanent Settlement, zamindars were responsible for collecting revenue from the peasants who lived on their land. They were then required to pay a fixed annual sum to the Company. This system was initially successful in increasing revenue collection. However, it also led to a number of problems.
One problem was that zamindars often became oppressive landlords. They often demanded more revenue from the peasants than they could afford to pay. This led to widespread poverty and unrest.
Another problem was that the Permanent Settlement created a class of absentee landlords. Many zamindars lived in Calcutta or other cities and did not take an interest in managing their estates. This led to a decline in agricultural productivity.
The Permanent Settlement was finally abolished in 1950. However, it had a major impact on land revenue collection in Bengal for over 150 years.
The other options are incorrect for the following reasons:
a) Trade regulations: The Permanent Settlement did not have a major impact on trade regulations. The Company continued to control trade in Bengal after the Permanent Settlement was introduced.
c) Military recruitment: The Permanent Settlement did not have a major impact on military recruitment. The Company continued to recruit soldiers from all over India, including Bengal.
d) Religious institutions: The Permanent Settlement did not have a major impact on religious institutions. The Company did not interfere with the religious practices of the people of Bengal.