Unlike large zamindari estates in other parts of India, land holdings in Sikkim were often:

Smaller in size
Communally owned
Granted for limited periods
Tax-exempt

The correct answer is: a) Smaller in size

Land holdings in Sikkim were often smaller in size than the large zamindari estates in other parts of India. This was due to the fact that Sikkim was a mountainous region with a limited amount of arable land. As a result, land was often divided into small plots that were owned by individual families or groups of families.

The other options are incorrect for the following reasons:

  • Option b) is incorrect because land in Sikkim was not communally owned. Land was owned by individual families or groups of families.
  • Option c) is incorrect because land in Sikkim was not granted for limited periods. Land was owned by individual families or groups of families in perpetuity.
  • Option d) is incorrect because land in Sikkim was not tax-exempt. Landowners in Sikkim were required to pay taxes to the government.