Which one of the following propositions from the book 'History of Brit

Which one of the following propositions from the book ‘History of British India’ by James Mill is correct ?

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The tax payable by the zamindars should not be more than thirty percent of the total produce

The rights of cultivators should be protected by the State

The State should remain as the landlord and that each peasant should hold land directly from the State as its tenant

Sufficient advances should be given to the peasants so that they are encouraged to cultivate cash crops

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UPSC Geoscientist – 2024

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James Mill, in his ‘History of British India’ and other writings reflecting his Utilitarian views, advocated for administrative systems that he believed were rational and efficient. In the context of land revenue, he supported the Ryotwari system, where the state dealt directly with the peasant cultivators (ryots), considering them as tenants of the state. This approach aimed to eliminate intermediaries like zamindars, whom he viewed as inefficient and potentially exploitative, and to maximize revenue collection directly for the state, which was seen as the ultimate owner or landlord of the land.

Mill’s perspective was heavily influenced by classical economics (Ricardo) and Utilitarian philosophy (Bentham). He believed that direct interaction between the state and the cultivator was the most economically sound and just system, although his views were also shaped by a critical and sometimes prejudiced understanding of Indian society. This proposition aligns with the Ryotwari settlement that was implemented extensively in parts of British India like Madras and Bombay.

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