Mahalwari Settlement

IAS Notes November 05, 2022
Land Revenue Settlement
Mahalwari Settlement

British East India Company introduced three types of Land Revenue Settlement in India -
  1. Permanent Settlement (Zamindari/Jamindari Bandobast)
  2. Ryotwari Settlement
  3. Mahalwari Settlement
land revenue settlement


Mahalwari Settlement 

Mahal stands for a group of villages or large village as a single economic entity or fiscal unit.

In 1790, Hold McKenzie gave gave suggestion to implement it. As such, it was introduced in Western UP in 1822 and in 1833 it was extended to the rest of the North India.

It covered near about 30% area of the British India.

Provisions 
  1. The land ownership right was generally retained with the peasants but at some places it was also with the Zamindars.
  2. Land Ownership right was hereditary and transferrable.
  3. For revenue collection, Mahal unit was created and agreements were signed with the village headmen and lambardars.
  4. Those who did not pay the taxes on time, were evicted from the land.
  5. Field to field survey for the revenue assessment was the core of this settlement.
  6. For the first time, land records were noted (created) and its map was created.
  7. There was provision of relief during natural calamity but in practical spirit, it was not followed.

Impact/Outcome of Mahalwari Settlement 
  1. The survey which was the core of the new arrangement failed because it was too complex to be carried out with existing administrative machinery. The obvious result was over-assessment based on idiosyncratic estimates.
  2. Agricultural depression of 1828 further worsen the situation. The rising debt of the peasant further resulted in commodification of the land.
  3. The grievances of the rural society of North India were soon to be expressed rather loudly and violently in the form of Revolt of 1857.

Difference between Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari Settlement and Mahalwari Settlement 

Permanent Settlement 
  • Land ownership right was with the Zamindars.
  • Tax rates was permanently fixed.
  • No provision for revision of tax rates.
  • Revenue was collected by the Zamindars.
  • No provision of relief to the peasants during natural calamity.
  • Covered almost one-fifth (1/5th) of the British India.
Ryotwari Settlement 
  • Land ownership right was with the Ryots (Peasants).
  • Tax rates to be imposed was calculated by a comparative scientific study of land.
  • There was a provision of revision of tax rates after 30 years.
  • Revenue was collected by the British appointed officials.
  • There was a provision of relief during natural calamity but the spirit was not followed practically.
  • Covered almost half of the British India.
Mahalwari Settlement 
  • Land ownership right was with the Peasants but at some places it was also with Zamindars.
  • Tax rates was calculated after field to field survey of land.
  • There was a provision of revision of taxes.
  • There was a provision of relief during natural calamity but the spirit was not followed practically.
  • Covered the rest three-forth (3/4th) of the British India.


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Note - This is my Vision IAS Notes (Vision IAS Class Notes) and Ashutosh Pandey Sir's Public Administration Class notes. I've also added some of the information on my own. 

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