SOAS Research Online

Abstract

British land revenue policy in the Ceded and Conquered Provinces, has five distinct phases, and a chapter is devoted to each. Chapter One examines the early years of the policy (1801-07) when the Bengal influence was dominant. At this stage, an insignificant awareness of the local situation existed. Despite the shortcomings of the early arrangements, a beginning was made in resolving the deplorable state of affairs inherited from former rulers. Chapter Two (1807-15) analyses the reasons for the rejection of the permanent settlement announced in the early years. During this period the influence of the Home Authorities was decisive. As an alternative to the permanent settlement, a periodical settlement based on Adam Smith's ideas, was proposed by the Court of Directors. Chapter Three (1813-22) shows the emergence of the new plan of settlement. This plan was developed in Bengal, although the influence of the Home Authorities was behind it. Chapter Four (1822-33) explains the arrangements epitomised in Regulation VII of 1822 and examines the failure of settlements under it. In the Fifth Chapter, the revision of policy which was finalised in 1833, is examined. This had become necessary in consequence of the failure of Regulation VII of 1822. The arrangement of 1833 was essentially the contribution of Lord William Bentinck. The present work is primarily based on a study of the unpublished records of the East India Company and the private papers of several administrators of British India.