Who among the following is the propounder of permanent settlement in Bengal?

Correct option is A

​The correct answer is (a) John Shore.

The Permanent Settlement of Bengal (introduced in 1793) is often associated with Lord Cornwallis, who enacted it during his tenure as Governor-General. However, John Shore (who later became Governor-General himself) is widely regarded as the chief architect or propounder of the Permanent Settlement. He originally formulated the idea, which Lord Cornwallis then implemented.

Key Features:

1. Fixed Revenue:

   • Land revenue was fixed permanently, meaning it would neither increase nor decrease regardless of changes in agricultural productivity or inflation.

2. Role of Zamindars:

   • Zamindars (landlords) were recognized as the permanent owners of the land.
   • They were responsible for collecting taxes from peasants and paying a fixed amount to the British government.
   • Failure to pay revenue could result in confiscation and auctioning of their estates.

3. Peasants' Position:

   • The rights of the peasants were largely ignored.
   • Zamindars often exploited peasants through high rents and forced labor to meet revenue demands.

Additional Information:

• Thomas Munro: Known for the Ryotwari system in the Madras Presidency, not the Permanent Settlement.
• Warren Hastings: The first Governor-General of Bengal who undertook various reforms, but not the Permanent Settlement.
• Mountstuart Elphinstone: Associated with administration in the Bombay Presidency, not specifically with the Permanent Settlement of Bengal.