Who introduced the Zamindari system?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Lord Cornwallis

Explanation:
• The Zamindari System, also known as the Permanent Settlement, was introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793.
• It was first implemented in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, and later extended to parts of Northern Madras and Varanasi.
• Under this system, the Zamindars (landlords) were recognized as the owners of the land.
• The amount of land revenue to be paid to the British East India Company was fixed permanently.
• If a Zamindar failed to pay the revenue on time, their land was auctioned by the Company (under the Sunset Law).

Information Booster:
• The system created a class of loyalists to the British but led to the extreme exploitation of the peasantry, who became mere tenants.
• The British share was fixed at 10/11th of the total collection, while the Zamindar kept 1/11th.

Additional Knowledge:
(a) Lord Wellesley (Option a)
• He is best known for the Subsidiary Alliance system, a policy of territorial expansion.

(b) William Bentinck (Option b)
• He is remembered for social reforms like the abolition of Sati (1829) and the introduction of English education.

(d) Lord Minto (Option d)
• He is associated with the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909, which introduced separate electorates.