Zamindar

Salimullah

Mehtab Chand of Burdwan

Zamindar (from Persian: زمیندار‎, translit. zamīndār) was a term used in the Indian subcontinent for a landowner, typically one who leased his land to tenant farmers. The term is derived from the Persian words 'zamin' (land) and 'dar' (holder). Zamindars were an integral part of the agrarian system in the Indian subcontinent, particularly during the Mughal Empire and the British Raj.

Historical Background

The concept of the zamindar system can be traced back to the Mughal Empire, where zamindars were responsible for collecting taxes from the peasants and forwarding a portion to the central government. They were often granted large tracts of land by the emperor and held significant power and influence in their regions.

During the British Raj, the role of zamindars was formalized through the Permanent Settlement of 1793, introduced by Lord Cornwallis. This system aimed to create a loyal class of landowners who would support British rule. Under this settlement, zamindars were recognized as the owners of the land, and they were responsible for collecting and paying a fixed amount of revenue to the British administration.

Roles and Responsibilities

Zamindars had several key responsibilities:

• Collecting land revenue from tenant farmers.
• Maintaining law and order within their estates.
• Providing military support to the ruling government when required.
• Overseeing agricultural activities and ensuring the productivity of their lands.

Decline of the Zamindari System

The zamindari system began to decline in the early 20th century due to various factors, including:

• The rise of nationalist movements and demands for land reforms.
• Economic challenges and the inability of many zamindars to meet revenue demands.
• The introduction of land reform legislation by independent India, such as the Zamindari Abolition Act.

Legacy

Despite its decline, the zamindari system has left a lasting impact on the socio-economic structure of the Indian subcontinent. Many former zamindar families continue to hold significant social and political influence.

Related Pages

• Mughal Empire
• British Raj
• Permanent Settlement
• Zamindari Abolition Act
• Land reform in India