The effectiveness of British revenue policies in addressing agrarian distress and economic exploitation in India during colonial rule is a complex issue that reveals both the intentions behind these policies and their real-world consequences.

Historical Context

British revenue policies were largely designed to maximize revenue for the colonial administration. The major systems implemented included the Permanent Settlement, the Ryotwari System, and the Mahalwari System, each having distinct impacts on agrarian conditions.

Key Revenue Policies

1. Permanent Settlement (1793):
   • Introduced in Bengal, this system fixed land revenue payments to be paid by landlords (zamindars) to the British.
   • Effectiveness: Initially, it provided stability for zamindars but often led to exploitation of peasants, who faced high rents and evictions. The fixed revenue burden became unsustainable during famines and economic downturns, worsening agrarian distress.
2. Ryotwari System:
   • Implemented in Bombay and Madras, it established a direct relationship between the state and the peasant (ryot).
   • Effectiveness: While it empowered some cultivators, the system was still exploitative. The high revenue demands and lack of support during crop failures often led to peasant indebtedness and land loss.
3. Mahalwari System:
   • Aimed at collective responsibility for villages, it set revenue based on the collective ability of the village to pay.
   • Effectiveness: Though it intended to consider local conditions, it often failed to alleviate distress, with revenue demands still being high, especially during bad seasons.

Impact on Agrarian Distress

• Economic Exploitation: All these systems prioritized revenue collection over peasant welfare, leading to widespread economic exploitation. High taxes, combined with exploitative practices by landlords and moneylenders, left peasants vulnerable to cycles of debt and poverty.
• Famines and Crop Failures: During famines, the rigid revenue systems exacerbated distress, as peasants were still required to meet revenue demands despite failing crops. The 1770 Bengal famine, for example, saw millions die while the British continued to extract revenue.

Social Consequences

• Land Alienation: The policies led to significant land alienation among the peasantry, with many losing their lands to creditors or zamindars due to inability to pay taxes.
• Peasant Unrest: The increasing agrarian distress fueled peasant uprisings and movements against colonial rule, highlighting the growing discontent with the exploitative revenue systems.

Conclusion

Overall, British revenue policies were largely ineffective in addressing agrarian distress and economic exploitation. While they may have brought some administrative stability and increased agricultural productivity in certain areas, the overarching focus on revenue generation led to severe social and economic hardships for the peasantry. The lack of responsive measures to support farmers during crises, combined with rigid taxation systems, ultimately exacerbated conditions rather than alleviating them.