Who among the following was/were associated with the introduction of Ryotwari Settlement in India during the British rule? 1. Lord Cornwallis 2. Alexander Read 3. Thomas Munro Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (c)
• The Ryotwari system, under which revenue was settled directly with individual cultivators (ryots), was first tried by Captain Alexander Read in the Baramahal district (1792) and developed and extended across the Madras Presidency by Thomas Munro (Governor 1820–27) — items 2 and 3.
• Lord Cornwallis (1) introduced the Permanent Settlement with zamindars in Bengal (1793), the opposite model.
• Hence 2 and 3 only, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement, not Ryotwari.
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- Cornwallis is wrong; Read is missing.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Cornwallis was not associated with Ryotwari.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.