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:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• The introduction of Ryotwari Settlement in India during British rule was associated with Alexander Read and Thomas Munro. Hence, option 2 and 3 are correct.
• Thomas Munro introduced the Ryotwari System in 1820, which was based on the system administered by Captain Alexander Reed.
• The Ryotwari System was first introduced in Tamil Nadu and later extended to Maharashtra, Berar, East Punjab, Coorg, and Assam.
• Under the Ryotwari System, ownership rights were given to the peasants, with no intermediaries between the government and individual cultivators.
• The British government directly collected taxes from the peasants.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.