It was introduced by Alexander Reed and Thomas Munro in parts of the Madras and Bombay Presidencies.
Features:
- The Ryotwari settlement was not permanent.
- After 20 to 30 years, when the revenue demand typically increased, it was periodically revised.
- The land revenue was collected from each ryot individually. Thus, unlike the Permanent Settlement, the Ryotwari Settlement recognised peasants as the owners of the land.
- There was no peasant ownership system prior to the Ryotwari Settlement.
Impacts:
- The land revenue fixed in most areas was so high that the ryots were rarely left, even with basic maintenance. They were impoverished and lacked the resources to cultivate their land.
- Even when agricultural produce was completely or partially destroyed by drought or flooding, the ryots were still required to pay revenue.
- The peasants were oppressed by intermediaries and moneylenders, from whom they were compelled to take loans to meet the taxation demands of the state.
- The infamous Deccan Riot of 1875was due to the oppression of ryots by the moneylenders.
- The majority of the land in Madras, as well as the Bombay Presidency, was left uncultivated due to high taxes and no buyers.
