History · Sources of Modern Indian History
UGC NET December 2019 History
Passage
The revolt of 1857 was much more than a mere product of sepoy discontent. It was in reality a product of accumulated grievances against the Company's administration, a popular discontent and hatred against foreign rule. The most important cause was economic exploitation, the complete destruction of its traditional economic fabric, the impoverishment of the vast mass of peasants, artisans and handicraftsmen, as also a large number of traditional zamindars and chiefs. As a result of the British land and revenue policies and the system of judicial administration, a large number of peasant proprietors lost their land to traders and moneylenders and found themselves in utter debt. The complex judicial system enabled the rich to oppress the poor, and the growing poverty made them desperate. The middle and upper classes suffered by their exclusion from higher positions in the administration. Besides, Lord Dalhousie's policy of annexation of native states by applying the 'Doctrine of Lapse' was widely resented. Lastly, the conversion activities of the Christian missionaries created fear and suspicion among the general public.
Choose the correct option from the following.
ADue to various land and revenue policies, Indian peasants became rich.
BBritish land and revenue policies led to the indebtedness of Indian peasants. ✓ Correct
CThe judicial system helped the poor to rise against their oppressors.
DTraditional zamindars and chiefs were favourably dealt with by the British.
Correct answer: (B) British land and revenue policies led to the indebtedness of Indian peasants. — British policies led to peasant indebtedness, so the answer is the second option.
Explanation
★British policies led to peasant indebtedness, so the answer is the second option.
★According to the passage, British land and revenue policies impoverished the peasants.
★Many peasant proprietors lost their land to traders and moneylenders and fell into debt.
★So the correct option is that these policies led to the indebtedness of Indian peasants.
★The British followed the Permanent Settlement, the Ryotwari and the Mahalwari systems, all with high revenue demands.
★So the option matching the passage is that British policies led to peasant indebtedness.
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