There were other ways in which zamindars circumvented displacement. When people from outside the zamindari bought an estate at an auction, they could not always take possession. At times their agents would be attacked by lathyals of the former zamindar. Sometimes even the ryots resisted the entry of outsiders. They felt bound to their own zamindar through a sense of loyalty and perceived him as a figure of authority and themselves as his proja (subjects). The zamindars therefore were not easily displaced.
The lines left out also name a change that strengthened the zamindar's power over the villages. Which change was it?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Rules of revenue payment were made somewhat flexible
Option (1) The revenue demand was fixed for all time — Incorrect. Fixing the revenue demand for all time was the Permanent Settlement of 1793 itself. It came before the troubles of the 1790s, so it was not the later change.
Option (2) Zamindars were allowed to keep their own troops again — Incorrect. Under the Permanent Settlement the zamindars' troops were disbanded. They were not allowed to keep them again.
Option (3) Rules of revenue payment were made somewhat flexible — Correct. Once the depression in prices was over, rules of revenue payment were made somewhat flexible. As a result the zamindar's power over the villages grew stronger.
Option (4) Zamindars were given back their police powers — Incorrect. The Company took away the zamindars' police and judicial powers under the Permanent Settlement. Those powers stayed with the Company.
NCERT (2026-27): “1.5 The zamindars resist … |