Identify the incorrect statement in relation to ‘colonialism and rura…

The correct answer is Option (4) → ‘Benami’ is a transaction made in the name of a genuine and relatively significant person

Option (1) ‘Raja’ (literally king) was a term that was often used to designate powerful zamindars — Correct statement (not the answer). Powerful zamindars were often called raja, such as the Raja of Burdwan.

Option (2) ‘Ryots’ in Bengal did not always cultivate the land directly, but leased it out to ‘under-ryots’ — Correct statement (not the answer). ‘Ryot’ is the way the British records spelt raiyat, a peasant. Many ryots in Bengal leased their land to under-ryots instead of cultivating it themselves.

Option (3) ‘Lathyal’, literally one who wields the lathi or stick, functioned as a strongman of the zamindar — Correct statement (not the answer). The lathyals were the zamindar’s strongmen, who at times attacked the agents of outsiders who had bought the zamindar’s estate at an auction.

Option (4) ‘Benami’ is a transaction made in the name of a genuine and relatively significant person — Incorrect statement (the answer). Benami literally means anonymous. It is a transaction made in the name of a fictitious or relatively insignificant person, while the real beneficiary remains unnamed. Zamindars used benami purchases at the auctions of their own estates to avoid losing them.