Which of the following statements are TRUE about the Permanent Settlement?

(A) The Permanent Settlement came into operation in 1773.
(B) The revenue demand was fixed in perpetuity.
(C) The zamindars were given proprietary rights over the land.
(D) Failure in the timely payment of revenue led to the confiscation and auction of the estate.
(E) Permanent Settlement was withdrawn within 20 years due to its unpopularity.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

(B), (C) and (D) only

The correct answer is Option (2) → (B), (C) and (D) only

(A) The Permanent Settlement came into operation in 1773: This statement is incorrect. The Permanent Settlement, also known as the Cornwallis Code, came into operation in 1793.

(B) The revenue demand was fixed in perpetuity: This statement is correct. The Permanent Settlement fixed the land revenue demand in perpetuity, providing a fixed amount to be paid by the landowners.

(C) The zamindars were given proprietary rights over the land: This statement is correct. The Permanent Settlement granted zamindars (landowners) proprietary rights over the land, giving them the status of property owners.

(D) Failure in the timely payment of revenue led to the confiscation and auction of the estate: This statement is not explicitly mentioned in the context of the Permanent Settlement. The consequences for failure in payment varied, but confiscation and auction were not always the primary methods.

(E) Permanent Settlement was withdrawn within 20 years due to its unpopularity: This statement is incorrect. The Permanent Settlement remained in effect for a much longer period and was not withdrawn within 20 years. It continued to have long-lasting effects on land revenue policies in British India.

So, the correct option is [2].