What was the meaning of ‘Ryot’ in British records in the 18th century?

The correct answer is Option 1 - Peasants

In British records in the 18th century, the term "Ryot" referred to a peasant or cultivator who worked on land belonging to a landlord or the state. The Ryot system was prevalent in parts of British India, particularly in regions like Bengal.

Under this system, the Ryots were essentially tenants who held the right to cultivate land but did not own it. They paid rent to the landowner, typically in the form of a portion of their agricultural produce. The Ryots were often subjected to exploitative practices by landlords and faced various challenges, including arbitrary rent increases and unfair treatment.