Question

Read the given source and answer the questions that follow: 

From the Fifth Reports Referring to the condition of zamindars and the auction of lands, the Fifth Report stated: The revenue was not realised with punctuality, and lands to a considerable extent were periodically exposed to sale by auction. In the native year 1203, corresponding with 1796-97, the land advertised for sale comprehended a jumma or assessment of sicca rupees 28,70,061, the extent of land actually sold bore a jumma or assessment of 14,18,756, and the amount of purchase money sicca rupees 17,90,416. In 1204, corresponding with 1797-98, the land advertised was for sicca rupees 26,66,191, the quantity sold was for sicca rupees 22,74,076, and the purchase money sicca rupees 21,47,580. Among the defaulters were some of the oldest families of the country. Such were the rajahs of Nuddea, Rajeshaye, Bishenpore (all districts of Bengal), … and others, the dismemberment of whose estates at the end of each succeeding year, threatened them with poverty and ruin, and in some instances presented difficulties to the revenue officers, in their efforts to preserve undiminished the amount of public assessment.

1. Examine the reason for calling it as a 'Fifth Report'. 
2. Why were activities of East India company closely debated in England?
3. Analyse any two limitations of this report.

Answer 1

1. The Fifth Report was the fifth in a series of reports on the management and operations of the East India Company in India.
2. Numerous groups in England opposed the company's monopoly over trade with China and India, so the group's activities were hotly contested there.
3. Limitations of the Fifth Report:
   1. The Fifth Report was biased in that it sought to highlight and magnify the East India Company's subpar administration of India.
   2. The Report exaggerated the Zamindars' land losses and their loss of power.