Question

Why was the zamindari system abolished in India after Independence? Identify the reasons from the section “Zamindars and Their Power” in “Peasants, Zamindars and the State.”

Answer 1

1. The zamindari system created a class of middlemen between the government and the peasants.
2. Many zamindars collected high rents and taxes from peasants and often exploited them.
3. Peasants who actually cultivated the land had very few rights over it.
4. The system led to economic inequality, because large areas of land were controlled by a small number of zamindars.
5. After Independence, the government wanted to give greater rights and security to the actual cultivators.
6. Abolishing zamindari was also an important part of land reforms aimed at creating a more equal rural society.

Therefore, the zamindari system was abolished to reduce exploitation, remove intermediaries and improve the condition of peasants.