Question

Which of the following statement is correct regarding Ijaradars?
1. Ijaradars were revenue farmers during the Mughal period
2. British also made settlements with them
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Both 1 and 2

The correct answer is option 3 i.e Both 1 and 2

• Ijaradars were revenue farmers during the Mughal period.
• During the beginning of British rule in Bengal, the East India Company arrived at the revenue settlement called the Permanent settlements with the Ijaradars.
• In the Mughal period, Ijara or revenue farming system was prevalent. A revenue farmer was known as Ijaradar or Mustajir. 
• In 1772 land revenue was settled with the Ijaradars by putting the land on auction.
• After the permanent settlement also vast areas of the Sundarbans, Sylhet and Chittagong were brought under settlement with the Ijaradars. 
• The Permanent Settlement was an agreement between the East India Company and Bengali landlords to fix revenues to be raised from the land.