Ryotwari System

• Ryotwari System was introduced by Thomas Munro in 1820.

• This was the primary land revenue system in South India.

Major areas of introduction include Madras, Bombay, parts of Assam and Coorg provinces of British India.

• In Ryotwari System the ownership rights were handed over to the peasants. British Government collected taxes directly from the peasants.

• The revenue rates of the Ryotwari System were 50% where the lands were dry and 60% in irrigated land.

• Though ownership of land was vested with the farmers, excessive tax impoverished them. Furthermore, the tax rates were frequently increased.