pulak dasgupta
Dec 24, 2023
Why were most of the landlords of Bangladesh Hindu during the British period?
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Dec 24, 2023
During the British period in Bangladesh, the majority of landlords were Hindu due to historical and socio-economic factors. Here are some reasons for this:
1. Zamindari System: The British introduced the Zamindari system in Bengal, which involved the collection of revenue from peasants by intermediaries known as zamindars. The zamindars were granted large landholdings and were responsible for collecting taxes on behalf of the British administration. Many Hindu families, who were traditionally landowners, became zamindars under this system.
2. Historical Land Ownership: Hindu communities in Bengal had a long history of land ownership and agricultural practices. They had established themselves as landowners even before the British arrived. This historical advantage allowed them to maintain their position as landlords during the British period.
3. Caste System: The caste system played a significant role in land ownership during the British period. Hindu society in Bengal was divided into various castes, with some castes traditionally involved in agriculture and landholding. These castes, such as the Brahmins and Kayasthas, had a higher chance of becoming landlords due to their social status and historical land ownership.
4. British Policies: The British administration favored Hindu landlords in some instances. They often relied on the zamindars to maintain law and order in rural areas and collect revenue efficiently. This preference, along with the existing social and economic advantages of Hindu landlords, further solidified their dominance in land ownership.
It is important to note that while the majority of landlords were Hindu, there were also Muslim landlords during the British period. However, their numbers were relatively smaller compared to the Hindu landlords.
1. Zamindari System: The British introduced the Zamindari system in Bengal, which involved the collection of revenue from peasants by intermediaries known as zamindars. The zamindars were granted large landholdings and were responsible for collecting taxes on behalf of the British administration. Many Hindu families, who were traditionally landowners, became zamindars under this system.
2. Historical Land Ownership: Hindu communities in Bengal had a long history of land ownership and agricultural practices. They had established themselves as landowners even before the British arrived. This historical advantage allowed them to maintain their position as landlords during the British period.
3. Caste System: The caste system played a significant role in land ownership during the British period. Hindu society in Bengal was divided into various castes, with some castes traditionally involved in agriculture and landholding. These castes, such as the Brahmins and Kayasthas, had a higher chance of becoming landlords due to their social status and historical land ownership.
4. British Policies: The British administration favored Hindu landlords in some instances. They often relied on the zamindars to maintain law and order in rural areas and collect revenue efficiently. This preference, along with the existing social and economic advantages of Hindu landlords, further solidified their dominance in land ownership.
It is important to note that while the majority of landlords were Hindu, there were also Muslim landlords during the British period. However, their numbers were relatively smaller compared to the Hindu landlords.
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