Colonialism and the Countryside: Exploring Official Archives

1875

The Deccan riots occurred in 1875, starting from Supa village in Poona district. The riots spread over 6,500 square kilometers affecting more than thirty villages.

Revenue demand was fixed permanently, Zamindars became revenue collectors, It was introduced only in Bengal, Zamindars lost their estates if they failed to pay

The Permanent Settlement fixed revenue permanently, made zamindars revenue collectors for the state, was limited to Bengal, and allowed for auction of estates if revenue wasn't paid. Revenue rates were NOT increased periodically - that was a feature of later settlements.

Moneylenders' houses, Account books and debt bonds, Grain shops

During the Deccan riots, peasants specifically targeted moneylenders (sahukars) and their property. They burnt account books (bahi khatas) and debt bonds, looted grain shops, and sometimes set fire to sahukars' houses. Government offices and British officials were not the primary targets.

1813

The Fifth Report was submitted to the British Parliament in 1813. It was the fifth in a series of reports on the East India Company's administration and activities in India, running into 1002 pages.