Revenue System & Tehsildar — Set 11

Correct Answer: A. A map showing the boundaries and layout of a village estate (Mahal) prepared during settlement

Naqsha Mahal or Mahal Map is a cadastral map prepared during land settlement operations that shows the boundaries and layout of a village estate (Mahal) including the locations of all agricultural fields, common lands, roads, water bodies, and buildings. It forms the spatial reference for all revenue records of the village. The Naqsha Mahal is the basis for the individual field maps (Shajra) at the plot level. During resurvey, new Naqsha Mahals are prepared to update the spatial records.

Correct Answer: A. Permanent or settled cultivation on good quality land as opposed to shifting or temporary cultivation

Pukhta (meaning 'permanent' or 'settled') cultivation refers to regular and permanent cultivation of agricultural land on good quality soil with established tenancy rights, as opposed to Jhum or shifting cultivation. Revenue records classify land by cultivation status with Pukhta indicating permanently cultivated fields. Pukhta land carries a higher revenue assessment due to its reliable productivity. This classification was important in distinguishing different categories of cultivated land for revenue assessment purposes.

Correct Answer: A. Sub-tenancy where a tenant sub-lets the land they hold to another party

Zimni refers to sub-tenancy arrangements where an original tenant (holding land from the owner) further sub-lets the land to a third party (Zimni tenant). Revenue records document both the primary tenancy and any sub-tenancy arrangements. Zimni tenancies were common in areas with absentee landlordism where original tenants would further sub-let to actual cultivators. Many land reform laws specifically addressed and restricted Zimni sub-tenancies to protect the interests of actual cultivators.

Correct Answer: A. A petition filed to execute a revenue court decree or order through compulsory recovery

An Execution Petition is filed in a revenue court after obtaining a decree or order to execute it through compulsory means, especially when the judgment debtor fails to comply voluntarily. Revenue courts can execute decrees through attachment and sale of property, arrest of the defaulter, or other recovery mechanisms. In land revenue matters, Execution Petitions are filed when a farmer fails to pay assessed land revenue or other dues. The Tehsildar and Collector have powers to execute revenue decrees.

Correct Answer: A. The right to collect land revenue and civil administration, granted to East India Company in 1765

The Diwani was the right to collect land revenue and administer civil justice in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, which Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II granted to the British East India Company in 1765 under the Treaty of Allahabad. The acquisition of Diwani rights marked a crucial turning point in British colonial history as it gave the Company control over the revenue administration of these prosperous provinces. The East India Company subsequently used this revenue to finance its military and commercial activities in India.

Correct Answer: A. A royal grant or deed issued by rulers conferring land rights, titles, or privileges

Sanad was a formal royal grant or deed issued by Mughal emperors, Indian princes, or British authorities conferring specific rights, titles, privileges, or land grants to recipients. Sanads were issued for various purposes including granting Jagirs (land assignments), conferring titles, giving permission for trade, or recognizing local chieftainships. The Sanad served as the primary legal document establishing the rights conferred. After independence, many historical Sanads became the basis for land claims that required adjudication through land reform laws.

Correct Answer: A. A standardized revenue assessment system introduced by Raja Todar Mal under Akbar's reign

Raja Todar Mal was Akbar's revenue minister who introduced a comprehensive and standardized revenue assessment system in the Mughal Empire. His reforms included measuring and classifying agricultural land, recording crop yields, and fixing revenue based on the average productivity of land over a 10-year period. Todar Mal introduced Zabti system where revenue was paid in cash rather than in kind. His land survey and revenue assessment methodology greatly influenced Indian land revenue administration for centuries.

Correct Answer: A. A local tax levied on villages to pay for a village watchman (chowkidar) to maintain security

Chowkidar Tax was a local tax imposed on villages under British India to maintain a village watchman (chowkidar) who was responsible for guarding the village, reporting crimes, and assisting in revenue and administrative matters. The tax was collected by the Patwari and formed part of the local fund. The Chowkidar Act gave legal basis for this tax collection. After independence, village police arrangements were reorganized and the chowkidar function was absorbed into the formal police system.

Correct Answer: A. A system where Nambardar (village headman) assists in revenue collection and maintains village records

The Nambardari system in Punjab involved appointment of a Nambardar or Lambardaar who was a leading member of the village community responsible for collecting and depositing land revenue on behalf of all the co-shareholders. The Nambardar maintained a register of all landowners and their revenue dues and was entitled to a commission (Maafi) on the revenue collected. After land records computerization, the Nambardar's role in revenue collection has diminished, but they still assist in administrative matters and local dispute resolution.

Correct Answer: A. A survey process to verify boundaries and areas of plots during resurvey operations

Toal Bandi refers to a survey process carried out during resurvey or field verification operations where revenue officials physically verify the boundaries of land plots and measure their areas. It involves visiting each field, checking boundary marks (pillars), and recording any discrepancies between actual measurements and existing records. Toal Bandi helps in updating revenue records to reflect the current state of land boundaries. It is often initiated when there are boundary disputes between neighboring fields.