Question

Briefly analyse the Nij and Ryoti cultivation system. Why did both of these systems failed?

Answer 1

Instructions:

This answer to this question can be broken down into two parts.

1. Explain the difference between Nij cultivation system and Ryoti cultivation systems.
2. Write reasons why each of these systems failed.

Solution:

• In the Nij cultivation system, the planters produced Indigo on lands that they directly controlled. They either bought the land or rented it from other zamindars whereas in the Ryoti system of cultivation the planters forced the ryots to sign a contract and gave them loans to grow indigo. The loan committed the ryots to cultivate indigo on at least 25 per cent of the area under their holding.
• The Nij cultivation system did not work because large tracts of land, lots of labour and resources were needed to cultivate the Indigo plantation whereas the Ryoti cultivation system did not work because Indigo drained the nutrients from the fertile soil which was kept to grow rice, which the Ryots were not okay with. Also, Ryots were treated badly and not paid fairly.