Question

Discuss the system of advances introduced by the colonial state. How did the system tie the poor farmers to the government?

Answer 1

In the rural area of Bengal and Bihar, there were large numbers of poor peasants. It was difficult for them to pay rent to the landlord or to buy food and clothing. From $1780s$, such peasants found their village headmen giving them money advances to produce opium. When offered a loan, the cultivators were tempted to accept, hoping to meet their immediate needs and pay back the loan at a later stage.