Question

Why did the colonial state wanted to transform all grazing lands into cultivated farms?

• A. Land revenue was one of the main sources of its finance.
• B. It could produce more jute, cotton, wheat and other agricultural produce that were required in England.
• C. Both (a) and (b)
• D. None of these

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Both (a) and (b)

First, the colonial state wanted to transform all grazing lands into cultivated farms. Land revenue was one of the main sources of its finance. By expanding cultivation it could increase its revenue collection. It could at the same time produce more jute, cotton, wheat and other agricultural produce that were required in England. To colonial officials all uncultivated land appeared to be unproductive: it produced neither revenue nor agricultural produce. It was seen as ‘waste land’ that needed to be brought under cultivation.