The Calcutta Land-Revenue Act, 1856
The Calcutta Land-Revenue Act, 1856
Background:
The Calcutta Land-Revenue Act, 1856 was enacted during British rule to regulate the collection of land revenue in the Calcutta region (now Kolkata) and its adjoining areas. The Act aimed to systematize and formalize the procedures for assessment, collection, and management of land revenue, which was a major source of income for the colonial government.
Purpose:
To establish rules for assessment and collection of land revenue in Calcutta and surrounding areas.
To fix the rights and obligations of landholders regarding land revenue.
To provide a legal framework for the management and recovery of land revenue.
To prevent disputes between revenue officials and landholders.
Applicability:
Applied specifically to Calcutta and its neighboring districts under British administration.
Covered all kinds of land holdings liable to pay land revenue.
Relevant to landowners, tenants, and revenue officials in the specified area.
Key Provisions:
Assessment of Land Revenue:
The Act prescribed the methods for assessing the amount of land revenue payable by landholders based on the value and productivity of the land.
Collection and Recovery:
Established procedures for the collection of revenue and recovery in case of default, including penalties and interest.
Rights and Duties of Landholders:
Defined the responsibilities of landholders to pay revenue timely and maintain their land.
Revenue Officers’ Powers:
Empowered revenue officials to inspect lands, conduct surveys, and take necessary actions to enforce payment.
Dispute Resolution:
Provided mechanisms for resolving disputes related to land revenue assessment and collection.
Record Keeping:
Required maintenance of proper records relating to land revenue assessment and payments.
Significance:
Introduced a systematic approach to land revenue management in the Calcutta region.
Strengthened the colonial government’s revenue system.
Helped prevent arbitrary revenue demands and ensured accountability.
Laid the foundation for later land revenue laws and reforms.
Summary Table: The Calcutta Land-Revenue Act, 1856
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Enacted | 1856 |
| Purpose | To regulate assessment, collection, and recovery of land revenue in Calcutta |
| Scope | Applied to Calcutta and adjoining districts under British rule |
| Assessment | Based on land value and productivity |
| Collection | Established procedures for collection and recovery |
| Rights & Duties | Landholders obligated to pay revenue and maintain land |
| Officials’ Powers | Inspect land, conduct surveys, enforce revenue payment |
| Dispute Resolution | Mechanisms to resolve assessment and collection disputes |
| Record Keeping | Required maintenance of revenue records |
| Significance | Systematized land revenue management and supported colonial administration |
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