A History of the Mahrattas v2.c59.47

v2.c59.47

² [The Bombay land revenue system is, with few exceptions, *Ryotwāri*, i.e. a system of settlements with the *ryots* or cultivators of small-holdings, whose revenue payments are fixed after careful measurement and classification of the land in their possession. The settlement, once made, is in force for a period of thirty years, during which the *ryot* is at liberty to alienate his occupancy right; but he cannot be dispossessed by Government so long as he pays the several instalments of land revenue. At the conclusion of the period of settlement, the revenue payment is liable to revision; but the tenant has a continued right of occupancy provided that he agrees to accept the new terms. The original settlement was based on the investiga-