'The farming system for a course of years, subjected to proper checks and regulations, seemed the most likely to afford relief to the country; and both to ascertain and produce the real value of the lands without violence to the ráyats.' So wrote Hastings to the Court of Directors; and such was the spirit in which his colleagues strove to reconcile the interests of the rulers with those of the ruled. The ráyats were relieved from many of the burdens under which they had long groaned. The rents of their holdings might no longer be enhanced at pleasure by the Zamíndár, nor certain fines and cesses be extorted from them by his agents and retainers. Some check was also placed on the power of the banyan, or village-usurer, to prey upon the peasantry at rates of interest ranging from three to twelve per cent, monthly. The Zamíndárs, in their turn, were secured by their leases from any increase of the Government charge; and the payment of that charge by kists, or instalments, was arranged for the most convenient seasons of the year. The offering of presents to the Company's servants, Zamíndárs, and native officers was strictly forbidden. No collector thenceforth might be concerned, directly or indirectly, in buying or selling grain. No European was allowed to hold lands in any part of the country; nor might any native in the collector's service rent a farm or go security for any farmer[1].
That the results of the Committee's labours were not wholly successful, takes nothing from the credit
- ↑ Auber.
