Previous Year Question
Consider the following :
Assessment of land revenue on the basis of nature of the soil and the quality of crops
Use of mobile cannons in warfare
Cultivation of tobacco and red chillies
Which of the above was/were introduced into India by the English?
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Statement 1 was not introduced by the English. Developed systems of revenue assessment based on the nature of land and crops already existed in India before the English. During Sher Shah's period, rates of yield per bigha were determined for lands of different productivity. During Akbar's reign, the Zabt system was developed and revenue rates were determined on the basis of the average produce, prices and area under different crops. Therefore, this system was not introduced into India by the English.
Statement 2 was also not introduced by the English. Babur made effective use of artillery in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. According to IGNOU, the artillery employed by Babur played an important role in his victory, and its use in North India occurred long before the English established their influence.
Statement 3 was also not introduced by the English. According to ICAR, the Portuguese brought several new American and African crops to India through maritime routes. Tobacco cultivation was introduced into India by the Portuguese in 1605, and chilli was also introduced into India by the Portuguese. Therefore, the cultivation of tobacco and red chillies was not introduced by the English.