Economic and Administrative Changes

1.Land Revenue System: The introduction of new land revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari were detrimental to both peasants and landlords. The Permanent Settlement, for example, fixed the land revenue that zamindars had to pay to the Company, often leading to high taxes that could not be altered in times of drought or famine. This caused immense hardship to peasants and made many zamindars bankrupt when they could not pay their dues.

2.Commercialization of Agriculture: The British emphasis on the commercialization of agriculture, with a focus on cash crops for the European market, disrupted the traditional agricultural practices and led to the loss of food security for many villagers. The forced cultivation of indigo, opium, and other cash crops led to widespread distress among peasants.

3.Deindustrialization: The advent of British manufactured goods devastated the local handicrafts and cottage industries, leading to massive unemployment and economic distress among artisans and craftsmen. The British policies were designed to turn India into a supplier of raw materials for British industries and a market for their finished goods, severely impacting the local economy.

4.Administrative Overhaul: The British overhauled the traditional administrative structures and introduced a new system of justice and governance that was alien and often inaccessible to the common people. This led to widespread dissatisfaction and resentment among the locals.

Personal Grievances of Zamindars and Poligars

1.Loss of Autonomy: Many zamindars and poligars, who were traditional landholders and military chiefs, saw a significant erosion of their powers and autonomy under the British rule. The colonial land revenue systems stripped many of their control over their lands and revenues.

2.Resentment and Resistance: Feeling marginalized and threatened by the loss of their traditional rights and privileges, many zamindars and poligars harboured deep-seated resentment towards the British. This often translated into outright resistance and rebellion, as these leaders sought to regain their lost prestige and control.