Colonial Roots of Agrarian Distress: Linking Mahalwari Settlement to Land Fragmentation in Punjab

Furthermore, the research explores the economic impact of these revenue arrangements on the social fabric of rural Punjab. As land holdings became smaller and less viable due to fragmentation, many small-scale cultivators were pushed into debt. This process accelerated the commercialization of agriculture, where the pressure to pay high cash revenues forced farmers to grow cash crops, often at the cost of food security. The eventual inability to sustain small plots led to the dispossession of many peasants, contributing to the rise of a large class of landless agrarian laborers and the general impoverishment of rural society. For policymakers and administrators, this study underscores that modern agrarian distress is not merely a result of current market fluctuations but is deeply rooted in colonial institutional frameworks. Understanding these historical trajectories is essential for designing effective land reforms and sustainable agricultural policies. UPSC Relevance: This news is highly relevant for Modern Indian History (GS Paper I) and Land Reforms (GS Paper III). It provides empirical evidence to answer questions regarding the long-term economic impact of British revenue settlements and the structural causes of rural impoverishment and land fragmentation in India.