Artha Vijnana: Journal of The Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics

T. V. S. Rao

Abstract

Kerala, situated at the southern tip of the Indian peninsula, had been isolated from the vicissitudes of cultural and political changes that transformed the social values elsewhere in India. On this account it retains in its pure form the original institutions and laws, not excepting those concerning land. This note aims at tracing the evolution of the legal framework intended to define and regulate the interests of various landed classes. In this context it should be mentioned that the terms 'tenure' and 'tenancy' are almost synonymous.

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T. V. S. Rao

Abstract

The Legislation under this head pertains to the relationship between the landlord and the cultivating tenant. Just as in the case of tenurial legislation, tenancy legislation also dates back to 1802 and is considerably a by-product and a joint product of the former. Even the Permanent Settlement Regulation XXV of 1802 specified, in Section 14, that each zamindar should grant a patta or kowl specifying the rent to be paid by each cultivator and explaining each condition of the engagement.

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T. V. S. Rao

Abstract

Land tenures and tenancy are two basic issues that conditioned the development of any agricultural economy, not excluding that of India. They act through the sense of security they create in the agricultural classes, and the incentives thereby created for raising production and general economic well-being. A study of the historical evolution of these institutions in India is needed to understand the implications and achievements of the post-independence measures of land reform.

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