Q.(a) Explain the strong features of Indian Economy.

(a) India's economy is strong because it is large and fast-growing, has a huge labour force and demographic dividend, a diversified mixed economy, a booming services sector, a big domestic market, rich resources, food self-sufficiency and a sound financial system. (b) The three British-era land tenure systems were Zamindari, Ryotwari and Mahalwari.

(a) Strong features of the Indian economy.

1. Large and growing economy — India is among the largest economies in the world and one of the fastest-growing.
2. Huge labour force and demographic dividend — a large, young working-age population.
3. Mixed and diversified economy — public and private sectors coexist, and activity spans agriculture, industry and services.
4. Strong services / IT sector — India is a global leader in information technology and IT-enabled services.
5. Large domestic market — a vast population creates enormous internal demand.
6. Abundant natural and human resources — varied minerals, fertile land, and a growing skilled workforce.
7. Self-sufficiency in food grains — since the Green Revolution, India produces enough food for its needs.
8. Well-developed banking and financial system — a wide network of banks, a strong central bank (RBI) and developing capital markets.

(b) Land Tenure Systems in India. During British rule, three main land tenure (land-revenue) systems were introduced:

1. Zamindari System (Permanent Settlement) — introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793, mainly in Bengal, Bihar and Odisha. Zamindars were recognised as owners of land and acted as intermediaries: they collected rent from cultivators and paid a fixed revenue to the government. It led to exploitation of tenants and absentee landlordism.
2. Ryotwari System — introduced by Thomas Munro and Alexander Read, mainly in Madras (Tamil Nadu) and Bombay Presidencies. Revenue was settled directly with the cultivator (ryot), who was treated as the owner of the land, with no intermediary. Revenue was often high and revised periodically. …