The Zamindari System in Odisha: Perspectives on Origin, Growth & Abolition

The abolition of the zamindari system, an obtrusive semi-feudal land revenue system was a historic measure in the field of agrarian reforms in post-independence Odisha. The system which originated in the practice of farming out taxes in the pre-British period especially under the Mughals had acquired many sordid features during the colonial rule. The abolition of this system in Odisha like elsewhere in the country was not a smooth sailing affair. In fact, in certain states the measures enacted for doing away with the system were challenged in law courts and even some cases were carried to the Supreme Court. But despite resistance to the measure at various stages the abolition of intermediary interests in land being carried out in a phased manner completed in the state in 1974. The paper intends to examine, the origin, growth and abolition of the zamindari system in the state and the changes this has brought about in consequence in the land revenue administration in the state.