How is the Ryotwari system different from the Zamindari system?

Hint: The Ryotwari and the Zamindari system was introduced by British officials when they became Diwan of Bengal. They introduced these to get more revenue which can improve the condition of the crisis they were facing. They recognised Zamindars and Ryots for collecting rent or revenue in a certain period of time.

Complete answer: The Ryotwari system was introduced by Thomas Munro who was the governor of Madras in 1820. Initially, it was tried on a small scale by Captain Alexander Read in some areas then gradually it extended all over South India. Both Read and Munro felt that there were no traditional zamindars. They argued that in Ryotwari settlement Cultivators or Ryots will directly give the rent to the British officials who attend the land for generations. They had the right to transfer, sell or mortgage the land. The rates were high and were open to being increased.

The Zamindari system was introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 through Permanent settlement in which the zamindars were recognised as the owner of the land. They had the rights to collect rent from the peasants and then pay the revenue to the company. It was introduced in the provinces of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. The rent was fixed which means it will not be increased in future. Zamindar would get benefit from this as the revenue. They can take rent according to their needs.

Note: In the Zamindari system, Zamindar had the responsibility to collect rent from present whereas in Ryotwari system Collector (Ryots) or peasants had to pay rent directly to the British officers. There were no middlemen.