Question

What's the difference between Zamindar and Planter? (Refrence to Indigo cultivation in Bengal)

Answer 1

Zamindaar were the land owners who held enormous amount of land.  Jagirdaar were the people who did exrta ordinary service for the rulers and large land was alloted to them in recognisation of their service. Land was supposed to be returned to be returned to the ruler after the death of Jagirdaar. But as with caste system, Jagirdaari became heridetery. We may say that there is no difference between second generation Jagirdaar and a Zamindaar.

Economics of both Jagirdaari and Zamindaari was same. Both leased their land to landless farmers in return for the share in the farm produce. Both in turn, had to pay taxes to the rulers. Some of the big Jagirdaar and Zamindaar used to declare freedom in case of weak rulers.