Natural Disasters and its Impact on the economy of the coastal region of Midnapore district in the nineteenth century

Abstract

Bengal, especially the lower portion of south-west Bengal, as one of the most flood- prone regional areas in the world along with its backwardness, was allegedly becoming an outcome of the annual ravages caused by the river spills and standing crops and habitations remain submerged underwater for several days. Correspondence was also disrupted and inhabitants were often forced into distressing migration. The economy thus became uncertain and consequently, as it has been observed about the settlement of bandhs and pools as an important aspect of the administrative system in the nineteenth century. During the colonial period, ensuring revenue collection became the primary focus of the East India Company. Henceforth, by introducing the Permanent Settlement, it took an essential step and helped as an institutionalized form to flood control and embankment construction. The company presumed that the zamindar would sit at the apex of a new agrarian order and affirm private properties, generate economic surpluses, and ensure political stability and act accordingly.