Final answer:
The permanent settlement in Bengal was introduced in 1793 by the British East India Company to establish a fixed revenue system. It impacted landlords, peasants, and the government differently.
Step-by-step explanation:
The introduction of the permanent settlement in Bengal can be traced back to the year 1793 when the British East India Company implemented this policy. The main objective was to establish a fixed revenue system for Bengal, which was suffering from agricultural and economic issues. Under this system, the zamindars (landlords) were given the right to collect revenue from the peasants, and in return, they had to pay a fixed amount to the British.
The impact of the permanent settlement was varied. For landlords, it brought stability and ensured a fixed income, but it also put a heavy burden on them to collect revenue from peasants. Peasants, on the other hand, faced exploitation by the zamindars who often raised the revenue demands, leading to widespread poverty and indebtedness. The government benefited from the settlement as it provided a regular and steady flow of revenue.