Page:The Marquess Cornwallis and the Consolidation of British Rule.djvu/148

142 those distinct rights which had been vested in him as superior landlord. He very soon turned this undeniable privilege into a source of profit. Sometimes the Zamíndárí was unwieldy and large. Ryots were obstinate and difficult to manage. Servants were corrupt and untrustworthy. The Zamíndár had become involved in expensive litigation, or he wanted funds to dedicate a temple, to many a son or daughter, to entertain a host of Bráhmans at a Sráddha or sacrificial supper, to build a new residence, to satisfy the caprice of the moment, the duty of charity, and the obligations of religion.

The Mahárájá of Bardwán, whose descendants are still amongst the most opulent of the Bengal landholders, had been in the habit of creating sub-tenures known as Patná. In its etymological meaning this word signified a Settlement or colony. In revenue phraseology it came to designate a Táluk created by the Zamíndár on the whole or a part of his estate, 'to be held at a rent fixed in perpetuity by the lessee and his heirs for ever .' The Patanidár practically stepped into the place of the Zamíndár who, though in theory still held bound by the Government to discharge his obligations, to aid the police, and to report crimes, became practically a rent-charger on this portion of his estate. The Patanidár having paid a considerable sum as bonus for the creation of his own title, acquired a permanent estate with the