Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests knowledge of historical land revenue systems in India. The Ryothwari system was one of the major land revenue settlements introduced by the British.
Step 2: Historical Background of the Ryothwari System:
The Ryothwari system was a land revenue system where the government directly collected revenue from individual cultivators (ryots).
It was initially introduced in the Madras Presidency.
The system was first experimented with and implemented by Captain Alexander Read and Sir Thomas Munro.
It was initially introduced in the district of Coimbatore as an experimental measure before being extended to other parts of the Madras Presidency.
Step 3: Analyzing the Options:
• (A) Agra: Agra was in the North-Western Provinces, which had the Zamindari or Mahalwari systems.
• (B) Hyderabad: Hyderabad was a princely state and had its own system.
• (C) Coimbatore: This is the correct answer. The Ryothwari system was first introduced in Coimbatore.
• (D) Bombay: The Ryothwari system was later introduced in the Bombay Presidency as well, but Coimbatore was the first.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The Ryothwari system was initially introduced in Coimbatore. Therefore, option (C) is correct.