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Colonialism, Landlords, and Public Goods Provision in India: A Controlled Comparative Analysis

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  • Ajay Verghese

Abstract

What is the impact of colonialism on public goods provision? This article examines India, once the world’s largest colony. While recent studies of the Indian case are divided, they overwhelmingly rely on econometric approaches. This article uses qualitative evidence to provide an important complementary perspective. Using controlled comparisons of the princely state of Travancore with the neighbouring provinces of Malabar and Tirunelveli, I find that colonialism generated less social welfare because British officials empowered landlords. Notably, this occurred despite Malabar and Tirunelveli instituting ryotwari (cultivator-based) land tenure. British rule in India may have promoted landlordism irrespective of land tenure policy.

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  • Ajay Verghese, 2019. "Colonialism, Landlords, and Public Goods Provision in India: A Controlled Comparative Analysis," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 55(7), pages 1345-1363, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jdevst:v:55:y:2019:i:7:p:1345-1363
    DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2018.1487057
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    Cited by:

    1. Priyaranjan Jha & Karan Talathi, 2021. "Impact of Colonial Institutions on Economic Growth and Development in India: Evidence from Night Lights Data," CESifo Working Paper Series 9031, CESifo.

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