Bengal Land Tenure Act

The Bengal Land Tenure Act of 1885 was a law in British India that regulated land ownership and tenancy, especially in Bengal. It aimed to protect tenants’ rights while defining regulations for landlords and tenants regarding land use, rent, and possession. The Act distinguished between different types of landholding and sought to prevent arbitrary eviction and unfair rent increases, promoting more stable agricultural communities. It was a foundational legal framework for land relations in Bengal, influencing subsequent land laws. Essentially, it sought a balance between landowners' interests and those of rural tenants, fostering a more organized and fair land system.