Stagnation and Decay of the Agricultural Economy of Coastal Andhra

The agricultural economy of Coastal Andhra was in a state of stagnation in the early decades of the 19th Century. The permanent Zamindary Settlement which was introduced in the region during 1802-04 resulted in strained agrarian relations, a heavy burden of taxation and a parasitic and exploitative role played by the Pettandars (Village Leading Ryots) , Karnams (Village Accountants) and other Revenue Officials at the Taluk and District levels.' This had sapped the energies and curbed the incentives of the agricultural community.