What explains the anger of the Deccan ryots against the moneylenders?
The Deccan ryots were angered against moneylenders primarily because they violated customary norms of the countryside. Traditionally, the interest charged could not exceed the principal amount. However, under colonial rule, this norm broke down, with moneylenders charging exorbitant interest—for instance, over Rs 2,000 on a loan of Rs 100. The ryots also complained of deceptive practices by moneylenders. They manipulated the Limitation Law of 1859 by forcing ryots to sign new bonds every three years, entering the unpaid balance as fresh principal to charge new interest. Additionally, moneylenders refused to give receipts for repayments, entered fictitious figures in bonds, acquired harvests at low prices, and ultimately took over peasants' property. This insensitivity to the ryots' plight, combined with the refusal to extend loans during difficult times, enraged the peasants.
Explanation
The answer draws directly from the textbook context which explains the breakdown of customary norms under colonial rule. The context provides specific examples like the Limitation Law manipulation and the case of Rs 2,000 interest on Rs 100 loan. The key points for a 3-mark answer include: violation of traditional norms regarding interest limits, manipulation of colonial laws, and various deceptive practices like refusing receipts and forging accounts.