1 ( 28 )
2 the villages, induced large numbers to devote themselves to agriculture.
3 Formerly a proportion of the agricultural classes were engaged in war
4 and service of various kinds, and thus they supported themselves,
5 and contributed to the support of those who tilled the ground at
6 home. But. now the entire support of all these classes fell upon
7 the land. Again, there came a cycle of seasons more favorable than
8 the average of years under British Rule. From al] these causes the
9 agriculture became unusually productive, flooded the markets with pro-
10 Remarkable cheapness duce, and reduced prices nearly 50 per cent.
11 of prices, . This cheapness rendered it difficult for the agri-
12 culturists to obtain cash for their produce, when they wanted it to pay
13 their new money assessments. There was less money in the Punjab than
14 previously ; large sums, which would formerly have circulated if the
15 Punjab, were remitted to other parts of the Empire by the Soldiery
16 and other Government employes. Again, the fact that nothing but
17 cash was accepted in payment of the Government Revenue, enhanced
18 the value of money. The agriculturist therefore, with abundance of
19 surplus produce on his hands, found difficulty in converting it into money,
20 _ and this difficulty was perhaps aggravated by the unvarying nature
21 of the Government demand (however low) with men accustomed to
22 an annually fluctuating demand under Sikh Rule. For-sometime it was
23 supposed that prices would partially, though not entirely, regain their
24 former standard. But it appears that the same causes must still be more ©
25 or less in operation to keep down prices. The following Table will
26 show that, with slight oscillations, prices are nearly as low as ever :—
27 Average Prices.
28 For ten years,* | Whea: | Indian Corn.
29 up to 1850-51. [Rs 2 per canned of 82-lbs. Rs. 144 per maund.
30 1851-52... ...|Rs. 1 per maund ... .../Rs. 014 per maund.
31 1859-53... ...|Rs. 13; ditto ... ... ...{Rs, 1p; ditto. *
32 1853-54... ...|Rs. 158; ditto ... ... ...{Rs. 1% ditto.
33 1854-55... ...; Rs. 1 ‘ditto ee oe [RS ise ditto.
34 1855-56... ...[Rs 1; ditto ... 1. ...|Rs. O84 ditto}
35 * Seven prior to Annexation.
36 ++ The great cheapness, which has generally prevailed during the ik: year, which was dry
37 and unfavorable, leads to the conclusion that granaries were full and markets glutted with
38 the grain of former years.