Definition of "ryot"

We have seen, however, how the condition arose, namely, that the Government at first half-intended to make a permanent settlement direct with the ryots, but subsequently altered its intention and devolved this duty upon the zemindars.

1874, J. Westland, A Report on the District of Jessore: Its Antiquities, Its History, and Its Commerce

Scattered about the grazing and arable country are now small towers of refuge, loop-holed for defense, to which ryots working in the fields, or shepherds tending their flocks, fled for safety in case of a sudden appearance of Turcoman marauders.

1887, Thomas Stevens, chapter III, in Around the World on a Bicycle‎, Vol. II: From Teheran to Yokohama, London: Sampson Low […]