Wikipedia
Madhyasvatva
Madhyasvatva (literally meaning " Subinfeudation") was a term used to denote the intermediate rights (lesser nobles, or tributaries to higher-ranking lords) that developed in Bengal following the Permanent Settlement Act of 1793 by Lord Cornwallis.
The " zamindars" (or feudal lords) created new offices and rights in between themselves and the peasants or the " Ryots". This practice of land ownership has been described by the nineteenth century revenue surveyors as having similarities with European feudalism of pre- modern times.
The " taluqdars" rose during this stage in Bengal and in a few generations transformed into petty aristocrats.