Match List I with List II:
| LIST I | LIST II | ||
| A. | Halalkhoran | I. | Sons of Boatmen |
| B. | Mallahzadas | II. | Accountant |
| C. | Muqaddam | III. | Village headman |
| D. | Patwari | IV. | Scavengers |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II
(A) Halalkhoran — this matches (IV) Scavengers. In Muslim communities, menials like the halalkhoran (scavengers) were housed outside the boundaries of the village.
(B) Mallahzadas — this matches (I) Sons of Boatmen. The mallahzadas (literally, sons of boatmen) in Bihar were comparable to slaves.
(C) Muqaddam — this matches (III) Village headman. The village panchayat was headed by a headman known as muqaddam or mandal.
(D) Patwari — this matches (II) Accountant. The chief function of the headman was to supervise the preparation of village accounts, assisted by the accountant or patwari of the panchayat.
NCERT (2026-27): “2.1 Caste and the rural milieu … In Muslim communities menials like the halalkhoran (scavengers) were housed outside the boundaries of the village; similarly the mallahzadas (literally, sons of boatmen) in Bihar were comparable to slaves.… 2.2 Panchayats and headmen … The panchayat was headed by a headman known as muqaddam or mandal. Some sources suggest that the headman was chosen through the consensus of the village elders, and that this choice had to be ratified by the zamindar. Headmen held office as long as they enjoyed the confidence of the village elders, failing which they could be dismissed by them. The chief function of the headman was to supervise the preparation of village accounts, assisted by the accountant or patwari of the panchayat.…” |