Panchayats in the Mughal Empire were assisted by a 'Patwari'. What was the role of the 'Patwari'?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Accountant
The chief function of the village headman was to supervise the preparation of village accounts, assisted by the accountant or patwari of the panchayat.
NCERT (2026-27): “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. The panchayat derived its funds from contributions made by individuals to a common financial pool.…” |