Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Medieval India: Peasants, Zamindars and the State

Question:

Which of the following statement is incorrect about the panchayats and headman in the seventeenth century?

Options:

The panchayat was headed by a headman known as muqaddam or mandal.

According to some sources, the headman was chosen through the consensus of the village elders, and this choice had to be ratified by the zamindar.

The chief function of the headman was to supervise the preparation of village accounts, assisted by the accountant or patwari of the panchayat.

Headmen held office for 5 years, after which they could be dismissed.

Correct Answer:

Headmen held office for 5 years, after which they could be dismissed.

Explanation:

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.