Question 21
AOptions
BSolution
In medieval India, particularly in the Deccan and various parts of North India under different dynasties, specific terms were used for local administrators and village functionaries:
- 'Mahattara': This term, or variations like 'Mahattaka', generally referred to prominent village elders or leading persons in a village. They often held considerable influence in village affairs and sometimes assisted in administration or revenue collection. In some contexts, it could signify a village chief or head.
- 'Pattakila': This term (or 'Pattakil' or 'Pattakila-adhikari') was commonly used to denote the village headman. The 'Pattakila' was responsible for the land record (patta), revenue collection from the village, and maintaining law and order at the village level.
Both terms, therefore, were associated with the administration and leadership at the village level, strongly indicating their role as village headmen or significant village figures.
The other options (military officers, specialists in Vedic rituals, chiefs of craft guilds) are incorrect, as these terms specifically refer to village-level administration.
CStrategy
For questions on medieval Indian history, especially related to administration, it is important to be familiar with the specialized terminology used for various officials and positions. Direct factual recall is key.
DSyllabus Analysis
This question is from Medieval Indian History, specifically focusing on administrative terms and local governance structures.
EQuestion Analysis
Medium. This question requires specific factual knowledge of administrative terms from medieval Indian history, which can be challenging if one hasn't studied them in detail.