Question

Panchayats in the Mughal Empire were assisted by a ‘Patwari'. What was the role of the ‘Patwari'?

• A. Judge
• B. Headman
• C. Peasant
• D. Accountant

Hint:

Patwari maintained village land and revenue records, so he worked as an accountant.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept:
In the Mughal period, village administration had different local officials. The village panchayat looked after local matters, and the patwari helped in maintaining records.

Step 1: Understand the function of Patwari.
The Patwari was responsible for maintaining village revenue records. He kept records of land, cultivation, revenue and related accounts.

Step 2: Identify the correct role.
Since the Patwari maintained records and accounts, his role was similar to an accountant. So: \[ \text{Patwari} = \text{Accountant} \]

Step 3: Eliminate other options.
The headman was usually called the muqaddam or village head. The Patwari was not a judge or peasant.

Step 4: Final conclusion.
Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Accountant}} \]