Q. In medieval India, the designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were used for
(a) military officers
(b) village headmen
(c) specialists in Vedic rituals
(d) chiefs of craft guilds
Ans: (b) village headmen
Explanation: In medieval India, the designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were primarily used for (b) village headmen.
The terms ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were commonly used to refer to the village headmen or local administrators who held significant authority and responsibilities within their respective villages. They played a crucial role in the administration and governance of the village.
The Mahattara and Pattakila were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, resolving disputes, and overseeing various aspects of village life. They acted as intermediaries between the villagers and higher authorities, ensuring the smooth functioning of the village administration.
While military officers, specialists in Vedic rituals, and chiefs of craft guilds held important positions in medieval India, the specific designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were more closely associated with the role of village headmen.
Therefore, the correct answer is (b) village headmen.
