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UPSC CSE Prelims 2014

Medieval Administrative Terminology

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

In Medieval India, the designations 'Mahattara' and 'Pattakila' were used for

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Administrative terminology in pre-Sultanate and Early Medieval India often had regional variations. 'Mahattara' and 'Pattakila' (ancestor of the term 'Patel') were crucial for rural governance.

Explanation Historical texts regarding the Silahara and Rashtrakuta dynasties mention 'Mahattara' as an elder or head of a village. 'Pattakila' likewise refers to the village official in charge of land and records.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Rural administration was the base of the state; these officials acted as intermediaries between the peasantry and the central government.
Logic 2: Over time, 'Pattakila' evolved into 'Patil' or 'Patel' in Western India, maintaining the same functional role of a village chief.

Active Recall

Question

How did the role of village headmen change during the Delhi Sultanate?

Answer

While the titles often changed to Persian ones like 'Muqaddam' or 'Chaudhary', the underlying functional power of the local village elite remained remarkably consistent.

Core Insight

Despite frequent changes in central dynasties, the local 'Mahattara' system provided the administrative continuity necessary for land revenue collection.

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