Q. In medieval India, the designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were used for

• military officers
• village headmen
• specialists in Vedic rituals
• chiefs of craft guilds

Answer: (b) village headmen

Notes:

• In medieval India, the designations “Mahattara” and “Pattakila” were used for village headmen.
• Mahattara:
  • This term generally referred to the superior or main village headman, often responsible for overall administration and revenue collection.
• Pattakila:
  • This term referred to a subordinate or assistant village headman, who assisted the Mahattara in his duties.
• Functions:
  • They were responsible for maintaining law and order, settling disputes, ensuring the collection of taxes, and the welfare of the villagers.