UPSC 2014HistoryModerate

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

A
military officers
B
village headmen
Correct Answer
C
specialists in Vedic rituals
D
chiefs of craft guilds

Explanation

'Mahattara' and 'Pattakila' were administrative titles used in early medieval India to denote village headmen or elders responsible for local governance and tax collection. While 'chiefs of craft guilds' (Option D) is a common distractor, those roles were historically designated by terms like *Shresthi* or *Sarthavaha*. This question tests the core concept of early medieval administrative terminology and the evolution of rural power structures.

Medieval Indian HistoryAdministrative Terms and DesignationsMahattaraPattakilaMedieval IndiaVillage headmenAdministrative structureLocal administration

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