In medieval India, the designations 'Mahattara' and 'Pattakila' were used for
Smart Elimination
The question ideally gives up two clues:
Clue 1 - Medieval Time period
Clue 2 - Designation (means some officers)
Based on this, eliminate options:
• Clue 1: Medieval Period → Vedic ritual specialists (Option c) → belong mostly to ancient period → eliminate.
• Clue 2: “Designation” → administrative titles.
• Military officers → known by specific medieval titles like Amir, Mir Bakshi, Sipahsalar → Option (a) eliminated.
• Craft guild chiefs (Option d) → more prominent in ancient/early urban contexts, not core to medieval administrative structure → eliminate.
• Village administration was a strong feature of medieval social order → Option (b) fits perfectly.
Thus, “Mahattara” & “Pattakila” = village headmen.
Answer Key & Explanation
Answer: BThe correct answer is Option B.
Explanation: In early medieval North India (especially under dynasties like the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, etc.):
- Mahattara: Referred to the village headman or a village elder.
- Pattakila: (Modern Patel/Patil) Also referred to the village headman responsible for tax collection.
These terms were associated with village administration.
Value Addition
- Other Terms:
- Bhukti: Province.
- Vishaya: District.
- Agrahara: Land granted to Brahmins.
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Foundational question based on core concepts.