The correct option is (b).
Explanation
In the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, particularly during the post-Vedic and early historic periods (often associated with the rise of the Mahajanapadas), the village headman was known as the Grama bhojaka. This position was central to the village administration and social structure.
Statement 1 is Incorrect:
The Grama bhojaka was typically the largest landowner in the village. The position was hereditary, with men from the same family holding the post for generations. His authority and influence were largely derived from his substantial land ownership, not the lack of it.
Statement 2 is Correct:
Because the Grama bhojaka owned vast tracts of land, he generally hired slaves (dasas) and hired workers (karmakaras) to cultivate the fields. Beyond agriculture, he held significant political power; the king often used him to collect taxes from the village, and he also functioned as a judge and maintained law and order.
Key Takeaway:
The Grama bhojaka was a powerful, hereditary village headman and large landowner who utilized hired labor for cultivation and served as the primary administrative link between the king and the rural population.