Correct Option
The correct option is (a) 1 and 2 only.
Explanation
In the northern part of the Indian subcontinent during the post-Vedic and early historic period, village social structures became stratified based on land ownership and administrative roles. This hierarchy is frequently described in early Pali texts and reflects the agrarian expansion of the time.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Grama bhojaka was the village headman in the northern part of the subcontinent. The post was usually hereditary. He was typically the largest landowner in the village and employed slaves and hired workers to cultivate his land.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Due to his economic power and local influence, the King frequently utilized the Grama bhojaka to collect taxes from the village. Additionally, he often performed administrative and judicial functions, acting as a judge and sometimes as a policeman to maintain law and order.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Grihapatis were not landless labourers; they were independent farmers who owned smaller plots of land. The class of individuals who did not own land and had to earn a living by working on the fields of others were known as Dasa Karmakara.
Key Takeaway: The village hierarchy in ancient northern India consisted of the Grama bhojaka (large landowner/headman), Grihapatis (small independent landowners), and Dasa Karmakara (landless labourers).