The correct option is Patwari.
Explanation
The Mughal administrative structure extended down to the village level, which functioned as the primary unit for revenue collection. The village administration was largely autonomous but monitored by state officials. The two principal functionaries at the village level were the headman and the accountant.Analysis of Functionaries:
- Patwari (Correct): The Patwari was the village accountant. He was responsible for maintaining detailed records of land holdings, cultivation, and revenue assessments (bahi-khata). He assisted the Muqaddam by providing the financial data necessary for revenue collection. The Patwari was generally considered an employee of the village rather than a direct official of the central government.
- Muqaddam: The village headman, responsible for maintaining law and order and collecting land revenue from the cultivators to hand over to the state agents.
- Qanungo: The hereditary keeper of revenue records at the Pargana (sub-district) level. He supervised the revenue records submitted by the Patwaris of various villages.
- Chaudhuri: A revenue official at the Pargana level, typically a leading Zamindar, who assisted government officials in revenue collection.
- Karkun: A general term for clerks or writers employed at the Pargana level to maintain official accounts and records.
Key Takeaway:
In the Mughal village system, the Muqaddam acted as the executive head, while the Patwari served as the record keeper and accountant.