Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (B) — Village officers
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedIn early medieval and medieval India, 'Mahattara' (village elder/representative) and 'Pattakila' (ancestor of the modern term 'Patel' or village headman/revenue officer) were standard designations for village officials responsible for local administration, dispute resolution, and land revenue management.
'Pattakila' is the etymological root of 'Patel' / 'Patil', denoting traditional village leadership and revenue accounting.
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