Khurda was a form of payment........... made to.................

The correct answer is - In cash, the Patil

Key Points

• Khurda was a form of payment used in historical administrative systems in India.
• The payment was made specifically in cash, distinguishing it from payments made in kind (e.g., goods or services).
• This payment system was directed towards the Patil, who was a village headman responsible for administrative duties and maintaining order in the village.
• The Patil served as an intermediary figure between the villagers and the government, and the cash payment ensured their administrative services were compensated.
• Understanding the role of cash payments versus payments in kind is important to grasp the fiscal structure of historical Indian village administration.

Additional Information

• Patil's Role:
  • The Patil was a key village officer during the medieval and early modern periods in India.
  • Responsibilities included collecting taxes, maintaining law and order, and resolving disputes within the village.
  • The position of Patil was often hereditary, ensuring continuity in village administration.
• Payments in Cash vs. Kind:
  • Payments in cash were typically used to compensate individuals in administrative or higher-ranking roles, such as the Patil.
  • Payments in kind (e.g., grain, livestock) were more common among laborers, farmers, or lower-ranking officials like the Kulkarni (village accountant).
• Kulkarni's Role:
  • The Kulkarni was responsible for maintaining village records, including land ownership and tax registers.
  • Unlike the Patil, the Kulkarni was often compensated in kind, reflecting their role in the agrarian economy.
• Historical Context:
  • The payment systems of Khurda reflect the administrative structures of pre-modern India, which were designed to ensure efficient governance at the village level.
  • These systems varied across regions and were influenced by factors like local economies, governance styles, and social hierarchies.