Question

Identify the images marked as A and B with respect to the administrative divisions in 17th century Maharashtra. Describe in detail in any of the levels.

Answer 1

Instructions:
Solution:

A is the village level, also known as mauja and B is the Pargana level.

• A Pargana is a larger administrational unit consisting of multiple villages in the 17th century Maharashtra.
• The number of villages used to vary accordingly.

For example, the Pune Pargana had 290 villages and the Chakan Pargana consisted of 64 villages.

• The Deshmukhs and the Despandes were appointed as the watandar officers and used to manage the Parganas.
• The Deshmukh was the head of all the Patils of a Pargana.