Which one of the following facts does not hold true about Grama-Bhojaka, the village headman in the northern parts of India?
The king never used him to collect taxes
Understanding the Grama-Bhojaka in Ancient India
In the northern parts of India during ancient times, particularly between the 6th century BCE and the 6th century CE, the village headman was often known as the Grama-Bhojaka. This was a very important position in the village administration.
The Grama-Bhojaka usually held significant power and influence within the village. Let's examine the facts provided in the options to see which one does not accurately describe the Grama-Bhojaka.
Analyzing Facts about the Grama-Bhojaka
We will go through each statement presented in the options and determine if it holds true based on historical information.
- Statement 1: He was often the largest landowner.
Historical sources indicate that the Grama-Bhojaka often controlled a large portion of the village land. This gave him considerable economic power.
This statement holds true.
- Statement 2: His post was hereditary.
The position of Grama-Bhojaka was typically hereditary. This means the son usually inherited the post from his father, making the position powerful across generations within a family.
This statement holds true.
- Statement 3: The king never used him to collect taxes.
The Grama-Bhojaka played a crucial role in the administration for the king. One of his main duties was to collect taxes from the villagers on behalf of the king. This was a significant responsibility that connected the village administration with the central authority.
This statement does NOT hold true. The king frequently used the Grama-Bhojaka for tax collection.
- Statement 4: Generally, he had slaves and hired workers to cultivate the land.
As the largest landowner, the Grama-Bhojaka needed labour to cultivate his vast landholdings. He commonly employed slaves and hired workers (known as 'dasakam makaram') for this purpose.
This statement holds true.
Based on the analysis, the statement that does not hold true about the Grama-Bhojaka is that the king never used him to collect taxes. In reality, tax collection was one of his primary functions for the king.
| Fact | Holds True? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Often largest landowner | Yes | Controlled significant land, giving economic power. |
| Post was hereditary | Yes | Position usually passed down from father to son. |
| King never used for tax collection | No | King heavily relied on him for collecting taxes from villages. |
| Used slaves and hired workers | Yes | Needed labour for large landholdings. |
Conclusion on Grama-Bhojaka Facts
The question asks which fact does NOT hold true. Our analysis shows that the statement "The king never used him to collect taxes" is incorrect regarding the Grama-Bhojaka's role.
Revision Table: Ancient Indian Village Administration
Understanding roles like the Grama-Bhojaka is key to understanding ancient Indian village life and administration. They were powerful figures connecting the local level to the state.
| Role | Key Responsibilities/Characteristics | Region/Period |
|---|---|---|
| Grama-Bhojaka | Village headman, largest landowner, hereditary post, tax collection for king, judicial functions (sometimes) | Northern India, c. 6th BCE - 6th CE |
| Grihapatis | Heads of large households, often landowners (smaller than Grama-Bhojaka), farmers | Generally present |
| Dasas and Karmakaras | Slaves and hired labourers | Worked on lands of large landowners like Grama-Bhojaka or Grihapatis |
Additional Information: Power and Functions of the Grama-Bhojaka
The Grama-Bhojaka was a multifaceted authority figure in the village. Beyond land ownership and tax collection, his functions could include:
- Acting as a judge, settling disputes within the village.
- Sometimes performing policing functions, like catching criminals.
- His authority was significant due to his land ownership, hereditary status, and the king's reliance on him.
This concentration of power meant the Grama-Bhojaka could also exploit the villagers, especially the smaller farmers, who were dependent on him.
Important Questions from History
Begum Hazarat Mahal led the revolt of 1857 from ______.
The Vernacular Press Act in British India was passed in ______.
Which one of the following pairs of "event-year" with reference to India is correct?
I. First War of Independence - 1856
II. Swadeshi Movement - 1905
III. First session of Indian National Congress - 1885
Which one of the following statements is not correct regarding the Revolt of 1857?
I. It was known as the Second War of Independence.
II. It was started on 13th May 1857.
III. This rebellion started in Meerut.
- In what year did American women get the right to vote?
