In feudal India, Thokdar, also known as Sayana, was a hereditary title held by those responsible for revenue collection within administrative units called parganas. Thokdars acted as intermediaries between central authorities and local village-level administration, ensuring efficient collection of taxes and dues.
System structure Within the parganas, Thokdars appointed Padhans, who managed village-level revenue collection. In some areas, they held significant authority, shaping local administrative and social structures.
Role and responsibilities Thokdars were primarily responsible for:
Revenue collection: They supervised and collected revenue from the villages under their jurisdiction, often through appointed village-level officers called Padhans. Offerings and entitlements: Thokdars received nazrana (offerings) from the villages during festivals, family ceremonies, and other occasions. They were also entitled to a portion of certain local resources, such as a leg of every goat killed during communal or religious festivals in their divisions. Land rights: Thokdars enjoyed portions of rent-free land in their own villages and exercised significant influence over local land-related matters. Hereditary status: The title of Thokdar was hereditary, passing down within families across generations. Thokdar surnames Bisht Negi Mahar
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