Who is a Patwari? What are his Duties?

By Balaji

Updated on: February 17th, 2023

Patwari is the village accountant or the individual responsible for keeping the land ownership records. The term ‘Patwari’ is an ancient term used in India since the 18th century. A patwari is also known as Lekhpal, Kanungo and some other names depending on the state and region. He is in charge of collecting farmers’ land taxes while also maintaining the land records of the villagers.

Table of content

1. Roles and Responsibilities of Patwari
2. Who is a Patwari? What are his Duties?

Roles and Responsibilities of Patwari

A Patwari is an individual who is responsible for keeping land records and accounts in a village. A patwari is also known as Lekhpal or Karamchari in different states. The Mughal emperor Akbar improved the Patwar system, which Sher Shah Suri had introduced to the Indian subcontinent.

The East India Company maintained the arrangement and, afterward, the British monarchy with some administrative adjustments. In the countryside of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, it designates the Talati’s office. The title “Talatis” refers to the position and its occupant; some who hold it have made it their family name.

There are multiple duties associated with a Patwari that include:

Collecting the land taxes.
Measuring the land to maintain land records.
He is responsible for a village group.
Patwari is also responsible for coordinating the land revenue collection of farmers.
They give details about the crops grown in a particular region to the current government.

Summary: