Who among the following is known as ‘dayad’ in the Maratha polity ?

The correct answer is - Watandar

Key Points

• Watandar
  • In the Maratha polity, a Watandar was a hereditary holder of land or a person entitled to collect a share of land revenue in exchange for services rendered to the state.
  • The term 'dayad', meaning a legal heir or successor, is specifically associated with the Watandars due to the hereditary nature of their rights.
  • Watandars were essential in maintaining administrative and military functions in the Maratha Empire.
  • They played a crucial role in the decentralized governance structure of the Maratha polity, ensuring local administration and revenue collection.

Additional Information

• Jagirdar
  • Jagirdars were granted land (jagir) as a reward for their military service or administrative duties.
  • Unlike Watandars, the rights of a Jagirdar were not hereditary and were subject to the ruler's discretion.
• Mirasdar
  • Mirasdars were individual landowners in the Maratha Empire who owned land outright and paid revenue directly to the state.
  • They were not typically associated with hereditary administrative roles like Watandars.
• Saranjamdar
  • Saranjamdars were granted land or revenue assignments, known as 'Saranjam,' often for military service.
  • The Saranjam system was primarily a temporary arrangement and differed from the hereditary nature of the Watandar system.