Thokdar

Thokdar, also known as Sayana, was a hereditary feudal title responsible for revenue collection within the administrative units called parganas during historical times in India. The Thokdars acted as intermediaries between the central authorities and the local village-level administration, ensuring efficient collection of taxes and dues.

Thokdar Surnames

• Bisht
• Negi (title)/ Negi (surname)
• Mahar

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.

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.