Potdar

Potdar was a hereditary office held by people belonging to the Deshastha Brahmin[1] and the Daivadnya communities (sometimes by other Marathi Brahmins), which formed part of Maratha revenue system, as well as the local administrative body in the state of Maharashtra.

Potdar, derived from Persian Fotdar, literally means "purse bearar" or Treasurer. They were in charge of testing the genuineness weight of minted coins.[2] Along with Kulkarni,Joshi, Gurav, Lohar, Kumbhar, Parit, Nhavi, Sutar, Chambhar, Mahar and Mang,who came from different castes, the Potdar formed a part of Bara Balutedar system.[3]

The privilege of Potdari was granted by the Peshwa to a person who could advance a fixed sum of rupees to the government. The Potdar was to examine the coins used in of day-to-day transactions.[4] In exchange for their services, they were granted hereditary rights (Vatan) to a share in the village harvest.[5]

Potdar is a common Maharashtrian surname used by families whose ancestors held the office.

References

  1. ↑ Amiya K. Samanta (1995). Terrorism in Bengal: Terrorists outside Bengal deriving inspiration from and having links with Bengal terrorists. Government of West Bengal. p. 967. Potdar, Govind Narayan, Deshastha Brahmin, residence Bombay City. Owns the Pioneer Alkaline Works at Parel.
  2. ↑ The Journal of the administrative sciences, v. 24–25, Patna University. Institute of Public Administration, Patna University, 1979, p. 96
  3. ↑ Contemporary political leadership in India. Bakshi, S. R. (Shiri Ram), 1935-, Sharma, Sita Ram, 1932-, Gajrani, S. New Delhi: APH Pub. Corp. 1998. ISBN 9788176480079. OCLC 39986188.
  4. ↑ 1945-, Mahajan, T. T., (1990). Maratha administration in the 18th century. New Delhi, India: Commonwealth Publishers. ISBN 9788171690817. OCLC 23609308.
  5. ↑ Fukazawa, H., 1972. Rural Servants in the 18th Century Maharashtrian Village—Demiurgic or Jajmani System?. Hitotsubashi journal of economics, 12(2), pp.14-40.
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