Question

The village headman called ‘Manjhi’ is both a civil and moral authority among :

• A. Gujars
• B. Bakarwals
• C. Santhals
• D. Nagas

Hint:

Among the Santhals, the “Manjhi” serves as the traditional village headman and exercises both civil and moral authority.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Tribal societies in India possess traditional systems of governance in which village leadership plays an important role in:
• Social administration,
• Maintenance of customary law,
• Settlement of disputes,
• Preservation of moral order. Different tribes use different titles for their traditional leaders.

Step 1: Understanding the term “Manjhi”. The title: \[ Manjhi \] is associated with the traditional village headman among the: \[ \boxed{\text{Santhals}} \] The Manjhi acts as:
• Administrative head,
• Judicial authority,
• Moral guide,
• Custodian of customs and traditions. Thus, the Manjhi possesses both:
• Civil authority,
• Moral authority.

Step 2: Analyzing Option (A) — Gujars. Gujars are mainly:
• Pastoral communities,
• Traditionally cattle-herding groups. Their village leadership structure is not centered around the title “Manjhi.” Hence: \[ \text{Option (A) is incorrect.} \]

Step 3: Analyzing Option (B) — Bakarwals. Bakarwals are:
• Nomadic pastoralists,
• Primarily found in Jammu and Kashmir. Their leadership traditions do not use the title “Manjhi.” Therefore: \[ \text{Option (B) is incorrect.} \]

Step 4: Analyzing Option (D) — Nagas. Naga tribes possess their own systems of village councils and chieftainship. However: \[ \text{“Manjhi” is not a Naga title.} \] Thus: \[ \text{Option (D) is incorrect.} \]

Step 5: Final conclusion. Therefore, the village headman known as “Manjhi” belongs to the: \[ \boxed{\text{Santhal tribe}} \] Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(C) Santhals}} \]