Why were the Jati Panchayats formed during the 16th and 17th centuries ? Explain their functions and authority .

Why were the Jati Panchayats formed during the 16th and 17th centuries

1.	Why were the Jati Panchayats formed during the 16th and 17th centuries ? Explain their functions and authority .
Answer» Solution :(i) The decision of the panchayat in conflictsbetween lower caste peasants and the state officials or the local ZAMINDARI could very from case to case . (ii)Archival records from western INDIA, notably Rajasthan and Maharashtra, contain petitionspresentedto the panchayatcomplainingaboutextortion of tax or the pressing demand for unpaid LABOUR (BEGAR) imposed by thesuperior castes or officials of the state. (iii)These included excessive tax demands which especially in time of DROUGHT orother disasters endangered the peasants subsistence. (iv)In addition to the village panchayat each caste or jati in the village had its own jati panchayat. (v)They mediated in contestedclaimson land. Decided wheter marriages were performedaccordingto the norms laid down by a particular caste group. (vi)Determined who had ritual precedence in village functions andso on. In most cases, exceptin matters of criminal justice. (vii)The states respects the decisions of jatipanchayats.