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NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Civics Chapter 6 Rural Administration | KalviGavani

NCERT Class 6 Social Science Civics Chapter 6 Rural Administration exercise solutions — Patwari, Tehsildar, police station, land records, rural disputes, MCQ and step-by-step answers.

Updated 16 June 202620 min read

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NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Civics Chapter 6 — Rural Administration

How to Use This Page

This page provides complete, exam-ready NCERT solutions for Civics Chapter 6 — Rural Administration (CBSE Class 6 Social Science). Every answer follows the NCERT textbook closely and is written in simple, student-friendly language.

  • Key Concepts table — quick revision of every important term from the chapter.
  • Intext Questions — answers to questions embedded within the NCERT chapter text.
  • Chapter-End Exercise Questions — detailed solutions to all textbook exercise questions.
  • MCQ Practice — multiple-choice questions to test your recall and understanding.
  • Common Mistakes to Avoid — errors students frequently make in exams.
  • Exam Checklist — a final revision list before your test.

Read each answer carefully. Where a question asks for your opinion, sample answers are provided — you can adapt them using your own experience.

Key Concepts

TermDefinition
PatwariA village-level government official who maintains land records, measures agricultural land, and records changes in land ownership and cultivation. Also known as Lekhpal in some states.
LekhpalAnother name for the Patwari used in states like Uttar Pradesh. Performs the same duties of maintaining village land records.
TehsildarA revenue officer at the tehsil (taluka) level who supervises Patwaris, settles land disputes, and ensures collection of land revenue.
District Collector (DM)The senior-most revenue officer in a district, also called the District Magistrate. Oversees all administrative and revenue work in the district.
Land RecordsOfficial documents that record details about land ownership, area, type of soil, crops grown, and any changes in ownership. Maintained by the Patwari.
RevenueIncome that the government collects from citizens, especially from land taxes and other sources.
Police StationThe local office of the police responsible for maintaining law and order in a defined area, registering complaints, and investigating crimes.
FIR (First Information Report)The first written report that the police register when a person reports a crime. It is an important legal document.
Tehsil / TalukaAn administrative subdivision of a district, consisting of a group of villages. Each tehsil has a Tehsildar in charge.
Gram PanchayatThe village-level local self-government body that handles village administration and development.
Hindu Succession Amendment Act, 2005A law that gave daughters equal rights to inherit ancestral property, including agricultural land, ensuring women's ownership of land.
KhasraA document that records details of land holdings — crop, area, ownership — maintained by the Patwari for each plot.
JamabandiA register that records rights and liabilities of landholders, updated periodically. Part of the land record system.
Law and OrderThe responsibility of maintaining peace, preventing crimes, and ensuring people follow laws. In rural areas, this duty belongs to the police.

Intext Questions

Intext Question 1 (Page 56)

"Look at the photograph. What do you think is happening? Who do you think the people in the photograph are?"

The photograph shows a scene where a Patwari or a revenue official is measuring agricultural land with the help of a measuring chain or tape. The people in the photograph are likely the Patwari (government official), the farmer who owns or cultivates the land, and possibly other villagers who are witnesses. The Patwari measures land to update the official land records, noting the exact area under cultivation and any changes in ownership or cropping pattern.

Intext Question 2 (Page 57)

"What is the work of a Patwari? List the different tasks that a Patwari performs."

A Patwari performs several important tasks in rural administration:

1. Measuring land — The Patwari physically measures agricultural fields using chains or tapes to determine the exact area of each plot. 2. Maintaining land records — The Patwari keeps detailed records (Khasra) of every piece of land in the village, including who owns it, who cultivates it, what crops are grown, and the area of each plot. 3. Updating records — Whenever land is sold, inherited, or its use changes, the Patwari updates the official records accordingly. 4. Collecting land revenue — The Patwari helps in the collection of land revenue (tax on land) from farmers. 5. Providing information — The Patwari provides land-related information to the Tehsildar and other higher officials. 6. Resolving land disputes — The Patwari's records serve as evidence in case of disputes over land ownership or boundaries between farmers.

Intext Question 3 (Page 58)

"Find out from your grandparents or elders in your neighbourhood about the Patwari or Lekhpal in your area. What is their work? How do they help in maintaining land records?"

(Answer will vary based on local experience. A sample answer is given below.)

In my area, the Patwari (called Lekhpal here) visits the village regularly. His main work is to maintain the land records of every field in the village. He visits fields during crop seasons to see which crops are being grown and records this information. When a farmer sells land or transfers it to a family member, the Patwari updates the record book with the new owner's name. If there is a dispute about boundaries between two fields, the Patwari checks his records to settle the matter. The Lekhpal also collects land revenue from farmers and deposits it with the government. Villagers go to the Lekhpal whenever they need a copy of their land record (Khasra) for bank loans or legal purposes.

Intext Question 4 (Page 59)

"Do you think that women should also have a right to their father's property? Give reasons for your answer."

Yes, women should absolutely have a right to their father's property for the following reasons:

1. Equality — Women and men are equal members of a family. Denying women the right to inherit property is discriminatory and unjust. 2. Economic security — Land and property ownership gives women economic independence and security, reducing their vulnerability to poverty. 3. Contribution to family — Women contribute equally to the household through their labour — both paid and unpaid. They deserve a share in family assets. 4. Legal right — The Hindu Succession Amendment Act, 2005 has made daughters equal coparceners (joint heirs) in ancestral property. The law recognises this right. 5. Social welfare — When women own land, they can use it as collateral for loans, start businesses, and support their children's education and health.

Intext Question 5 (Page 60)

"What do you think should be the role of the police in a rural area? How can the police help maintain law and order?"

The police in a rural area should play the following roles:

1. Preventing crime — The police should patrol villages regularly to deter thefts, assaults, and other crimes. 2. Registering complaints — When a villager reports a crime, the police must register an FIR and begin investigation promptly. 3. Investigating cases — The police should investigate crimes, gather evidence, and present cases in court. 4. Maintaining peace — During festivals, fairs, or village disputes, the police should be present to prevent violence and maintain order. 5. Helping in emergencies — During floods, fires, or other emergencies, the police should coordinate rescue and relief efforts. 6. Building trust — The police should work closely with the Gram Panchayat and villagers to build trust so that people feel safe reporting crimes.

Chapter-End Exercise Questions

Question 1. What is the work of the Patwari?
Answer

The Patwari is a village-level revenue official who performs the following work:

1. Measures agricultural land — The Patwari visits fields and measures the area of each plot using a chain or tape. This ensures that land records accurately reflect the true size of every holding. 2. Maintains land records — The Patwari keeps a register called the Khasra in which every detail about each plot of land is recorded — the name of the owner, the name of the cultivator, the area, the type of soil, and the crops grown in each season. 3. Updates ownership records — Whenever a piece of land is sold, gifted, or inherited, the Patwari enters the name of the new owner in the records so that they always reflect the current situation. 4. Collects land revenue — The Patwari is responsible for collecting land revenue (a tax on agricultural land) from the farmers and depositing it with the government treasury. 5. Provides information to higher officials — The Patwari sends regular reports on land records and revenue collection to the Tehsildar and other officers. 6. Assists in dispute resolution — When there is a dispute between two farmers about the boundary of their fields or ownership of land, the Patwari's records serve as the official evidence to settle the matter.

Question 2. What is the link between a Gram Panchayat and a Tehsildar?
Answer

The Gram Panchayat and the Tehsildar are connected in the following ways:

1. Administrative link — A district is divided into several tehsils (also called talukas or blocks). Each tehsil contains many villages, and each village has a Gram Panchayat. The Tehsildar is the revenue officer in charge of the tehsil and oversees the work of all the Patwaris in the villages under that tehsil. 2. Land revenue coordination — The Gram Panchayat collects some local taxes, but land revenue is collected by the Patwari under the supervision of the Tehsildar. The Tehsildar ensures that revenue from all villages in the tehsil is properly collected and deposited. 3. Dispute resolution — When a land dispute arises in a village, it may first be brought before the Gram Panchayat. If the Panchayat cannot resolve it, the matter is referred to the Tehsildar, who has the authority to hear and decide land-related disputes. 4. Development work — The Gram Panchayat plans village development works. For matters that require higher-level approval — such as land acquisition for roads or government buildings — the Tehsildar acts as the link between the Panchayat and the district administration. 5. Certification and documentation — The Tehsildar issues important certificates (like domicile certificates, caste certificates) that villagers often need. The Gram Panchayat may recommend or forward such applications to the Tehsildar's office.

In summary, the Tehsildar functions as the higher administrative authority at the tehsil level, while the Gram Panchayat handles governance at the village level. They work together to ensure smooth rural administration.

Question 3. How do women in rural areas benefit from land records?
Answer

Women in rural areas benefit from land records in the following important ways:

1. Proof of ownership — When a woman's name is recorded in the land records (Khasra or Jamabandi), she has legal proof of ownership. This protects her from being dispossessed by male relatives. 2. Access to credit — Banks require land records as collateral for giving agricultural loans. If a woman's name appears in the land records, she can independently apply for a loan to buy seeds, fertilisers, or farming equipment. 3. Legal protection in disputes — Land disputes are common in rural areas. If a woman's name is in the official land records, she has a strong legal basis to claim her share in case of a dispute over inheritance or partition. 4. Benefit from government schemes — Many government schemes for farmers — such as crop insurance, subsidies, and compensation for crop damage — are linked to land records. Women whose names appear in the records can directly receive these benefits. 5. Economic empowerment — Owning land gives a woman economic independence. She can lease it, sell it, or use its produce for her family's nutrition and income. 6. Social status — In rural society, land ownership is closely tied to social status and respect. When women own land, their voice in household and community decisions becomes stronger.

The Hindu Succession Amendment Act, 2005 has made it legally mandatory to include daughters' names in ancestral property records, which has further strengthened women's land rights in rural India.

Question 4. What is the role of the police in rural administration?
Answer

The police play a crucial role in maintaining law and order in rural areas:

1. Registering FIR — When any crime is reported — theft, assault, land encroachment, or any other offence — the police are required to register a First Information Report (FIR). The FIR is the first step in the legal process and must be filed before investigation begins. 2. Investigating crimes — After an FIR is registered, the police investigate the crime. They visit the scene, collect evidence, record witness statements, and identify suspects. 3. Preventing crime — The police patrol villages, especially during festivals, fairs, and election times, to prevent crimes before they happen. Regular patrolling also deters criminals. 4. Maintaining public order — During disputes between individuals or groups, the police intervene to prevent violence and restore peace. They also manage crowds during public events. 5. Assisting in emergencies — In cases of natural disasters like floods, fires, or droughts, the police coordinate rescue operations, help evacuate people, and maintain law and order in affected areas. 6. Enforcing laws — The police enforce various laws in rural areas, including laws against dowry, child marriage, and domestic violence. 7. Building community relations — A good police station works closely with the Gram Panchayat and villagers, earning their trust so that people feel comfortable reporting crimes without fear.

Each police station has a defined area of jurisdiction covering several villages. The Station House Officer (SHO) is in charge of the police station and its staff.

Question 5. Why are land records important?
Answer

Land records are important for the following reasons:

1. Proof of ownership — Land records are the official proof of who owns a particular piece of land. Without these records, anyone could claim ownership of any piece of land, leading to chaos and disputes. 2. Settling disputes — When two people claim the same piece of land, the land records maintained by the Patwari serve as legal evidence to settle the dispute fairly. 3. Collection of revenue — The government collects land revenue (tax on land) based on the records. Accurate records ensure that the right person is taxed the correct amount. 4. Planning and development — Government departments use land records to plan development projects — roads, schools, hospitals, irrigation canals. Knowing who owns the land and what it is used for helps in proper planning. 5. Bank loans — Farmers need to show land records as collateral when they apply for bank loans. Banks lend money only when the land title is clear and recorded. 6. Compensation and insurance — When the government acquires land for a public project (like building a highway), it compensates the owner. Land records determine who receives the compensation. Similarly, crop insurance claims require land records. 7. Women's rights — Accurate land records that include women's names protect their inheritance rights and give them access to credit, government benefits, and legal protection. 8. Historical reference — Land records maintained over many years provide a historical record of how land ownership and use have changed in a village over time.

Without proper land records, the entire system of rural administration — from revenue collection to dispute resolution — would break down.

MCQ Practice (Exam-Oriented)

Choose the correct option for each question.

1. Who maintains land records in a village?
Answer

A) The Sarpanch B) The Patwari C) The District Collector D) The Station House Officer

AnswerB) The Patwari

The Patwari (also called Lekhpal in some states) is the village-level revenue official responsible for measuring land and maintaining land records.

2. A Tehsildar works at which level of administration?
Answer

A) Village level B) Tehsil (Taluka) level C) District level D) State level

AnswerB) Tehsil (Taluka) level

The Tehsildar is the revenue officer in charge of a tehsil, which is a subdivision of a district consisting of several villages.

3. What is an FIR?
Answer

A) Final Investigation Report B) First Information Report C) First Intimation Record D) Field Inspection Record

AnswerB) First Information Report

An FIR is the first written report that the police register when a crime is reported. It is a crucial legal document.

4. Which document records details of land holdings such as crop, area, and ownership for each plot?
Answer

A) FIR B) Khasra C) Ration card D) Voter ID

AnswerB) Khasra

The Khasra is a land record document maintained by the Patwari that records details of every plot of land — including the owner's name, area, soil type, and crops grown.

5. The Hindu Succession Amendment Act, 2005 gave which right to women?
Answer

A) Right to vote B) Right to free education C) Equal right to inherit ancestral property D) Right to contest elections

AnswerC) Equal right to inherit ancestral property

The Hindu Succession Amendment Act, 2005 made daughters equal coparceners (joint heirs) in ancestral property, including agricultural land.

6. Who supervises the work of Patwaris in a tehsil?
Answer

A) The District Collector B) The Sarpanch C) The Tehsildar D) The Chief Minister

AnswerC) The Tehsildar

The Tehsildar supervises the work of all Patwaris within the tehsil, ensures proper collection of land revenue, and hears land-related disputes.

7. What is the first step that the police must take when a crime is reported?
Answer

A) Arrest the suspect B) Register an FIR C) Inform the District Collector D) Call the village Panchayat

AnswerB) Register an FIR

When any person reports a crime, the police must first register a First Information Report (FIR). This is the legal first step before any investigation can begin.

8. The District Collector is also known as:
Answer

A) District Magistrate B) District Superintendent C) District Director D) District Commissioner

AnswerA) District Magistrate

The District Collector is also called the District Magistrate (DM). This officer is the senior-most revenue and administrative authority in a district.

9. Why do banks require land records before giving agricultural loans?
Answer

A) To check the farmer's education B) To verify the farmer's age C) To use land as collateral for the loan D) To check the farmer's caste

AnswerC) To use land as collateral for the loan

Banks require land records to verify ownership and use the land as collateral (security) against the loan. If the farmer defaults, the bank can recover the loan amount from the land.

10. Which of the following is NOT a duty of the Patwari?
Answer

A) Measuring agricultural land B) Maintaining land records C) Investigating criminal cases D) Collecting land revenue

AnswerC) Investigating criminal cases

Investigating criminal cases is the duty of the police, not the Patwari. The Patwari is a revenue official who deals with land records and revenue collection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Confusing Patwari with Police — The Patwari handles land records and revenue. The police handle crime investigation and law and order. These are entirely different roles. Do not mix them up in exam answers.

2. Writing "FIR" without knowing its full form — Always remember: FIR stands for First Information Report, not "Final Investigation Report" or any other variation. This is a very common mistake in exams.

3. Confusing Tehsildar with District Collector — The Tehsildar works at the tehsil level and supervises Patwaris. The District Collector (DM) works at the district level and supervises Tehsildars. Know the hierarchy: Village (Patwari) → Tehsil (Tehsildar) → District (District Collector).

4. Forgetting to mention the Hindu Succession Amendment Act, 2005 — When asked about women's land rights, always mention this specific law by name and year. It is the key legal provision that gave daughters equal inheritance rights.

5. Writing vague answers about land records — Do not just say "land records are important." Always give specific reasons — proof of ownership, settling disputes, getting bank loans, government compensation, and women's rights.

6. Confusing Khasra with Jamabandi — Khasra is the document that records details of each individual plot (crop, area, owner). Jamabandi is the register that records the rights and liabilities of all landholders in a village. They are different documents.

7. Not linking Gram Panchayat with Tehsildar properly — When asked about the link, do not just describe one or the other. Explain how they are connected — the Gram Panchayat at the village level works with the Tehsildar at the tehsil level for revenue collection, dispute resolution, and development work.

8. Ignoring the role of women in land-related questions — In NCERT, the chapter specifically highlights how women benefit from land records. Always include the gender perspective when answering questions about land records and administration.

Exam Checklist

Before your exam, make sure you can answer the following:

  • [ ] Who is a Patwari and what are their duties? — Measure land, maintain Khasra records, update ownership, collect revenue, assist in disputes.
  • [ ] What is the Khasra? — The document recording crop, area, ownership for each plot of land.
  • [ ] Who is a Tehsildar? — Revenue officer at the tehsil level; supervises Patwaris, hears disputes, collects revenue.
  • [ ] What is the hierarchy of rural administration? — Village (Patwari) → Tehsil (Tehsildar) → District (District Collector / DM).
  • [ ] What is an FIR? — First Information Report — the first written report registered by police when a crime is reported.
  • [ ] What is the role of the police in rural areas? — Register FIRs, investigate crimes, maintain law and order, prevent crime, assist in emergencies.
  • [ ] How are Gram Panchayat and Tehsildar linked? — Panchayat handles village governance; Tehsildar handles tehsil-level revenue and administration. They coordinate on disputes, development, and revenue.
  • [ ] Why are land records important? — Proof of ownership, settle disputes, bank loans, government compensation, women's rights, revenue collection, development planning.
  • [ ] How do women benefit from land records? — Legal proof of ownership, access to credit, protection in disputes, government scheme benefits, economic empowerment.
  • [ ] What is the Hindu Succession Amendment Act, 2005? — It gave daughters equal rights to inherit ancestral property, including agricultural land.
  • [ ] What is the role of the District Collector? — Senior-most officer in the district; oversees revenue collection, law and order, and all administrative functions.
  • [ ] What is a tehsil/taluka? — An administrative subdivision of a district, containing several villages, headed by a Tehsildar.

Quick Revision Table

QuestionKey Answer Points
Work of Patwari?Measure land, maintain Khasra, update records, collect revenue
Link between Gram Panchayat and Tehsildar?Panchayat at village level, Tehsildar at tehsil level — coordinate on revenue, disputes, development
Women and land records?Ownership proof, bank loans, legal protection, government benefits, economic empowerment
Role of police?Register FIR, investigate crime, maintain order, prevent crime, emergency assistance
Importance of land records?Proof of ownership, dispute resolution, revenue collection, loans, compensation, women's rights
Hierarchy of rural administration?Patwari (village) → Tehsildar (tehsil) → District Collector (district)
Hindu Succession Amendment Act, 2005?Daughters get equal right to inherit ancestral property including agricultural land
What is an FIR?First Information Report — first written report of a crime at a police station

Frequently Asked Questions

A Patwari is a village-level revenue official who maintains land records, collects land revenue, and measures land. The Patwari is responsible for updating and preserving records of land ownership and cultivation.