Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Village administration in the Mughal era was semi-autonomous, managed by local councils called Panchayats and specific village officials.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. The village Panchayat was usually a council of elders. It was headed by a headman known as the Muqaddam or {Mandal}.
2. To assist the headman in maintaining fiscal and land records, the village had an official called the Patwari.
3. The Patwari's primary duty was to act as the village accountant, maintaining the accounts of the land (the {Bahis}) and tracking revenue payments.
4. The salaries of these officials were usually paid from the common village fund ({kharch}).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The role of the Patwari was that of an Accountant.