Khardar

Introduction of Khardar

Khardar was an important administrative post given to educate individuals centered around Nepal’s official works and day-to-day administration after its unification. This Post was brought into existence by Prithvi Narayan Shah.

For Layman, Khardar was extremely powerful as they were the intellectuals behind the administrative works of offices and tribunals. They were present throughout the Important Offices of Nepal.

It should be understood that this Post is equivalent to the present post of Secretary of Nepal, commonly known as Sachib.

Functions of Khardar

Day-to-Day Administration

There were few Government Employees in any office in the Pre-Rana Administration. Therefore, these Employees had to tackle everyday problems associated with the Citizens.

The Registration of Land, Settlement of Land Disputes, requests made by the Common Citizens, conducting Development Activities, etc., were some common challenges introduced by the Populace. Therefore, Skilled Administrators such as Khardar were necessary.

However, it is still unclear if they worked as Judicial Officers such as Dittha, Bichari, Dharmadhikari, etc.

Records and Accounting

As stated earlier, Khardars were quite educated in writing, literature as well as accounting. Therefore, this integral responsibility of accounting was delegated to this post.

They handled the important accounting Works of various courts and offices. They had to keep the relevant records in all the departments and make sure they are protected.

Assistant to Chief Administrative Officer

Although this post was integral in the Administration of Rana and Pre-Rana Nepal, they still had to obey orders from their King as well as Chief Administrative Officers. They worked very efficiently as highlighted by some Historical Records. Therefore, they were also made assistants by the King and had intimate Administrative relations with them.

They also had to collaborate with the heads of various departments and offices in Nepal to run day-to-day administration and make administrative decisions. These Heads are generally Sardars, Kazis, etc.

Conclusion

Khardar was an Administrative Post conferred to an Educated Individual after the Unification of Nepal. The Major Duties of Khardar were as follows: supporting the principal administrative officials, maintaining records, and overseeing daily administration.