[10] The tradition of mukhis and panchayat raj (village self-government) is thought to be thousands of years old but currently decreasing in influence due to the growth of government and democratic decentralisation.
[12] In 1876, according to the Village Police Act, the mukhis were also given central roles in the criminal justice system and required to carry out surveillance about suspicious activities and reporting to district level officials.
[2] They had powers to resolve conflicts within their community, particularly those relating to marriages,[13] and give consent over the building of properties[1] and officiate over daily events or rituals.
[14] In Hyderabad, Sindh the position was always held by a member of the Bhaibund community who presided over the collection of fines for the violation of duties and obligations.
[15] In the Ismaili Nizari tradition, the term is also used for the guardian of each Jama'at Khana where the Mukhi acts as the tangible symbol of the Imam's authority,[1] by officiating over daily rituals.