The Panchayat (पंचायत in Devanagiri) is an Indian political system which groups five ("panch") villages in a quincunx (four peripheral villages around a central one). Each has appointed tasks and responsibilities, such as cart-making or basket-weaving. The central village, usually the largest of the Panchayat, traditionally handles food storage and meeting-places for officials, as well as their residences. ‘Panchayat’ literally means assembly (yat) of five (panch) wise and respected elders chosen and accepted by the village community.