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Introduction

India’s democratic ethos predates modern constitutional frameworks. From sabhas in ancient republics to local village assemblies (Kudavolai voting) in the Chola era, structured participatory governance existed. These historical mechanisms reflected decentralisation, accountability, and moral qualifications, principles still relevant for electoral reform.

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Nature of Democratic Institutions and Electoral Mechanisms in Ancient and Medieval India

Ancient India

• Evidence from Rig Veda: The Rig Veda mentions Sabha, a judicial council of elders, and Samiti, a popular assembly for policy deliberation and leader election.
• Tribal and Gana-Sangha Assemblies: Early republics like Vrijji, Malla, and Shakya had deliberative councils and elected heads.
• Kautilya’s Arthashastra: Advocated for Samghas (guilds and corporate bodies) with internal elections and checks.
  Eg: Arthashastra stressed decentralised institutions for efficient administration.
• Village Panchayats as Self-Governed Units: Ancient villages had autonomous councils managing law, water, and land distribution.
  Eg: The Gupta Empire (4th–6th century CE) maintained local self-governance through village councils responsible for land management and tax collection.

Medieval India with special emphasis on Cholas

• Uthiramerur Inscriptions (920 CE): it gives astonishing details about defined village assembly functioning with detailed electoral laws on candidate qualifications, disqualifications, and election modes.
  Eg: Tamil Nadu’s Vaikuntaperumal Temple inscription during rule of Prantaka Chola, outlines election qualifications, recall, and term rules.
• Kudavolai System: Transparent ballot pot system using palm-leaf slips and neutral young boys as pickers ensuring transparency and neutrality.
• Strict Moral Qualifications for Candidature:A comprehensive code of conduct outlining eligibility to contest, grounds for removal, and expected moral standards.
  Eg: Disqualifications included alcoholism, defaulting, and immoral conduct, affecting even family eligibility.
• Accountability and Recall: Elected members could be removed for corruption, barred for up to seven generations.
  Eg: Uthiramerur texts highlight citizen-driven audits and public removal mechanisms.

Ways These Historical Practices Can Inspire Contemporary Electoral Reforms 

• Decentralisation in Practice: Empower local bodies with real fiscal and decision-making autonomy.
  Eg: 15th Finance Commission stressed strengthening Panchayats, echoing ancient village autonomy.
• Moral Eligibility Criteria for Contestants: Reinstate ethical standards in candidature beyond affidavits.
  Eg: ADR (2024) showed 46% MPs had criminal cases hence reviving Chola-like norms can deter misuse.
• Right to Recall Mechanisms: Introduce legal provisions for citizens to remove underperforming representatives.
  Eg: State Election Commissions in Haryana trialled recall in Panchayats, mirroring Chola recall rules.
• Transparent and Localised Voting Methods: Use tech-enabled but decentralised tools for rural local body elections.
  Eg: Kudavolai’s election transparency aligns with blockchain voting pilots in Telangana .
• Community Oversight and Audits: Encourage community social audits in urban electoral governance.
  

Conclusion

India’s civilisational democratic legacy can be a compass for democratic and  electoral reforms. By reviving ancient values of public accountability, local governance, and ethical leadership, India can strengthen its modern democracy while staying rooted in its own history.

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