Structure and functions of local governance in ancient India: A study of its relevance

Abstract

Although the local self-governance has emerged as the key to prosperity, development and good governance in the late 20th Century, yet its history dates back to ancient India. It can be safely hypothesized that the panchayats or local governments in ancient India were the independent republics, autonomous and self-sufficient and better entities than that of the present local governance. In view of the characteristics and performance of the present panchayati system, it becomes an urgent imperative to trace and explore about Panchayats of ancient period which may be of much relevance today. With this view in mind the present paper intends to analyse the nature, functions and organizational structure of local governments in ancient India that provided a good model of self-governance.