The democracy in ancient India was more robust than the democracy of Athens and Rome

India’s democratic legacy extends far beyond the very origin of democracy itself. The fact is that democracy in India was not only established earlier but was also more organized and inclusive than its counterparts in the West. Kudavolai is an ancient election system used to elect the members of the village administration. In this method, people gather in the ward and write the names of the eligible candidates on a slip of palm leaf.

Then they gather it together, put it in a pot and choose it after a shuffle. This elective system showcased meticulous planning and inclusivity. The kudavolai system was practised from the 9th century to the 16th century. The evidence for this is found in three inscriptions from the 12th regnal year of Parantaka Chola. Of these, two were found in Uttaramerur and the other in Pallipakkam village, Thanjavur. Many refer to this kudavolai system as an example of Tamilnadu's democratic tradition. The Kudavolai electoral system shows how Manu Smriti was built and maintained during the Cholas period.

Uttaramerur Election

What are the qualifications to stand in an election? Who can stand? Were answered in the constitution which was clearly written in the Chola period. Uttaramerur, which has a 1250-year history is situated in Kanchipuram district, about 90 Km from Chennai. We will be amazed to see this 1000-year-old inscription that looks like it was written yesterday. Uttaramerur was divided into 30 families. The members of the respective family should select one person from that family. Candidates must possess some basic qualifications. The stone inscription clearly described how every village was categorised as Kudumbu, which we call a ward in modern-day parlance. There is stark similarity between the present-day electoral requirement of candidates to declare their wealth and assets with that of Chola-era practice. Tthere was also a provision to disqualify the people's representatives from contesting elections if any candidate failed to declare his property and money they won.

Moreover, if he is disqualified he and his close relatives could not contest the election. The inscription at Uttaramerur has interesting details of the resolution of the general assembly and the kudavolai system which was followed to elect representatives to the village assembly or Sabha. The inscription on the temple walls, too, speaks about the prevalence of village assemblies in the other parts of the state. Acts of misconduct including accepting bribes, misappropriating others' property and the like were strictly prohibited, if the village mates knew about the illegal activities, the member would be disqualified within a year. If proven guilty of misconduct, he will be disqualified from contesting future elections. People who speak about eradicating corruption and collecting lakhs of rupees are called “sagasam”. If they are protected by some others, even the protectors cannot stand for the election.

Breach of ethics has become a norm: There are reports of electoral malpractice, malefaction, and booth violence  in present times. To avoid such malpractices, the whole process was transparent and was to be done in the presence of the people. The inscription refers to the elected one as “Perumakkal”. No payment was made for the Perumakkal. After the election committees were formed, the functions of the sabha were many and varied. Out of the 30 elected members, 12 members were appointed to the Annual Committee, 12 members were appointed as members of the Garden Committee and 6 members to the Tank Committee.

These committees looked after the administration of the subjects entrusted to them. Besides managing the common land, the collection of taxes was also exclusively done by them. The collection of taxes was extremely done by them. It assisted the central officers in surveying the land and assessing the tax. It recorded the transfer of property and settled land disputes. The irrigation was planned at its best, and each pond and other water bodies were maintained regularly as a result, rich agricultural practices flourished.

Thousand years have passed, and mankind witnessed many changes. Is the electoral system mentioned in the inscription suitable for this era? Before coming to a conclusion, try it in villages, otherwise at least in colleges, student leaders can be elected in an ethical way without campaigning and party rivalry. But if we compare the discipline, sacrifice, and dedication that the people of that time had  to present day leaders, the less said the better.

(The writer is a political activist and an advocate; the views are personal)

This is the first part of a two-part series on ancient Indian democracy.

To be continued...