Abstract

The Bharatiya civilization developed an extraordinary indigenous tradition of participative governance and decision-making that was entirely consistent with Sanatana Dharma. Starting from the Vedic assemblies of Sabh? and Samiti (1500 BCE - 500 BCE) to the republican Ga?ar?jyas described in the ancient literature (600 BCE - 300 CE) and culminating in the elaborate lottery system of kudavolai of the illustrious Chola era (9th century CE – 13th century CE) our forefathers have devised a remarkable way of selecting leadership and decision-making. They embodied the virtues of meritocracy consensus accountability and procedural justice in total conformity with dharma signifying the unmatched success of the genius of Bharatiya civilization. This paper attempts to document this glorious tradition using the primary textual and epigraphic sources like the Vedic hymns Buddhist Suttas and the Uttiramerur inscriptions based on the original works of pre-Independent India authors like K.P. Jayaswal