From Sabha to Panchayati Raj: The Historical Evolution of Local Self-Government in India

Kalaivani, Dr.R.

doi:https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i8.019

Volume 02, Issue 8

Published on: August 2026

FROM SABHA TO PANCHAYATI RAJ: THE HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT IN INDIA

Dr.R. Kalaivani

Assistant Professor of History

The Standard Fireworks Rajaratnam

College for Women,

Sivakasi.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i8.019

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Abstract

Local self-government has remained one of the most enduring institutions in Indian political and administrative history. The tradition of decentralized governance in India dates back to the Vedic age, where institutions such as the Sabha, Samiti, and Vidatha played a crucial role in community decision-making. Over the centuries, these indigenous institutions evolved into organized village assemblies during the Sangam and Chola periods, survived the centralized administrations of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire, underwent significant transformation under British colonial rule, and eventually culminated in the constitutionally recognized Panchayati Raj Institutions established through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992. This historical continuity reflects India's deep-rooted commitment to participatory governance and grassroots democracy.

How to Cite this Paper

Kalaivani, R. (2026). From Sabha to Panchayati Raj: The Historical Evolution of Local Self-Government in India. International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management, <i>02</i>(8), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i8.019

Kalaivani, R.. "From Sabha to Panchayati Raj: The Historical Evolution of Local Self-Government in India." International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management, vol. 02, no. 8, 2026, pp. 1-9. doi:https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i8.019.

Kalaivani, R.. "From Sabha to Panchayati Raj: The Historical Evolution of Local Self-Government in India." International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management 02, no. 8 (2026): 1-9. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i8.019.

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