GS1 · 10 marks · 150 words

"India's democratic roots are deeply embedded in its ancient civilizational ethos." Discuss in the context of India being referred to as the 'Mother of Democracy'.

Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025

Ancient IndiaArt and CultureSalient Features

Syllabus: Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

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The toppers’ answers

Pakshal SecretryAIR 8 · CSE 2025 · 115 wordsTheir whole copy

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Jawahar lal Nehru in his book "Discovery of India", highlight civilisational continuity in the democratic ethos of India from "Samiti" of Rig Vedic Times.

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Diagram
Rig Vedic: Samiti | Vajji: Mahajanpad | Cholan: Election (Uttramerur) | Pala: Election | 1947: Modern Democracy

Embedded Democratic Roots

(1) History of Democratic Systems in India i) Shanti Parv (Mahabharat) ii) Rig Veda → System of Sabha iii) Election of Vajji Mahajanpad iv) Uttaramerur inscription → Details of Chola era election

(2) Democratic values eg. Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (welfare of all) , Tolerance, Acceptance

(3) philosophical ideas of Democracy eg. Kautilya → "In welfare of people lies welfare of king"

(4) Regular Election eg. mention of patta for election in Licchavi kingdom

(5) Democratic Institution

Diagram
Contemporary Relevance -> Recognition of India as mother of democracy -> only functional democracy Outside west

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Thus, India is aptly called as "island of democracy" outside western world.

More on Ancient India

Indus Valley to early medieval: polity, society, religion and material culture before c. 800 CE.

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