Question 1 · 10 marks · 115 words written
Opening
Jawahar lal Nehru in his book "Discovery of India", highlight civilisational continuity in the democratic ethos of India from "Samiti" of Rig Vedic Times.
Body
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
Close
Thus, India is aptly called as "island of democracy" outside western world.