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Informative Article | Humanities | India | Volume 14 Issue 2, February 2025 | Popularity: 5.3 / 10
Janapadas: An Idea Towards the Establishment of Modern Democracy in India (Concept of Federalism)
Riya Jerath
Abstract: The roots of the Janapada system fall under the concept of federalism, which is the division of the state's powers into small units of governance. In terms of the Indian concept, the roots of the Janapada are intertwined with the writings of Kautilya and the Vedic system, which talks about kingdoms and local levels of government. The local governments were about self-sustainability and self-reliance leading to a better execution of the policies at the central level. The modern notion or theory of federalism is derived from this very ancient thought concerning the state of India. The paper shall focus on a detailed study of the concept of federalism or Janapadas from the Indian perspective while also establishing a link with the Western notion of federalism making it acceptable in the modern notions of world politics. The Janapadas balanced local governance and collective decision-making, fostering a sense of community responsibility. Sabha (assemblies) and Samiti (councils) were instrumental in ensuring participation from diverse groups, laying the groundwork for inclusive governance. Modern democracies can draw from this structure by enhancing grassroots participation, creating robust local governance models, and integrating diverse voices into policymaking. A key innovation from the Janapadas was their focus on economic self-reliance. Each Jana pada thrived through localized trade, agriculture, and resource management, ensuring stability and reducing dependency on centralized power. In the modern context, this approach aligns with concepts of sustainable development and localized economies, which can mitigate the risks of globalization and foster resilience in democratic structures. Furthermore, the ethical and cultural values underpinning the Janapadas, such as dharma (justice) and consensus-building, highlight the importance of morality in governance. By incorporating these principles, contemporary democracies can counter the erosion of trust in political institutions and strengthen social cohesion. This study suggests that revisiting the Janapada system offers a transformative lens to recognize modern challenges, such as political polarization, economic inequality, and the need for environmental sustainability. By blending ancient wisdom with modern tools, democracies can evolve into more participatory, resilient, and inclusive systems, ensuring governance that truly reflects the people's will.
Keywords: Democracy, Federalism, Governance, Inclusivity, Participation, Resilient
Edition: Volume 14 Issue 2, February 2025
Pages: 1741 - 1745
DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/SR25227150519
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