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VOL. 11, ISSUE 6 (2025)
Village administration in Ancient India: Structure, Functions, and Evolution
Authors
Aditya Tiwari
Abstract
Village administration in ancient India formed the foundation of political, social, and economic organization. From the Vedic period to the Chola era, villages functioned as selfsufficient units, combining state oversight with strong local autonomy. The administrative structure centered on the village headman known as Grama-pati, Gramika, or Gavunda and the village council, represented by Sabha, Samiti, or Panchayat. These institutions managed revenue collection, land regulation, irrigation, law enforcement, dispute resolution, and social welfare, ensuring both efficiency and legitimacy at the grassroots level (Arthashastra, II.1; Manusmriti, VIII.9; Yajnavalkya Smriti, II.21). Evidence from inscriptions, such as the Uttaramerur records of the Cholas, demonstrates sophisticated systems of elections, committees, and participatory governance, underscoring the maturity of local selfgovernment. The Mauryan and Gupta periods further highlight the balance between centralized authority and decentralized village institutions, a theme noted by both indigenous sources and foreign observers like Megasthenes. By analyzing the structure, functions, and evolution of village administration through ancient texts and inscriptions alongside modern scholarship (Yerankar, 2004; Thapar, 2002; Stein, 1980; Kapoor, 2025) [3, 7, 8 ,10], this study establishes that villages were not passive administrative units but vibrant centers of governance. The findings illustrate how ancient India’s decentralized model ensured political stability, economic sustainability, and social cohesion, leaving a legacy that continues to influence contemporary notions of local self-government.
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Pages:41-44
How to cite this article:
Aditya Tiwari "Village administration in Ancient India: Structure, Functions, and Evolution". International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, Vol 11, Issue 6, 2025, Pages 41-44
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