Date : 16/08/2023

Relevance – GS Paper 1 – History

Keywords – Mother of democracy, G-20, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Rig Veda, Kusinagara

Context –

Amid India's 77th Independence Day celebrations, billboards in the capital welcome G-20 delegates, asserting India as the "mother of democracy," sparking a debate that challenges the Greek origin of this concept.

Challenging the Greek Origin: The Indian Perspective

India's assertion challenges the conventional belief that democracy's roots lie solely in ancient Athens, Greece. Rather than a linear evolution, both India and Greece can lay claim to democratic foundations with distinct historical contexts.

Although history places democracy's origins in Greece, India's claims aren't baseless. Hints of democratic governance emerge from India's antiquity. The Rig Veda, an ancient sacred text, alludes to democratic ideals such as fair resource distribution, amicable discourse, and conflict resolution. While hard archaeological proof is lacking, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar highlighted democratic practices during the Buddhist era, aligning with Greece's city-states and republics.

Ambedkar's Vision: Indian Republicanism's Deep Roots

Dr. Ambedkar, often regarded as a Westernized advocate of constitutional systems, found his inspiration in ancient Indian democratic practices, particularly the Buddhist sanghas. Serving as the Chair of the Constituent Assembly's Drafting Committee, Ambedkar argued that Indian republicanism's foundations ran deep. He highlighted instances of republics in ancient India, such as the Lichhavi rule in northern Bihar and Nepal, the Mallas of Kusinagara, and the Vajji confederation in Vaishali. The gana sanghas, independent republics, flourished between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE.

Ambedkar referenced the Vinay-pitaka, a Theravada Buddhist scripture, to illustrate existing democratic procedures. These scriptures regulated debates, motions, and voting through secret ballots in the sanghas of Bhikkhus (monks).

Glimpses of Indian Republics: Historical and Literary

Accounts by Greek historian Diodorus Siculus, though written centuries later, attest to the existence of independent and democratic republics in ancient India. These republics included a raja (monarch) and a deliberative assembly that engaged in major state decisions. The gana sanghas held administrative, financial, and judicial authority and elected rajas rather than adhering to hereditary monarchy.

Buddhist scriptures paint a vivid picture of Vaishali during the 5th century BCE, describing diverse groups managing their affairs. Some groups were likely warriors or economic collectives, labeled as gana or sangha. These groups evolved from meaning "multitude" to "self-governing multitude." The stronger groups functioned as sovereign governments, akin to republics.

Ambedkar's Nuanced View: Indian Villages and Caste Dynamics

Ambedkar, in his commemoration of India's historical democratic heritage, upheld a cautious stance towards the Gandhian concept of self-governing village republics. Within this context, he nurtured reservations due to his belief that villages could potentially serve as incubators for perpetuating caste-based oppression and societal lag, particularly when it came to Dalits. While acknowledging Kautilya's Arthashastra and the evidentiary support from historical sources illustrating the existence of village panchayats in ancient India, Ambedkar keenly highlighted a significant aspect. He pointedly underscored the selective exclusion of specific societal strata, most notably the Dalit community, resulting in an inherent incompleteness within the fabric of Indian village republics.

Comparative Flaws: India, Greece, and Women's Exclusion

The concept of omission extended its reach beyond the borders of India, encompassing Greece as well, where democratic engagement saw the exclusion of not only slaves and barbarians but also women, who were universally sidelined from democratic processes until the 20th century emerged. Delving into the domain of male citizens, it becomes evident that Indian village republics emerged as bearers of a comparable degree of democratic essence, mirroring the democratic landscape witnessed within the city-states of ancient Greece.

A Global Evolution: Democracy as a Universal Tenet

According to the perspectives of the American political scholar David Stasavage, the endeavors aimed at restraining concentrated political power can be observed across diverse societies and historical periods. This inclination towards decentralization is not a phenomenon exclusive to any particular social milieu. As a result, the democratic frameworks witnessed in both Indian and Greek contexts materialized autonomously as foundational structures of governance that resonate throughout the human experience. By adopting a broader viewpoint that perceives democracy as a universal construct, rather than a creation confined to specific cultural bounds, the extensive prevalence of this governing principle comes to light.

The Fragility of Democracy: Ambedkar's Cautionary Tale

Ambedkar's concerns remained unwavering as he continuously articulated apprehensions regarding the potential transformation of the democratic framework enshrined within the Indian Constitution into a dictatorial regime. His persistent warnings underscored the notion that a significant upsurge in mass approval and backing might inadvertently pave the way for the gradual erosion of democratic principles. Amidst the prevailing atmosphere of self-appreciation and celebration, his admonitory expressions serve as a poignant reminder, shining a spotlight on the imperative task of fortifying democracy. It is a gift bestowed upon society that necessitates an ever-watchful gaze, acknowledging its vulnerability to conceivable perils and thus demanding steadfast vigilance.

Conclusion

As India marks its 76th anniversary of independence and joyously observes the 77th Independence Day, a panorama of extensive proclamations regarding its democratic legacy unfolds. The proclamation of being the "mother of democracy" is a multifaceted and intricate mosaic intricately woven from the threads of history, philosophical underpinnings, and governance methodologies. Far from adhering to a linear narrative, the origins of democracy in both India and Greece intersect through historical intricacies, shared elements, and deliberate omissions. While the origin story from Greece remains widely acknowledged, embracing India's democratic lineage serves as a poignant reminder of the all-encompassing nature of democratic principles. It becomes evident that both these nations, notwithstanding their respective imperfections and exclusions, have played pivotal roles in the global progression of democratic thought. As we joyfully celebrate this cherished legacy, we are duty-bound to heed the prescient cautions articulated by Ambedkar and proactively safeguard our democratic traditions from encroachments and the perils of erosion.

Source– The Hindu