Archive · 30 Nov 2025
Ancient Tamil Nadu Town Had Early Democracy Model
A long time ago, in a place called Uttiramerur in Tamil Nadu, people had a special way of choosing their leaders.
This was called the Kudavolai system.
They wrote the names of people who wanted to be leaders on palm leaves and put them in a pot.
A child would then pick the names out, which made it fair.
The leaders had to be between 35 and 70 years old and own land in the village.
They had to keep good records and take care of the village.
If they didn't, they couldn't be leaders anymore.
This system was very old and showed that India had a form of democracy long before modern times.
It was a way to make sure everyone in the village had a say in how things were run.
PM Narendra Modi's reference to Uttaramerur inscriptions sparked interest in the ancient democratic model.
The Chola-era Kudavolai system used a 'pick-of-lots' method to elect village leaders.
Inscriptions in the Vaikuntha Perumal Temple outline procedures, eligibility, and duties of elected representatives.
Aspirants had to be aged 35-70, own land, and maintain accurate accounts to be eligible.
Elected members managed revenue, public works, and community affairs with strict penalties for failures.
- Who
- Chola kings and elected village leaders
- What
- Ancient democratic governance system in Uttiramerur
- When
- Over a thousand years ago during the Chola era
- Where
- Uttiramerur, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu
- Why
- To ensure transparent and accountable local governance
- Location
- Uttiramerur, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu
- Era
- Chola era (over a thousand years ago)
- Electoral System
- Kudavolai (pick-of-lots) method
- Eligibility Age
- 35 to 70 years
- Eligibility Criteria
- Land ownership in the village, accurate account maintenance
- Penalties
- Barred from contesting for failing to submit accounts
- Governance
- Local governance handled by elected village bodies