R-Day: Historians trace India’s democratic roots to ancient Vaishali

Patna: As India marks its 77th Republic Day on Monday, Bihar’s legacy as the cradle of democracy has come into sharp focus with historians highlighting the ancient Lichchavi republic of Vaishali as a milestone in the evolution of democratic governance. Established in the 6th century BCE, the Lichchavi state is widely regarded as the world’s earliest republic, underlining Bihar’s foundational role in shaping democratic ideals.

Historians said the Lichchavi state functioned under the ‘Ganasangha’ system, an oligarchic republican model in which power rested with an elected assembly rather than a hereditary monarch. Governance was carried out by an assembly of about 7,000 to 7,707 rajas, representing prominent families, who met regularly to elect their leaders, including a chief functionary.




Jayadeo Mishra, former head of the ancient history and archaeology department at Patna University, said the Lichchavis of Vaishali had evolved a sophisticated administrative system, complete with a functioning judiciary. He said this structure is often described as pre-democratic and is believed to have predated the democratic systems of ancient Greece.

Vaishali, Mishra said, was also a major centre of Buddhism and Jainism. Lord Mahavira was born near Vaishali, while Lord Buddha visited the city several times and delivered his last sermon there. Mishra added that the ruins of the ancient assembly hall, known as Raja Vishal Ka Garh, still stand in Vaishali, serving as a powerful reminder of this early democratic experiment. This historical legacy, he said, reinforces Bihar’s position as the cradle of democratic thought and highlights its monumental contribution to the evolution of republican ideas.

The significance of this heritage has also been acknowledged at the global level. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York in 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is not only the world’s largest democracy but also the “mother of democracy”.

Scholars say evidence of republican traditions in ancient India is extensive and well documented. Asha Tripathi, a retired history teacher from Patliputra University, pointed out that the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata refers to republican entities, known as ganas, as integral components of governance. She added that the Vedas describe at least two forms of republican structures.

“The first system involved elected kings. The second was a non-monarchical setup where power was vested in a council or Sabha. Members of such Sabhas were often individuals distinguished by their actions. There is even a suggestion of a bicameral structure, with the Sabha sharing authority with the Samiti, which comprised common people,” she said, adding that India’s ancient republics deserve rightful recognition in world history.