Discover how self-government ideas have deep roots in Asia and India.
This collection surveys arguments for Swaraj and representative institutions in oriental contexts. It weaves together historical examples of local self-government, from village assemblies and panchayats to the broader questions of national unity. Readers will encounter discussions about democracy in Islam, the role of Hindu and Buddhist histories, and how ancient practices shaped later political thought.
- Ancient and medieval village assemblies and panchayats as a basis for local governance
- The democratic aspects of caste brotherhoods and joint families as domestic government
- Comparisons of political development across China, Japan, the Philippines, and India
- Reflections on historians’ views about India's unity, self-rule, and the path to Swaraj
Ideal for readers curious about the long, diverse history of self-government in Oriental countries and its relevance to modern politics.