The Prime Minister's statement welcoming G-20 delegates to "the mother of democracy" is displayed across the nation's capital in the 76th year of India's Independence.
Debate arises over whether this claim about democracy holds substance or is merely a boast.
Common knowledge suggests Greece as the origin of democracy, but India also presents claims dating back to antiquity.
The linear narrative of Athens inventing democracy is challenged by evidence of democratic governance in various ancient societies.
Athenian democracy's extent of participation might have been greater, but democratic government was not exclusive to Athens.
India's claims to early democracy are rooted in antiquity, with references to democratic forms of governance in ancient texts like the Rig Veda.
Dr. Ambedkar's arguments support the existence of democratic practices in ancient India during the Buddhist era.
Ancient Indian states like the Lichhavis, Mallas, and Vajji confederation were known as republics with democratic roots.
Dr. Ambedkar draws from the Vinay-pitaka to point to democratic procedures within Indian Buddhism.
Diodorus Siculus, a Greek historian, mentions democratic republics in India during Alexander the Great's time.
Gana sanghas had democratic practices, including elected rajas and deliberative assemblies, challenging the concept of hereditary monarchy.
Buddhist scriptures describe self-governing groups known as gana and sangha, indicating early forms of republicanism.
Ambedkar believes that the Gandhian ideal of self-governing village republics had flaws, particularly in caste oppression.
Ancient Indian villages exhibited elements of democracy, but they also excluded certain classes, similar to Greece and its exclusion of slaves and women.
American political scientist David Stasavage argues that democracy was a common evolutionary form of government globally.
Indian democracy and Greek democracy evolved independently, representing elemental forms of government shared by humanity.
Ambedkar warns about the potential transformation of Indian democracy into dictatorship.
Protection of democracy is essential, as it can be vulnerable despite its origins.
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