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| Vaikunta Perumal Temple in Uthiramerur TN, Alamy.com |
The Vaikunta Perumal Temple in Uthiramerur (Kanchipuram District),Tamil Nadu, stands as a remarkable testament to India's deep-rooted democratic traditions, functioning as both a sacred site and a civic center over a millennium ago. This God Vishnu temple is renowned for its inscriptions, dating back to the reign of Parantaka Chola I (907–955 CE), which document a sophisticated system of local governance. These inscriptions, written in Grantham and Tamil-Brahmi, provide detailed accounts of how democratic elections were conducted, with the temple serving as the venue.
During the Chola period, the village assembly, or sabha, operated with an advanced structure that included precise rules for elections. The village was divided into wards, each represented by elected members who were selected through ballots or lotteries. Eligibility criteria were strict, requiring candidates to have a strong moral standing, knowledge of sacred texts, and to be free of financial or criminal improprieties. Disqualification rules ensured that individuals who failed to meet these standards or engaged in misconduct were barred from holding office. The assembly was empowered to hold members accountable, removing those who neglected their duties or acted improperly. Renowned archaeologist Dr. R. Nagaswamy described these inscriptions as akin to a written constitution, laying out not just governance but also ethical principles for a functioning society.
The 2,500-square-foot assembly hall within the temple complex underscores the dual role of this sacred space as a hub for both spiritual and civic activities. This unique blending of functions reflects the Chola rulers' vision of integrating governance into the cultural and religious fabric of society. The democratic practices at Uthiramerur predate modern representative systems by centuries, making it a globally significant historical landmark.
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| Neta on campaign trail, India style. .indiatoday.in |
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| Indian Netas and election. clipart-library.com |
In contemporary times, the Vaikunta Perumal Temple has become an enduring symbol of governance and politics, earning it the nickname "Election Perumal" (God of Elections). ''Politics of Election'' is a forbidden world of infighting, rat race and intrigues inside the party's arena and outside of it during election time. The air is charged with speeches laced with wits, manipulation and accusations among contestants. Their aim: to win or hang on to a position in the corridors of power.
Political candidates from various parties flock to the temple during Tamil Nadu's state election campaigns, seeking divine blessings to secure victory. Residents of Uthiramerur observe that the temple becomes a hive of activity during election seasons, with hopeful politicians performing rituals and prayers to invoke the deity’s favor. Remarkably, Uthiramerur's election results have often mirrored the state’s political trajectory, with the winning candidate frequently representing the ruling party in Chennai's legislative assembly at Fort St. George.
The temple’s historical significance extends beyond its political associations. Its inscriptions provide invaluable insights into ancient Tamil Nadu’s social order, administrative systems, and commitment to participatory governance. They highlight a society that valued accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership, principles that resonate with modern democratic ideals.
Uthiramerur remains a place where history and modernity intersect. The temple continues to inspire awe for its architectural grandeur and its pioneering role in shaping democratic practices. While the exact reasons for the decline of this democratic system after the 13th century remain unclear, the legacy of Uthiramerur endures as a powerful reminder of the advanced governance structures that existed in India long before similar practices emerged elsewhere in the world.
https://kaminidandapani.typepad.com/my_weblog/2020/03/a-millennium-in-the-life-of-uthiramerur.html
https://travel.bhushavali.com/2013/08/uthiramerur-political-inscriptions.html
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2https://www.navrangindia.in/2022/09
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