Kudavolai system

• Tamil Nadu’s tableau in the Republic Day parade on the Kartavya Path highlighted the historical significance of the Kudavolai electoral system.
• It emerged during the 10^th century Chola era and marked an early stride towards democracy.
• Used to elect representatives to run the village administration, it voiced the collective will of the people to the empire.
• Selection process-
  • People from a specific ward would line up to cast their voting tickets, inscribed the names of their preferred candidates on palm leaves(volai), which were then placed in a mud pot called the ‘kudam.’
  • To announce the elected leader, a small boy would pick a ticket from the pot, and the result would be declared loudly for everyone to hear.
  • The process was considered sacred.
• Village Development Plan
  • Community members gathered at a place like-under a banyan tree, for the preparation of the Village Development Plan, reflecting the communal nature of decision-making.

In this context, a drum played a significant role in conveying crucial information to the villagers.