Ambiguous Institutions: Traditional Governance and Local Democracy in Rural South India

Kripa Ananth Pur and Mick Moore

Journal of Development Studies, 2010, vol. 46, issue 4, 603-623

Abstract: In India, 'customary village councils' are generally believed to be disappearing vestiges of a pre-democratic, hierarchical socio-political order. However, while remaining informal and maintaining a low public profile, in Karnataka state they are actively taking on new roles, adapting to the democratic, competitive political environment, becoming more representative and pluralist, and providing a wide range of services that are highly valued by the populations they serve. The relationship of customary village councils to the formal, elected local councils (Grama Panchayats) - and to electoral democracy generally - is more synergistic and complementary than competitive.

Date: 2010
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DOI: 10.1080/00220380903002921

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