Republic Day 2024: Tamil Nadu's Parade Tableau Highlights Ancient 'Kudavolai' Voting System

The 'Kudavolai' system, dating back to the Chola period around 900 CE, was showcased as a precursor to today's Constitutional Democracy.

The 'Kudavolai' system, dating back to the Chola period around 900 CE, was showcased as a precursor to today's Constitutional Democracy. 

During the 75th Republic Day celebration in Delhi, Tamil Nadu portrayed the rich history of the state by highlighting the oldest democratic process during Chola era in the parade held at Kartavya Path on Friday. The Tamil Nadu tableau featured the 'Kudavolai' (Kuda Olai) voting system.

The 'Kudavolai' system, dating back to the Chola period around 900 CE, was showcased as a precursor to today's Constitutional Democracy. 

What is the 'Kudavolai' System?

In the ancient Chola kingdom's 'Kudavolai' system, villages elected representatives for administrative roles. In this process, individuals inscribed the names of their preferred candidates on palm leaves, which were then placed in a mud pot called the 'kudam.' The candidates with the highest number of leaves were elected to form the village administrative body.

The Chola administration operated on democratic principles, fostering a flourishing Panchayat system during their reign. The Uttaramerur inscriptions specifically reference the Kudavolai system as a distinctive and notable aspect of village administration in the Chola dynasty.

The Election Commission of India also presented a representation of various aspects of Indian democracy on the theme 'India-Mother of Democracy'. The tableau on the front displayed an inked finger pressing a button on an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), symbolizing inclusivity and citizen empowerment.

75th Republic Day 2024

On Friday, the 75th Republic Day parade commenced with President Droupadi Murmu presiding over the salute at Kartavya Path.

The Republic Day parade, scheduled for approximately 90 minutes, featured a total of 16 tableaux from states and Union territories, along with nine from central ministries and departments, making their way down Kartavya Path during the event.

Murmu hoisted the national flag at Kartavya Path and the ceremony was accompanied by the national anthem. The ceremonial moment was further marked by a resounding 21-gun salute executed with the indigenous 105-mm Indian Field Guns.