NCERT Class 9 Social Science Understanding Society India and Beyond Part 1 Chapter 06 Democracy PDF Download

Chapter 6: Democracy

The Big Questions

1. How has the idea of democracy evolved over time and shaped our understanding of it today?
2. What are the different forms of democracy, and how are they practised in India and other parts of the world?
3. What are the essential features of a democracy and how do they extend beyond government institutions?
4. What are the challenges faced by Indian democracy?

Let's Recall

We have learnt in previous grades that democracy is a form of government in which the source of power and authority lies with the citizens of the country, who elect their representatives through free and fair elections. Democracy is founded on the principles of freedom, equality, justice, rights and duties, ensuring that citizens have the right to vote, express their opinions, and participate in the decision-making processes.

India is the world's largest democracy. With a population of over 140 crore and a voter base of over 96.8 crore (in 2024), India, that is, Bharat, represents the largest participatory democracy, where people choose their government by electing their representatives. Our democracy serves as a beacon of hope and an example for the rest of the world. However, like all democracies, India also faces certain challenges, some of which we will examine later in this chapter.

A constitution plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of the people in a democracy. In India, democratic principles are guided by the Constitution of India, which was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950. The Constitution not only guarantees but also protects the Fundamental Rights of all citizens. It ensures that no citizen is discriminated against on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It also encourages active citizen participation in democratic processes at the national, state, and local levels through elections.

However, it is important to understand that the democratic ethos in India did not emerge suddenly; rather, it evolved through a long historical process. In this chapter, we will explore the genesis and development of democratic ideas in India. We will also deepen our understanding of democracy by examining its meaning, key features, and various practices associated with it in India and around the world.

Tracing Democratic Traditions from Early Times

The idea of democracy has been a part of the Indian ethos since early times. In the previous chapter, we read about Assemblies of the Vedic period such as Sabha, Samiti, and Vidhata that involved collective decision-making. We also read about the functioning of the early republican states (ganas or samghas). Thus, from the earliest times, the king was not an independent ruler but rather worked in consultation with assemblies, ministers, and officers of various capacities.

A verse (Fig. 6.1) from the Aikyamatya Suktam of the Rig Veda emphasises the importance of collective thinking, shared discussion, and unity of purpose. The values expressed in this verse help us understand that democratic principles, such as consultation, consensus, and shared responsibility have deep roots in India's intellectual and cultural traditions.

[Figure 6.1: A verse from the Aikyamatya Suktam of the Rigveda, See in your textbook]

Teacher's Note

The Sanskrit verse in the Rigveda shows that democratic ideas were not new to India after independence. When you answer questions about the history of democracy in India, always mention these early Vedic assemblies and the Buddhist Sanghas to show that India had a long tradition of collective decision-making before 1947.

The functioning of the Bauddha Samghas - a monastic community established by Gautama Buddha - also reflects India's democratic traditions. The Samgha encouraged debate and discussion, and its members could choose their leader and make decisions through voting, demonstrating collective decision-making.

Over the long passage of time, invasions by foreign invaders disrupted the political and social fabric of some parts of the country. By the 19th century, the British had colonised most parts of the Indian subcontinent. Foreign rule altered political structures and limited people's participation in their governance. However, the long struggle for independence from British colonial rule revived and strengthened democratic ideas among the people.

Before India attained independence in 1947, the Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946 to draft a constitution for the country. As studied in earlier grades, it took the Assembly 2 years, 11 months,

[Figure 6.2: Members of the Constituent Assembly, See in your textbook]

Teacher's Note

The Constituent Assembly was not a quick process - it took nearly three years of careful deliberation by many representatives from different backgrounds. This shows how seriously the founders treated the task of creating a constitution. Remember this when discussing why the Constitution of India is considered so important and detailed.

Key Points

• Democracy in India has ancient roots in Vedic assemblies like Sabha and Samiti, and in the early republican states called ganas and samghas, showing that collective decision-making was valued long before modern times.
• The Rigveda and the functioning of Buddhist Sanghas demonstrate that principles of consultation, consensus, and shared responsibility have always been important in Indian tradition.
• India became the world's largest democracy after independence in 1947, with over 96.8 crore voters, guided by the Constitution adopted on 26 January 1950.
• The Constitution of India protects Fundamental Rights and ensures no citizen faces discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.

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