The sabhas were an integral element of the local governance system of Tamil Nadu from the seventh to the twelfth century. Each Sabha had various committees which overlooked the construction and maintenance of public facilities like temples, gardens, irrigation works etc. The names of those people who were seen as eligible to be members of these committees were written on palm leaf tickets and put into an earthern pot. A small boy then picked the tickets carrying the names of the memebers of each committee. This process, with its prerequisites of property based eligibility and picking of tickets, wasn't ideal. However, it can be seen as a precursor to the future panchayati system. In present times, the panchayat elections in India are conducted on the basis of democratic principles, wherein property and luck do not and should not play any role.

Question construct the election in in Uttaramerur


with present day Panchayat election

Comparison between Elections in Uttaramerur and Present Day Panchayat Elections

Uttaramerur Elections:
- In Uttaramerur, the elections were conducted in a highly organized manner by Chola rulers.
- The process involved the nomination of candidates, scrutiny of their backgrounds, and the appointment of electoral officers.
- The elections were held for different administrative posts like the urar (village assembly), sabha (council), and nadu (district).
- The system also included the provision for disqualification of candidates with criminal records or who were deemed unfit for office.
- The elected representatives had fixed terms and were accountable to the people for their actions.

Present Day Panchayat Elections:
- In present-day panchayat elections, the process is more decentralized and democratic.
- The elections are conducted under the supervision of the State Election Commission.
- Any eligible citizen can contest the elections, and there are specific reservations for women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes.
- The elected representatives function at the village, block, and district levels.
- The panchayat elections are held regularly after the completion of the term of the previous representatives.
- The elected representatives have the responsibility of planning and implementing various development programs at the grassroots level.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, while the elections in Uttaramerur were more centralized and controlled by the rulers, the present-day panchayat elections are more decentralized and democratic, allowing greater participation of the people in the decision-making process.