Panchayat:
- Panchayat is a term derived from the Sanskrit language, meaning "assembly of five wise men."
- It refers to a local self-government institution in rural areas of India.
- Panchayats are responsible for the administration and governance of villages or small groups of villages.
- The primary objective of a Panchayat is to ensure the overall development of its area, including infrastructure, education, health, and social welfare.

Panchayat Raj:
- Panchayat Raj refers to the system of local self-government in India, particularly in rural areas.
- It is based on the principles of democratic decentralization, giving power and authority to the grassroots level.
- Panchayat Raj institutions are responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring various development activities in their respective areas.
- It aims to empower local communities and ensure their active participation in decision-making processes.

Gram Panchayat:
- Gram Panchayat is the lowest tier of Panchayat Raj institutions.
- It represents a village or a group of villages and is headed by a Sarpanch or Village Head.
- Gram Panchayats are responsible for the overall development of their respective villages, including provision of basic amenities, welfare schemes, and resolving local issues.

Zila Parishad:
- Zila Parishad is the apex body of Panchayat Raj institutions at the district level.
- It represents a district and is headed by an elected Chairperson.
- Zila Parishad acts as an intermediary between the state government and the Gram Panchayats.
- It is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing various development programs and schemes at the district level.

Zila Panchayat:
- Zila Panchayat is another term used to refer to the Zila Parishad.
- It has the same responsibilities and functions as the Zila Parishad.

Zila Sabha:
- Zila Sabha is a term used in some states to refer to the Zila Parishad.
- It is the same as the Zila Parishad or Zila Panchayat.

Gram Sabha:
- Gram Sabha is the primary unit of democracy in a village.
- It represents all the adult members of a village and is presided over by the Sarpanch.
- Gram Sabha meetings are held regularly to discuss and decide on various local issues, development plans, and utilization of funds.

Janpad:
- Janpad is a term used in some states to refer to the intermediate level of Panchayat Raj institutions.
- It is above the Gram Panchayat but below the Zila Parishad.
- Janpad Panchayat is responsible for the administration and development of a group of Gram Panchayats within its jurisdiction.

All of these institutions may seem similar because they are part of the same decentralized governance system and work towards local self-government and rural development. However, they differ in terms of their geographical coverage, roles, and responsibilities within the Panchayat Raj system.