[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [State and Government in Ancient India](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949) › c19.s1.20 # State and Government in Ancient India c19.s1.20 State and Government in Ancient India c19.s1.20 - **Language:** English ### [c19.s1.20](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949.c19.s1.20) Ancient India appreciated and encouraged the village Panchāyats and guild courts for several reasons. They encouraged the principle of self-government. They reduced the burden of the central administration. And above all they helped the cause of justice. The members of a guild or a village Panchāyat have more or less reliable knowledge of the facts in dispute as the parties belonged to their guild or locality.¹ It is difficult for a witness to come to a village court and tell a brand lie in the presence of his compeers whose respect he will be thereby forfeiting. - [Previous: c19.s1.19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949.c19.s1.19) - [Next: c19.s1.21](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949.c19.s1.21) - [Up: c19.s1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949.c19.s1) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949.c19.s1.20](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949.c19.s1.20) · Pramāṇa