Democracy is a form of government in which a considerable amount of power lies with the people of the nation. People can participate in the politics of the country and in decision making. Abraham Lincoln defined it as 'Government of the people, by the people, for the people'. When our country got freedom from British colonialism, we adopted democracy as our ruling system.
The chapter opens with a couplet whose meaning is: "The world will constantly embrace the feet of the great king who rules over his subjects with love."
1. From Tribes to Monarchy
- In the beginning, early man were hunters and gathered food. Later, they settled near rivers and practised agriculture.
- When man started to live in groups, tribes were formed. Every tribe had its own chief.
- These groups fought among themselves for land, water and other resources.
- Those who emerged victorious formed kingdoms by uniting the other tribal groups. These kingdoms later integrated to form empires.
- The chief became the king – that was how monarchies ruled by kings were formed. This was how the system of monarchy formed throughout the world.
- Our country was ruled by kings and emperors and then came under British rule. After centuries of struggle and many sacrifices, we got freedom from British colonialism.