Traditional political system of the Tharu tribe and its harmony with the modern Panchayati Raj system

This research critically examines the traditional political system of the Tharu tribe and its coexistence with the modern Panchayati Raj system in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India. The study was conducted in eight Tharu villages in Lakhimpur Kheri district, employing qualitative methods including interviews with traditional leaders—Padhna, Bhalmansha, Chaukidar—and elected representatives under the Panchayati Raj system. The traditional governance structure, rooted in hereditary leadership and collective decision-making, historically emphasized social justice, dispute resolution, and cultural cohesion. With the advent of the Panchayati Raj, new democratic frameworks introduced elected representation, expanded political participation for women, and institutionalized transparency and accountability in rural governance. This paper highlights the ongoing negotiation between tradition and modernity, underscoring how the Tharu community maintains cultural continuity while adapting to contemporary political structures. Challenges such as balancing customary authority with legal mandates and evolving gender roles are analysed, revealing the dynamic interplay shaping political and social life in the Tharu society today. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of indigenous governance systems in the context of modern democratic reforms.