Respecting the chronology, the author has given a clear description about historical roots of the local self-government in India from Vedic Period to present era of decentralization. He has given the reader a bird's eye view of the local self-government during Vedic age, Epic era, ancient period, medieval period, British period and post-Independence period. Having done this, he proceeds to discuss in some detail the working and impact of Panchayat...