The articles deal with the evolution of panchayati raj in India from a simple institution into a body of organs of decentralised governance with constitutional status. Researchers portray working of the panchayati raj in different Indian states since the country's independence. Referring to data on the panchayati raj bodies, they focus on the importance of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment in improving the reach and functioning of the grassroots institution. They deal with evolution of official and non-official roles in it, growth of party politics at the village level and in panchayati raj bodies, panchayati raj and agricultural development, and reforms in the system with a comparative analysis of the situation in different states.