| Abstract: | Since ancient times, the Kabui tribe, like other Naga tribes, has maintained a well-organized and efficient system of village administration. Each Kabui village functioned as a self-governing and sovereign entity, independently managing its socio-political, economic, and religious affairs through its own policies and administrative system. In 1859, William McCulloch described the Kabui polity as a “small republic.” However, despite being founded on the collective will of the people, the political system did not fully possess the essential characteristics of a true republic. The traditional village system resembled a gerontocracy, in which the village administration was governed by elders representing different clans and lineages. The Village Council (Pei) and Village Chief (Nampou) help in maintaining law and order and coordinating the affairs of the village. Thus, this paper is a humble attempt to understand the working of the Kabui administration in their society in ancient times. |
