Dr. Nagaraju Paturi

Director, Indic Academy & Dean, Indica, Oral Historian and Linguist

Introduction and Context

Respected President of the session, Prof. K Dhulipudi Shantishri, distinguished dignitaries and dear audience, it is an honour to speak on the topic of “Lok Suraksha” (Lok Security). Before diving into the subject, I would like to emphasise an important aspect: language and changing contours.

As I was discussing with the organizers, language plays a crucial role in accessibility. If this event had been publicised using local Telugu terminology—such as “Janapada Bhadratha” instead of “Lok Suraksha” or “Janapada Nyaya” instead of “Lok Manan”, the reach of this event would have been significantly higher. Language connects people to their cultural roots, and using local terms ensures better understanding and engagement.

Understanding “Lok” in Lok Justice and Lok Security

The term “folk” often carries a negative connotation, as though it represents something outdated or irrelevant. However, Lok Justice and Lok Security have been integral to Indian society for centuries. Before formal courts and legal systems were introduced, disputes were resolved within villages by traditional heads, known as Mukhiya in Hindi. The Panchayat system, which evolved into modern local governance after independence, was originally a grassroots dispute settlement mechanism. Even today, informal Panchayats continue to resolve disputes in urban and rural India, proving that the Lok Justice System remains relevant.

Traditional Village Policing: The Role of the Talari

One of the most significant aspects of Lok security was the presence of village policing systems. In Telugu-speaking areas, this role was carried out by the Talari, the village security in-charge.

Unlike the modern-day “watchman,” who is often associated with low-status jobs, the Talari held a position of responsibility and respect. The Talari system still exists in many villages, with Talaris receiving nominal government salaries while continuing their traditional role. Across India, different regions have their own equivalents of the Talari, preserving local security traditions.

Historical Evidence: The Talari in Literature and Records

The 15th-century Telugu epic “Kashi Kandam” provides a historical reference to the role of the Talari in village security. The poem describes an incident where Talaris, armed with bows and arrows, intervened to stop a thief inside a Shiva temple. This shows that village security personnel were active, organised and capable of defending their communities.

However, village security was not limited to a few individuals-it was a collective responsibility. Unlike modern policing, where security is handled by a separate institution, in pre-modern times, every villager was armed and capable of self-defense. This tradition ensured that villages remained protected from threats without relying solely on an external policing force.

The Tradition of Hero Stones (Veera Gallu)

Throughout India, villages have honoured their local heroes through hero stones, known as Veera Gallu in South India. These memorials celebrate individuals who sacrificed their lives to protect their communities. In Karnataka alone, there are over 2,375 hero stones, some dating back centuries. In Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, hero stones commemorate those who defended villages from wild boars.
In Assam and Bengal, hero stones depict warriors battling tigers, highlighting their role in securing villages from wild animals. Interestingly, this tradition continues even today. In 2024, hero stones were erected in honour of soldiers who fought in the Kargil War, showing how deeply rooted this practice remains in Indian culture.

Physical Strength and the Role of Vyayamashalas

Another key aspect of folk security was the emphasis on physical fitness and combat training. Almost every village had a Vyayamashala (traditional gymnasium) where people trained in stick fighting, sword fighting and other self-defense techniques.
During temple processions and village festivals, these skills were publicly demonstrated, allowing young men to display their strength and fighting abilities. These processions included: Danda Yuddha – Stick fighting demonstrations. Khadga Yuddha – Sword fighting exhibitions. Physical strength displays – Villagers, including young children, showcased their strength and agility. These traditions reinforced martial skills among common people, ensuring that self-defense remained a vital part of village life.

The Influence of Virabhadra: A Warrior Tradition

Virabhadra, a fierce warrior figure in Shaivite traditions, served as a role model for village warriors. Rituals and performances dedicated to Virabhadra inspired villagers to cultivate strength, courage, and combat readiness. Even today, in parts of India where Shaivite traditions remain strong, Virabhadra’s legacy continues through martial displays, warrior festivals, and processions. These events remind people of their responsibility to defend themselves and their communities.

Reviving Folk Security in the Modern Age

In today’s world, we have handed over our security responsibilities entirely to the police and military. While modern law enforcement is essential, reviving self-defense traditions at the grassroots level can empower communities.
Encourage: Self-defense training and community policing in villages.
Preserve: Vyayamashalas to promote physical fitness and combat skills.
Document and honour: local heroes through hero stones and memorials.
This is not about rejecting modern security systems but about strengthening local resilience and self reliance—values that have sustained Indian communities for centuries.

A Call to Action

Lok security was never just about protecting villages from external threats—it was a way of life. It ensured that every individual was prepared, every community was united, and every hero was remembered. Even today, remnants of this system exist in India’s villages, dimly glowing through traditions such as hero stones, village guards and temple processions. It is time to revive and strengthen these traditions, ensuring that we not only preserve our cultural heritage but also empower future generations. That is the essence of Lok Suraksha—People’s Security. Let us work together to restore and celebrate this invaluable part of our history.
Thank you!

“In pre-modern times, every villager was armed and capable of self-defense.”

– Dr. Nagaraju Paturi
Director, Indic Academy & Dean, Indica