punchayet
/ˈpʌntʃəˌjeɪt/
noun
- A village council in India, traditionally made up of five respected members, that handles local governance and disputes.
- The punchayet met under the banyan tree to settle the land dispute.
- In many Indian villages, the punchayet still plays a key role in community decisions.
- The elders of the punchayet were respected for their wisdom and fairness.