Panchayati Raj, which is a decentralized system of local self-government, was first introduced in India in October 1959 in the state of Rajasthan. The state government of Rajasthan passed the Rajasthan Panchayat Raj Act in 1959, establishing the Panchayati Raj institutions at the village, block, and district levels.

The introduction of Panchayati Raj in Rajasthan was a significant step towards decentralization and grassroots democracy. It aimed to empower local communities and provide them with a platform for decision-making and development planning at the local level. The system was later adopted by other states in India, and Panchayati Raj institutions were established across the country.

It is important to note that while Panchayati Raj was first introduced in Rajasthan in 1959, the constitutional recognition and formalization of Panchayati Raj institutions at the national level came much later. The 73rd Amendment to the Constitution of India in 1992 provided a constitutional framework for Panchayati Raj institutions and mandated their establishment in every state of India.