In ancient India, there was zero tolerance for corruption

"A well evolved democratic system was functional, starting at the Saba level, between the eighth and the 16th century in South India, irrespective of the ruling dynasties: the Cheras, Cholas, Pallavas, Pandyas and Vijaynagar.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/November/10.11.2011/corruption_n_ancient_india.htm