The Mahājanapadas (Sanskrit: great realm, from maha, “great”, and janapada “foothold of a people”) were sixteen kingdoms or oligarchic republics that existed in Northern ancient India from the sixth to fourth centuries BCE during the second urbanisation period .
How were Mahajanapadas formed?
The Mahajanapadas were a set of sixteen kingdoms that existed in ancient India. It all began when the tribes (janas) of the late Vedic period decided to form their own territorial communities , which eventually gave rise to new and permanent areas of settlements called ‘states’ or ‘janapadas.
What is Mahajanapadas short?
Mahajanapadas were formed sixth century BC onward. The most prominent feature of Mahajanapadas is the formation of states . With the rise of Mahajanapadas, the political history of North India became clearer. 16 Mahajanapadas had both republics and monarchies and it is important to know about these for the IAS Exam.
What were Mahajanapadas Class 12?
Mahajanapadas were forms of early states and were mostly ruled by kings . However there were oligarchy also known as Gana and Sanghas, where group of people shared power and were collectively known as Rajas. 2. Mahajanapadas had its own capital and it was fortified.
What is Mahajanapadas Ncert?
Mahajanapadas. About 2500 years ago, some janapadas became more important than others, and were known as mahajanapadas. Some of these are shown on Map 4. Most mahajanapadas had a capital city, many of these were fortified. This means that huge walls of wood, brick or stone were built around them.
Which Mahajanapadas is most powerful?
In about two hundred years, Magadha became the most powerful Mahajanapada.
Who ruled Mahajanapadas?
The dynasty was founded by king Bhattiya, the father of Bimbisara . The dynasty ruled over Magadha from 6th century BCE to 413 BCE. Bimbisara: Bimbisara ruled over Magadha for 52 years, starting from around 544 BC to 492 BC.
What were janapadas Class 6?
Explanation: Janapadas were small territories where the initiation of modern kingdoms was formed . However, with time, one janapada overtook another to expand and grow. Thus, janapadas led to mahajanapadas.
What are the 16 janapadas?
In the Budhist traditions these kingdoms came to be known as ‘Mahajanapadas’. There were sixteen of such Mahajanapadas: Kasi, Kosala, Anga, Magadha, Vajji, Malla, Chedi, Vatsa, Kuru, Panchala, Machcha, Surasena, Assaka, Avanti, Gandhara and Kamboja.
How many Mahajanapadas were there?
Before Buddha, Kasi was the most powerful of the sixteen Mahajanapadas .
Who was James Prinsep Class 12?
Answer: James Prinsep was an officer in the mint of the East India Company . He contributed a lot in the Indian epigraphy by deciphering two scripts, viz, Brahmi and Kharosthi in the earliest inscriptions and coins.
What are the problems faced by Epigraphists?
- The letters are very faintly engraved.
- Inscription may be damaged or some letters were missing.
- It is not always easy to be sure about the exact meaning of the word used in the inscription.
- Several thousand inscriptions are discovered but not all have been deciphered.
How many Mahajanapadas were given in ancient texts?
There were 16 mahajanapadas / kingdoms which are mentioned in the ancient literature and scriptures. It must be noted here that these sixteen mahajanapadas were in existence before the rise of Buddhism in India.
Who could perform sacrifices?
Both the Kshatriyas and Vaishyas could perform sacrifices. (iv) Last were the Shudras, who had to serve the other three groups and could not perform any rituals.
Who guarded the horse class 6?
In janapadas, the ruler was chosen on the basis of their performed sacrifices. One such ritual was that of the ‘Ashvamedha’ or horse sacrifice wherein a horse was let loose to wander freely which was guarded by the king’s men .
