Class 06 History Chapter 4 16 Mahajanapadas Notes & Important Question Answer
Chapter Notes
Rise of Janapadas and Mahajanapadas
The initial unit of society was the family. Villages were formed from families, people from villages, janapadas from janapadas and mahajanapadas from janapadas. The people of the family were often the children of the same ancestor. lived together to meet their needs.
Haryakvansh
Shishunaga dynasty (412 BC-344 BC)
Shishunag, the founder and ruler of this dynasty, further expanded the Magadha Empire by taking Avanti and Vatsa kingdoms under his authority. Shishunaga made Vaishali his second capital in addition to Pataliputra to keep the Vajjis under control. Shishunag in 394 BC. Ruled until. After that his son Kalashoka (Kakvarna) in 366 BC. Ruled until. During his reign in 383 BC. The second Buddhist assembly was organized in Vaishali. Mahanandin (Nandivardhan) was the last ruler of Shishunag dynasty. He in 344 B.C. Ruled until. Mahapadmananda overthrew the Shishunaga dynasty and established a new dynasty known as the Nanda dynasty.
Nandavansh (344 BC – 322 BC)
Mahapadmananda was the founder of this dynasty. He created a huge army and with its influence conquered the kingdoms of Ikshvaku, Kuru, Shursena, Mathura, Kalinga etc. Mahapadmananda provided stability to the empire. After the death of Mahapadmananda, his son Panduka became the ruler but he was unfit. After this, many rulers sat on the throne for a short time and in the end Dhananand became the last powerful ruler of this dynasty. He was a contemporary of Alexander. He had a huge army of 2 lakh foot soldiers, 20 thousand horsemen, 2000 chariots and three thousand elephants, but he was unpopular among the people. Chandragupta Maurya took advantage of this situation. He with the help of Kautilya in 322 BC. Attacked Magadha and ended the empire of Nanda dynasty by defeating Dhanananda and established the Maurya Empire.
Question Answer
let's know, how much learned
Select the correct answer :
1. The early capital of Magadha was ________.
a) Girivraj (Rajagriha)
b) Mathura
c) Pataliputra
d) Kalinga
Answer – a) Girivraj (Rajagriha)
2. The founder of Nanda dynasty was _______.
a) Chandragupta Maurya
b) Dhananand
c) Panduk
d) Mahapadmananda
Answer – D) Mahapadmananda
3. Information about 16 Mahajanapadas has been given in the Buddhist text _____.
a) Bhagwati Sutra
b) Adi Purana
c) Angutar body
d) Mulchar
Answer – c) Anguttara body
4. Ajatashatru is also known as ______ in history.
a) Ashoka
b) Panduk
c) Kunik
d) Mahapadmananda
Answer – C) Kunik
Fill in the blanks:
Match the correct :
Magadh Viratnagar
Avanti Pataliputra
fish Kaushambi
Child Takshshila
Gandhara Ujjayini
Answer -
Magadh Pataliputra
Avanti Ujjayini
fish Viratnagar
Child Kaushambi
Gandhara Ujjayini
Mark True (✓) or False (X) to the following statements :
Answer – Sabha and committees used to curb the power of the king. These institutions show the growth of democratic values in the Mahajanapadas. There used to be debate in these meetings. With the help of these assemblies and committees, the republic was established and the development of the state could be done properly.
Question 4. There was a monarchical and republican system in the Mahajanapada period. Explain the difference between these two systems.
Answer – The Mahajanapadas were following the monarchical and republican system. In a monarchical system, the position of the king was hereditary, whereas in a republican system, the king was elected.
Question 5. Mahajanapadas took shelter of marriage relations to make themselves powerful. Explain with examples.
Answer – Various Mahajanapadas used to take the help of marriage relations to make themselves powerful. For example, King Kaushal married his daughter Mahakaushala to King Bimbisara of Magadha and Prasenjit married his daughter Vajira to Bimbisara's son Ajatashatru. He also established marriage relations with the Sakyas. The king of Vatsa married the princess of Videha. Therefore, friendship was established in states by marriage relations.
Let's try
Question 1. Express your views by comparing the political system of Mahajanapada era with today's modern state.
Answer – The Mahajanapadas were following the monarchical and republican system. In a monarchical system, the position of the king was hereditary, whereas in a republican system, the king was elected. Modern states have adopted the republican system. In which officials are elected only with the consent of the people.
Question 2. Considering the ancient political institutions of India, compare them with the modern democratic institutions of today.
Answer – Students should try themselves.
Important Question Answer
Question 1. Where and during whose reign was the second Buddhist council organized?
Answer – During the reign of Kalashok (Kakvarna), the second Buddhist assembly was organized in Vaishali.
Question 2. How was the Mahajanapada formed?
Answer – The initial unit of the society was the family. Villages were formed from families, people from villages, janapadas from janapadas and mahajanapadas from janapadas.
Rise of Janapadas and Mahajanapadas
The initial unit of society was the family. Villages were formed from families, people from villages, janapadas from janapadas and mahajanapadas from janapadas. The people of the family were often the children of the same ancestor. lived together to meet their needs.
The group of families related to the same ancestor came to be called 'Jana'. The head of the people came to be called 'Rajan'. He was responsible for the safety of the people. Fighters, priests and rural officers were there to help Rajan. There was a fighter for Rajan's military assistance. The priest used to teach Rajan to follow the religion. In that era, the cow was the main property of the people of the people. The main task of Rajan was also to protect the cattle of the people.
Gramini was the head of the village. Several villages were included in the territory of one Jana. The smallest unit of administration was the village. Jan's area gradually came to be called 'Janpad'. In the beginning, people of the same caste lived in a district. Later, people from other castes also started coming to live in the district. Over time, cultural relations were established between them. A janapada consisted of both a town and a village. With the stability of life and increase in population, the size of the districts also started increasing. Small districts started turning into big districts. Their area also started increasing. Now they came to be known as Mahajanapadas. This era is called the Mahajanapada period of India. The people of the Vedic age have now turned into 16 big Mahajanapadas. All the Mahajanapadas were spread from Gandhara (Afghanistan) to Bengal in the east and from the Himalayan Mountains in the north to the Deccan Plateau in the south.
There was a lack of organization of central authority in India till the sixth century BC. The whole nation was divided into many small and big states which were called Mahajanapadas. The number of Mahajanapadas has been given as 16 in Buddhist texts 'Anguttar Nikaya' and 'Mahavastu' and Jain texts 'Bhagavati Sutra'. Probably their actual number was much more.
Gramini was the head of the village. Several villages were included in the territory of one Jana. The smallest unit of administration was the village. Jan's area gradually came to be called 'Janpad'. In the beginning, people of the same caste lived in a district. Later, people from other castes also started coming to live in the district. Over time, cultural relations were established between them. A janapada consisted of both a town and a village. With the stability of life and increase in population, the size of the districts also started increasing. Small districts started turning into big districts. Their area also started increasing. Now they came to be known as Mahajanapadas. This era is called the Mahajanapada period of India. The people of the Vedic age have now turned into 16 big Mahajanapadas. All the Mahajanapadas were spread from Gandhara (Afghanistan) to Bengal in the east and from the Himalayan Mountains in the north to the Deccan Plateau in the south.
There was a lack of organization of central authority in India till the sixth century BC. The whole nation was divided into many small and big states which were called Mahajanapadas. The number of Mahajanapadas has been given as 16 in Buddhist texts 'Anguttar Nikaya' and 'Mahavastu' and Jain texts 'Bhagavati Sutra'. Probably their actual number was much more.
Some of these Mahajanapadas were adopting monarchical and some republican administrative structure.
Monarchy: The rule of any state is run by a king and the successors of his dynasty.
Republic: In any state, the government is run by the representatives elected by the people.
The story of the development of the Mahajanapada system
Information about the ancient Indian state-system is obtained from the Vedic literature. Vedas and Brahmin texts also give comprehensive information about the Indian state system. The Mahabharata and Kautilya's Arthashastra also provide a deep insight into the Indian political system. Sabha and Samiti were the ancient institutions of democracy in India. Famous historian Kashiprasad Jaiswal says that 'Sabha and Samiti were born in the Rigvedic era. Sabha and Samiti used to work to curb the power of the king. These institutions show the growth of democratic values in India. The Rigvedic Janapadas changed over time into Mahajanapadas. The Mahajanapadas were following the monarchical and republican system. In a monarchical system, the position of the king was hereditary, whereas in a republican system, the king was elected. Later on, the era of imperialism started in the Mahajanapada period and in this period Magadha Mahajanapada went ahead and Magadha became a huge empire.
Some major Mahajanapadas and their capitals
Republic: In any state, the government is run by the representatives elected by the people.
The story of the development of the Mahajanapada system
Information about the ancient Indian state-system is obtained from the Vedic literature. Vedas and Brahmin texts also give comprehensive information about the Indian state system. The Mahabharata and Kautilya's Arthashastra also provide a deep insight into the Indian political system. Sabha and Samiti were the ancient institutions of democracy in India. Famous historian Kashiprasad Jaiswal says that 'Sabha and Samiti were born in the Rigvedic era. Sabha and Samiti used to work to curb the power of the king. These institutions show the growth of democratic values in India. The Rigvedic Janapadas changed over time into Mahajanapadas. The Mahajanapadas were following the monarchical and republican system. In a monarchical system, the position of the king was hereditary, whereas in a republican system, the king was elected. Later on, the era of imperialism started in the Mahajanapada period and in this period Magadha Mahajanapada went ahead and Magadha became a huge empire.
Some major Mahajanapadas and their capitals
- Kuru – Indraprastha
- Avanti – Ujjayini and Mahishmati
- Shoorsen – Mathura
- Panchal – Ahichhatra and Kapilya
- Ang – Champa
- Magadha – Rajagriha and Pataliputra
- Kashi – Varanasi
- Kaushal – Shravasti
- Vajji – Vaishali
- Malla – Kushinagar and Pawapuri
- Chedi – Shaktimati
- Vats – Kaushambi
- Matsya – Biratnagar
- Ashmak – Pateli (Paten)
- Kamboj – Hatak or Rajpur
- Gandhara – Taxila
In these sixteen Mahajanapadas, each Mahajanapada was in conflict with each other. Powerful Mahajanapadas used to try to usurp the weak as soon as they got the opportunity and small Janapadas had to struggle a lot to maintain their independence. Over time, the trend of monarchy was increasing in comparison to republican rule.
At that time the republics also had to form union-states as per the requirement. Different mahajanapadas used to take the help of marriage relations to make themselves powerful.
For example, King Kaushal married his daughter Mahakaushala to King Bimbisara of Magadha and Prasenjit married his daughter Vajira to Bimbisara's son Ajatashatru. He also established marriage relations with the Sakyas. The king of Vatsa married the princess of Videha. Therefore, friendship was established in states by marriage relations. ,
The tradition of republican rule in India
In the Mahajanapada era, there was no one type of governance system in India. Somewhere there was a monarchical system of government and somewhere there was a republican system of government. At some places there was a co-ordination of both the systems of governance. In the republican system of governance, the head of the Gana was the elected ruler. Mallas and Vajjis were based on the republican system of government. People had equal rights in the republican system of governance. All the republican states did not have the same system of governance. Freedom and equality of citizens were given importance in the republican system of governance. In this system, the rights of governance and power were not in the hands of any particular person, but in the hands of Gana or different people. The highest officer of the republic was the Nayak, Pradhan or President. It was generally elected for life-time by the assembly of the Gana or Sangha. Sometimes the heads of the ganas were also hereditary.
In a republican system, the king presided over a representative council and the republics were ruled by a supreme council. Both young and old were involved in this council. There used to be debate in these meetings. These states continued to exist for a long time. People had started considering the monarchical system of government better than the republic. Under such circumstances a powerful monarchy emerged under the leadership of Magadha.
As a vast empire of Magadha Mahajanapada -
For example, King Kaushal married his daughter Mahakaushala to King Bimbisara of Magadha and Prasenjit married his daughter Vajira to Bimbisara's son Ajatashatru. He also established marriage relations with the Sakyas. The king of Vatsa married the princess of Videha. Therefore, friendship was established in states by marriage relations. ,
The tradition of republican rule in India
In the Mahajanapada era, there was no one type of governance system in India. Somewhere there was a monarchical system of government and somewhere there was a republican system of government. At some places there was a co-ordination of both the systems of governance. In the republican system of governance, the head of the Gana was the elected ruler. Mallas and Vajjis were based on the republican system of government. People had equal rights in the republican system of governance. All the republican states did not have the same system of governance. Freedom and equality of citizens were given importance in the republican system of governance. In this system, the rights of governance and power were not in the hands of any particular person, but in the hands of Gana or different people. The highest officer of the republic was the Nayak, Pradhan or President. It was generally elected for life-time by the assembly of the Gana or Sangha. Sometimes the heads of the ganas were also hereditary.
In a republican system, the king presided over a representative council and the republics were ruled by a supreme council. Both young and old were involved in this council. There used to be debate in these meetings. These states continued to exist for a long time. People had started considering the monarchical system of government better than the republic. Under such circumstances a powerful monarchy emerged under the leadership of Magadha.
As a vast empire of Magadha Mahajanapada -
- The rulers of Udayamgadha were very capable and courageous. Powerful rulers like Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, Udayana, Shishunaga and Mahapadmananda expanded Magadha far and wide.
- He prepared a huge army. In which foot, chariot, horse rider and elephant were included.
- Elephants were naturally abundant in this region. The geographical location there also contributed significantly in the rise of Magadha state.
- Here the rivers Ganga, Son and Champa were providing a strong base to agriculture and traffic.
- There were huge iron mines in Magadha.
- The land of Magadha region was quite fertile and water was also available in abundance in this region.
- The emergence of new cities and circulation of metal coins also strengthened the economic situation. Here the empire used to get a lot of tax by levying octroi on commercial products.
- The environment of this empire was more free than other states.
Haryakvansh
Bimbisara: The first powerful ruler of this dynasty was Bimbisara who ruled from 544 BC to 492 BC. He was the real founder of the empire. Bimbisara started the expansion of Magadha by conquering the kingdom of Anga. He appointed his son Ajatashatru as the ruler of Anga. The initial capital of Magadha was Girivraj (Rajagriha).
Ajatshatru: Ajatshatru 492 BC. I succeeded his father Bimbisara as the ruler of Magadha. He is also famous in history by the name of Kunik. After a long struggle, Ajatashatru conquered Kashi and Vajji confederacy and included it in Magadha Empire. During the reign of Ajatashatru, the first Buddhist assembly (483 BC) was organized in the Saptaparni cave of Rajagriha. Ajatashatru's 460 B.C. I was murdered by his son Udayana.
Udayan: Udayan in 460 B.C. to 445 BC Ruled until. He established a city named Pataliputra (Kusumpura) at the confluence of the Ganga and Son rivers and made it his capital. He was a follower of Jainism. He was a nationalist ruler like his forefathers. The last ruler of the Haryanka dynasty was Nagdasaka, who was succeeded by an Amatya (minister) named Shishunaga in 412 BC. By establishing his dominance over Magadha, he established the Shishunag dynasty.
Ajatshatru: Ajatshatru 492 BC. I succeeded his father Bimbisara as the ruler of Magadha. He is also famous in history by the name of Kunik. After a long struggle, Ajatashatru conquered Kashi and Vajji confederacy and included it in Magadha Empire. During the reign of Ajatashatru, the first Buddhist assembly (483 BC) was organized in the Saptaparni cave of Rajagriha. Ajatashatru's 460 B.C. I was murdered by his son Udayana.
Udayan: Udayan in 460 B.C. to 445 BC Ruled until. He established a city named Pataliputra (Kusumpura) at the confluence of the Ganga and Son rivers and made it his capital. He was a follower of Jainism. He was a nationalist ruler like his forefathers. The last ruler of the Haryanka dynasty was Nagdasaka, who was succeeded by an Amatya (minister) named Shishunaga in 412 BC. By establishing his dominance over Magadha, he established the Shishunag dynasty.
Shishunaga dynasty (412 BC-344 BC)
Shishunag, the founder and ruler of this dynasty, further expanded the Magadha Empire by taking Avanti and Vatsa kingdoms under his authority. Shishunaga made Vaishali his second capital in addition to Pataliputra to keep the Vajjis under control. Shishunag in 394 BC. Ruled until. After that his son Kalashoka (Kakvarna) in 366 BC. Ruled until. During his reign in 383 BC. The second Buddhist assembly was organized in Vaishali. Mahanandin (Nandivardhan) was the last ruler of Shishunag dynasty. He in 344 B.C. Ruled until. Mahapadmananda overthrew the Shishunaga dynasty and established a new dynasty known as the Nanda dynasty.
Nandavansh (344 BC – 322 BC)
Mahapadmananda was the founder of this dynasty. He created a huge army and with its influence conquered the kingdoms of Ikshvaku, Kuru, Shursena, Mathura, Kalinga etc. Mahapadmananda provided stability to the empire. After the death of Mahapadmananda, his son Panduka became the ruler but he was unfit. After this, many rulers sat on the throne for a short time and in the end Dhananand became the last powerful ruler of this dynasty. He was a contemporary of Alexander. He had a huge army of 2 lakh foot soldiers, 20 thousand horsemen, 2000 chariots and three thousand elephants, but he was unpopular among the people. Chandragupta Maurya took advantage of this situation. He with the help of Kautilya in 322 BC. Attacked Magadha and ended the empire of Nanda dynasty by defeating Dhanananda and established the Maurya Empire.
Question Answer
let's know, how much learned
Select the correct answer :
1. The early capital of Magadha was ________.
a) Girivraj (Rajagriha)
b) Mathura
c) Pataliputra
d) Kalinga
Answer – a) Girivraj (Rajagriha)
2. The founder of Nanda dynasty was _______.
a) Chandragupta Maurya
b) Dhananand
c) Panduk
d) Mahapadmananda
Answer – D) Mahapadmananda
3. Information about 16 Mahajanapadas has been given in the Buddhist text _____.
a) Bhagwati Sutra
b) Adi Purana
c) Angutar body
d) Mulchar
Answer – c) Anguttara body
4. Ajatashatru is also known as ______ in history.
a) Ashoka
b) Panduk
c) Kunik
d) Mahapadmananda
Answer – C) Kunik
Fill in the blanks:
- The highest official of the republic was the Nayaka, ________ or ________.
- The first ruler of the Haryanka dynasty was ______ and the last ruler was ________.
- ________ made Vaishali his second capital besides Pataliputra to keep the Vajjis under control.
- Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya dynasty by defeating the ruler of the Nanda dynasty.
Match the correct :
Magadh Viratnagar
Avanti Pataliputra
fish Kaushambi
Child Takshshila
Gandhara Ujjayini
Answer -
Magadh Pataliputra
Avanti Ujjayini
fish Viratnagar
Child Kaushambi
Gandhara Ujjayini
Mark True (✓) or False (X) to the following statements :
The second Buddhist council was organized in Panchal. (X)
In a monarchical system, the position of the king is hereditary. (✓)
Udayana established a city named Pataliputra.(✓)
There was a type of governance system in India in the Mahajanapada era. (X)
In a republican system, the head of the gana was an elected ruler.(✓)
Short Question:
Question 1. Where and during whose reign was the first Buddhist council organized?
Answer – During the reign of Ajatashatru, the first Buddhist assembly was organized in the Saptaparni cave of Rajagriha.
In a monarchical system, the position of the king is hereditary. (✓)
Udayana established a city named Pataliputra.(✓)
There was a type of governance system in India in the Mahajanapada era. (X)
In a republican system, the head of the gana was an elected ruler.(✓)
Short Question:
Question 1. Where and during whose reign was the first Buddhist council organized?
Answer – During the reign of Ajatashatru, the first Buddhist assembly was organized in the Saptaparni cave of Rajagriha.
Question 2. What is the name of the book composed by Kautilya?
Answer – Economics
Answer – Economics
Question 3. List the names of any six Mahajanapadas.
Answer –
Answer –
Kuru
Panchal
Magadh
Kashi
Wajji
Gandhara
Question 4. Write the names of the main rulers of the Haryanka dynasty.
Answer – The main rulers of Haryak dynasty are Bimbisar, Ajatshatru, Udayan.
Question 5. Describe the military power of Dhananand, the ruler of Nand dynasty.
Answer – Dhananand, the ruler of Nand dynasty, had a huge army of 2 lakh foot soldiers, 20 thousand horsemen, 2000 chariots and three thousand elephants.
Let's consider:
Question 1. What was the system of governance in Malla and Vajji Mahajanapadas?
Answer – Malla and Vajji were based on the republican system of government. People had equal rights in the republican system of governance. Freedom and equality of citizens were given importance in the republican system of governance. In this system, the rights of governance and power were not in the hands of any particular person, but in the hands of Gana or different people. The highest officer of the republic was the Nayak, Pradhan or President. It was generally elected for life-time by the assembly of the Gana or Sangha.
Question 2. Magadha was stronger than other Mahajanapadas. Justify this statement with arguments.
Answer – Magadha was much more powerful than other Mahajanapadas due to the following reasons –
Panchal
Magadh
Kashi
Wajji
Gandhara
Question 4. Write the names of the main rulers of the Haryanka dynasty.
Answer – The main rulers of Haryak dynasty are Bimbisar, Ajatshatru, Udayan.
Question 5. Describe the military power of Dhananand, the ruler of Nand dynasty.
Answer – Dhananand, the ruler of Nand dynasty, had a huge army of 2 lakh foot soldiers, 20 thousand horsemen, 2000 chariots and three thousand elephants.
Let's consider:
Question 1. What was the system of governance in Malla and Vajji Mahajanapadas?
Answer – Malla and Vajji were based on the republican system of government. People had equal rights in the republican system of governance. Freedom and equality of citizens were given importance in the republican system of governance. In this system, the rights of governance and power were not in the hands of any particular person, but in the hands of Gana or different people. The highest officer of the republic was the Nayak, Pradhan or President. It was generally elected for life-time by the assembly of the Gana or Sangha.
Question 2. Magadha was stronger than other Mahajanapadas. Justify this statement with arguments.
Answer – Magadha was much more powerful than other Mahajanapadas due to the following reasons –
- The rulers of Magadha were very capable and courageous. Powerful rulers like Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, Udayana, Shishunaga and Mahapadmananda expanded Magadha far and wide.
- Elephants were naturally abundant in this region. Taking advantage of this, he prepared a huge army. In which foot, chariot, horse rider and elephant were included.
- Here the rivers Ganga, Son and Champa were providing a strong base to agriculture and traffic.
- There were huge iron mines in Magadha.
- The land of Magadha region was quite fertile and water was also available in abundance in this region.
- The emergence of new cities and circulation of metal coins also strengthened the economic situation.
Answer – Sabha and committees used to curb the power of the king. These institutions show the growth of democratic values in the Mahajanapadas. There used to be debate in these meetings. With the help of these assemblies and committees, the republic was established and the development of the state could be done properly.
Question 4. There was a monarchical and republican system in the Mahajanapada period. Explain the difference between these two systems.
Answer – The Mahajanapadas were following the monarchical and republican system. In a monarchical system, the position of the king was hereditary, whereas in a republican system, the king was elected.
Question 5. Mahajanapadas took shelter of marriage relations to make themselves powerful. Explain with examples.
Answer – Various Mahajanapadas used to take the help of marriage relations to make themselves powerful. For example, King Kaushal married his daughter Mahakaushala to King Bimbisara of Magadha and Prasenjit married his daughter Vajira to Bimbisara's son Ajatashatru. He also established marriage relations with the Sakyas. The king of Vatsa married the princess of Videha. Therefore, friendship was established in states by marriage relations.
Let's try
Question 1. Express your views by comparing the political system of Mahajanapada era with today's modern state.
Answer – The Mahajanapadas were following the monarchical and republican system. In a monarchical system, the position of the king was hereditary, whereas in a republican system, the king was elected. Modern states have adopted the republican system. In which officials are elected only with the consent of the people.
Question 2. Considering the ancient political institutions of India, compare them with the modern democratic institutions of today.
Answer – Students should try themselves.
Important Question Answer
Question 1. Where and during whose reign was the second Buddhist council organized?
Answer – During the reign of Kalashok (Kakvarna), the second Buddhist assembly was organized in Vaishali.
Question 2. How was the Mahajanapada formed?
Answer – The initial unit of the society was the family. Villages were formed from families, people from villages, janapadas from janapadas and mahajanapadas from janapadas.
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