Keywords to Remember
- Janapada – A territory or land where a tribe (Jana) settled in ancient India.
- Mahajanapada – A large and powerful kingdom formed by the expansion of Janapadas through conquest or alliances.
- Gana – A group of people or a community; also refers to tribal republics.
- Sangha – An organisation or association, especially used for republics or religious communities like Buddhist Sangha.
- Republic (Ganasangha) – A state or kingdom where the ruler was chosen by the people and not based on heredity.
- Matrimonial Alliance – Political alliance created through marriage between ruling families.
- Gramini – The headman of a village in ancient India, involved in administration and decision-making.
- Mahamatra – A high-ranking official or minister who assisted the king in administration.
- Purohita – The royal priest who advised the king on religious matters and performed rituals.
- Sena Nayak – The commander-in-chief of the army.
- Sangrahitri – The treasurer responsible for managing state revenues.
- Ayuktas – State-level officers who performed administrative functions.
- Varna System – A fourfold social division of Indian society: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
- Grihapati – A householder; used specifically for Vaishyas who were engaged in trade and agriculture.
- Shudra – The lowest of the four varnas; their duty was to serve the other three classes.
- Punch-marked coins – Early Indian coins made of metal, marked with symbols like sun, moon, tree, etc.
- Guild (Shreni) – An association of artisans or merchants engaged in a similar trade or craft.
- Shrenee – The head of a guild who managed its affairs.
- Rajgriha – The first capital of Magadha, located in present-day Bihar.
- Pataliputra – Later capital of Magadha, established by Ajatshatru; present-day Patna.
- Vaishali – A famous republican state in ancient Bihar, home to the Lichchhavis.
- Kausambi – A prominent urban centre and capital of Vatsa Mahajanapada.
- Shravasti – A significant city in Kosala, associated with Buddha’s life.
- Champa – Capital city of the Anga Mahajanapada, a centre of trade.
- Brahmanism – The religious tradition based on Vedic texts and rituals led by Brahmins.
- Buddhism – A religion founded by Gautama Buddha, focusing on meditation, ethics, and the Four Noble Truths.
- Jainism – A religion founded by Mahavira that emphasizes non-violence and truth.
- Bhaga – A share of agricultural produce (1/6th to 1/12th) collected as land revenue by the king.
- Cavalry – Soldiers who fought on horseback, part of the king’s army.
- Infantry – Soldiers who fought on foot, forming the largest part of the army.
- War elephants – Elephants used in battles; a symbol of power in ancient Indian warfare.
- Chariots – Two-wheeled vehicles used in battle, driven by horses.
- Iron tools – Agricultural and military tools made of iron that improved farming and warfare.
- Trade routes – Paths used by traders to move goods within and outside the country.
- Ports – Coastal towns like Bhrigukaccha and Sopara that facilitated sea trade.
- Mahanagara – A large town or city with advanced facilities and population.
- Pura-Nagara – A smaller town or settlement.
- Lichchhavis – A powerful republican clan that ruled Vaishali.
- Sakyas – The republican clan to which Buddha belonged.
- Mallas – A republican tribe from Pava (Kushinagar) involved in the governance of their area.
Something To Know
A. Tick (✔ ) the correct option.
- What does the word Janapada literally mean?
(a) the king
(b) the group
(c) the land
(d) the law
Answer – (c) the land
- In which category the Sakyas of Kapilvastu can be placed?
(a) Gansanghas
(b) Janapadas
(c) Mahajanapadas
(d) Sabhas
Answer – (a) Gansanghas
- Ajatshatru shifted his capital from Rajgriha to¬
(a) Vaishali
(b) Kausambi
(c) Champa
(d) Pataliputra
Answer – (d) Pataliputra
- The supreme head of the state chosen by the people was –
(a) Raja
(b) Mahamatras
(c) Ayuktas
(d) Gramini
Answer – (a) Raja
- Which one of the following emerged as the most powerful Mahajanapada?
(a) Anga
(b)Vatsa
(c) Avanti
(d) Magadha
Answer – (d) Magadha
B. Fill in the blanks.
- ___________ were the kingdoms where the kings were not hereditary.
Answer – Gansanghas
- King ___________ never tolerated any inefficient official.
Answer – Bimbisara
- The capital of the Sakyas was___________.
Answer – Kapilvastu
- The people of Magadha raised ___________crops in a year.
Answer – three
- The head of artisans’ association was known as ___________.
Answer – Shrenee
C. Write True or False for the following statements.
- The Varna System was based on birth.
Answer – True
- Vaishyas were called Sangrahitris.
Answer – False
- Gramini helped the king in his central administration.
Answer – False
- Magadha had a flourishing long distance trade.
Answer – True
- There was no assembly in the Republics.
Answer – False
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- What were Mahajanapadas? Name any four of them.
Answer – Mahajanapadas were large kingdoms formed by the expansion of Janapadas. Four examples are Magadha, Kosala, Avanti, and Vatsa.
- What was the status of Magadha under the Nandas?
Answer – Under the Nandas, Magadha became a vast and powerful empire with strong administration and military.
- What made the people drift away from Brahamanism?
Answer – The rigid Varna system and complex rituals made people shift toward Buddhism and Jainism, which were simpler and more inclusive.
- Mention any two achievements of Ajatshatru.
Answer – He shifted the capital to Pataliputra and strengthened the Magadha army.
- What was a guild? What was its main purpose?
Answer – A guild was an association of people in the same trade or craft. Its purpose was to regulate the profession and protect the interests of its members.
E. Answer the following questions.
- How did Magadha emerge as the most powerful Mahajanapada? Explain.
Answer – Magadha rose to power due to its fertile land, iron mines, rivers for transport, elephants for the army, strong leadership, and efficient administration. Matrimonial alliances and military strength helped expand its territory.
- Highlight any four features of the Ganasanghas or Republics that existed in 600-100 BCE.
Answer – Kings were elected, not hereditary.
There was an assembly to make laws.
All members had a role in governance.
Republics like Lichchhavis and Sakyas had democratic principles.
- Explain the administrative system of Magadha rulers.
Answer – The king was supreme and assisted by officials like Mahamatras, Sena Nayak, Sangrahitri, and Purohita. Village administration was managed by Gramini. The army was strong and well-organized.
- What was the socio-economic condition of the people under the Magadha rulers?
Answer – Society was based on the Varna system. Women were respected and educated. Agriculture, trade, and crafts were major occupations. Coins and guilds supported the economy.
- Describe the Varna system. How did it start? What is its present position in India today?
Answer – The Varna system divided people into Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras based on birth. It began in the Vedic period. Today, although caste discrimination is legally banned, social inequality still exists in some places.
Value Based Question
The Magadha emerged as the most powerful Mahajanapada as it conquered the territories of other Mahajanapadas. Matrimonial alliances with daughters of other rulers was also a step towards expanding power. All these Mahajanapadas later became parts of Magadha empire.
How far do you agree that winning wars strengthens a nation and helps towards development? Explain.
Answer – Winning wars can make a nation powerful and expand its resources. However, true development comes from good governance, education, economy, and peace. While Magadha grew through conquests, it also prospered due to efficient administration and social unity.
Map Skill
On the outline map of India, locate the following Mahajanpadas and name them.
(a) Magadha
(b) Vatsa
(c) Anga
(d) Kuru
(e) Panchala
Answer – (a) Magadha – Present-day Bihar
(b) Vatsa – Around modern-day Allahabad (UP)
(c) Anga – Present-day eastern Bihar
(d) Kuru – Near modern Haryana and Delhi
(e) Panchala – Around western Uttar Pradesh
Something to Do
- Make a list of crafts which v/ere in practice during the period of the Magadhan rulers and are still being practised in India.
Answer – Pottery, weaving, carpentry, jewellery-making, and metalwork.
- Collect some pictures showing the crafts of Magadha period.
Answer – (Students can collect images of ancient pottery, weaving looms, punch-marked coins, etc.)
- In what ways are the present day coins better than the old ones?
Answer – Modern coins are machine-made, more durable, standardized, and carry clear inscriptions. They are also harder to counterfeit.
- Browse through the internet and study the different coins. You can visit the National Museum in Nev/ Delhi to have a look at some very old coins.
Answer – (Students can note down types of coins like punch-marked coins, Gupta gold coins, Mughal silver coins, etc., and draw comparisons.)
Additional Questions And Answers – 01
Fill in the Blanks (with Answers)
- The term Janapada means the land where the Jana set its foot.
→ Answer: Jana - Pataliputra became the capital of Magadha during the reign of Ajatshatru.
→ Answer: Ajatshatru - The Gramini was the head of the village.
→ Answer: village - The earliest coins used in Magadha were known as punch-marked
→ Answer: punch-marked - The Lichchhavis of Vaishali had a republican form of government.
→ Answer: republican - The official in charge of treasury was called the Sangrahitri.
→ Answer: Sangrahitri - Bimbisara belonged to the Haryanka
→ Answer: Haryanka - A group of traders and craftsmen was called a guild or Shreni.
→ Answer: Shreni - Mahatma Buddha was born in the Sakya
→ Answer: Sakya - Kosala and Avanti were two of the sixteen Mahajanapadas.
→ Answer: sixteen Mahajanapadas
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers
- Who was the founder of the Haryanka dynasty in Magadha?
(a) Ajatshatru
(b) Darshak
(c) Bimbisara
(d) Udayin
Answer – (c) Bimbisara - What was the duty of the Purohita?
(a) Commander of army
(b) Treasurer
(c) Chief priest
(d) Minister
Answer – (c) Chief priest - The Mahajanapada with strong elephant forces was –
(a) Vatsa
(b) Magadha
(c) Avanti
(d) Kuru
Answer – (b) Magadha - What were the coins during this period mainly made of?
(a) Gold
(b) Copper
(c) Silver and copper
(d) Iron
Answer – (c) Silver and copper - Which Mahajanapada had its capital at Kausambi?
(a) Vatsa
(b) Kosala
(c) Avanti
(d) Anga
Answer – (a) Vatsa
True / False Statements (with Answers)
- Women were not allowed to study the Vedas during this period.
Answer – False - Mahajanapadas were larger and more powerful than Janapadas.
Answer – True - The Shreni was a religious assembly.
Answer – False - The Sangha made laws in the Ganasanghas.
Answer – True - The Varna system was based on a person’s profession.
Answer – False
Short Answer Questions
- What was a Janapada?
Answer: A Janapada was a territory where a tribe or “Jana” settled and established control. - Name any four Mahajanapadas.
Answer: Magadha, Kosala, Avanti, Vatsa. - Who were Mahamatras?
Answer: Mahamatras were high officials or ministers who assisted the king in administration. - What is the significance of Pataliputra?
Answer: It became the capital of Magadha under Ajatshatru and later evolved into an important political center. - Why was Magadha economically strong?
Answer: Due to fertile land, iron tools, abundant natural resources, and flourishing trade.
Competency-Based Reasoning and Assertion Questions
- Assertion (A): Magadha became a powerful Mahajanapada.
Reason (R): It had fertile land, strong rulers, and iron mines.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer – (a) - Assertion (A): All kings in ancient India inherited their positions.
Reason (R): Republics like Lichchhavis had elected rulers.
Answer – (d) A is false, but R is true. - Assertion (A): Iron played an important role in agriculture and warfare.
Reason (R): Iron tools and weapons helped in clearing forests and fighting wars.
Answer – (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)
- Why do you think people turned towards Buddhism and Jainism during this period?
Answer: The rigid Varna system and complicated Brahmanical rituals made people seek simpler, more equal religious paths like Buddhism and Jainism. - What would happen if there were no guilds for traders and artisans during that time?
Answer: Lack of organization would have led to poor quality control, exploitation, and decline in trade efficiency. - How did the geography of Magadha help in its growth?
Answer: Fertile plains, river systems for trade, and forest resources gave Magadha a strategic and economic advantage.
Long Answer Questions (40–50 words)
- Describe the administrative system of the Magadhan empire.
Answer: The king was supreme, aided by ministers and officials like Mahamatras, Sena Nayak, and Gramini. There was a strong army and well-managed village and state governance. Revenue collection and law enforcement were systematic and efficient. - Explain the economic conditions of Magadha.
Answer: Agriculture was advanced with three crops a year. Artisans and traders formed guilds. Use of iron tools, punch-marked coins, and a stable trade network strengthened the economy. Taxes were levied and paid in kind or coins. - What led to the success of Magadha among the Mahajanapadas?
Answer: Factors included rich natural resources, strong leadership, military strength, diplomatic marriages, river-based transport, and efficient governance. The use of elephants in war and a powerful army helped it defeat other kingdoms and expand its territory.
Additional Questions And Answers – 02
Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers
- A region inhabited by a tribe or Jana was called ________.
Answer: Janapada - The most powerful Mahajanapada was ________.
Answer: Magadha - The capital of Bimbisara was ________.
Answer: Rajgriha - Ajatshatru established his capital at ________.
Answer: Pataliputra - The last king of the Nanda dynasty was ________.
Answer: Ghanananda - The society was based on the ________ system, dividing people into Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
Answer: Varna - The land revenue charged was called ________.
Answer: Bhaga - The head of a guild was known as ________.
Answer: Shrenee - The coins used during this period were known as ________ marked coins.
Answer: Punch - The important port of ________ was located in Sri Lanka.
Answer: Tamraparni
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers
- What does the term Janapada mean?
a) A large empire
b) Land where a tribe set its foot
c) A trade guild
d) A religious assembly
Answer: b) Land where a tribe set its foot - Which Mahajanapada emerged as the most powerful?
a) Kuru
b) Magadha
c) Panchala
d) Videha
Answer: b) Magadha - Who was the founder of the Magadha empire’s prominence?
a) Ajatshatru
b) Bimbisara
c) Ghanananda
d) Darshak
Answer: b) Bimbisara - Which was a Ganasangha or Republic during this period?
a) Magadha
b) Avanti
c) Lichchhavis
d) Kashi
Answer: c) Lichchhavis - What was the main occupation of Vaishyas or Grihapatis?
a) Priesthood
b) Agriculture and trade
c) Military service
d) Serving other classes
Answer: b) Agriculture and trade - What was the land revenue called during the Mahajanapada period?
a) Bali
b) Bhaga
c) Sangrahitri
d) Shrenee
Answer: b) Bhaga - Which religion became popular due to its rejection of casteism?
a) Hinduism
b) Brahmanism
c) Buddhism
d) Varna
Answer: c) Buddhism - What was the capital of Ajatshatru?
a) Rajgriha
b) Pataliputra
c) Vaishali
d) Kausambi
Answer: b) Pataliputra - Which port was significant during the Mahajanapada period?
a) Pataliputra
b) Bhrigukaccha
c) Ujjayani
d) Mithila
Answer: b) Bhrigukaccha - Who was the last king of the Nanda dynasty?
a) Bimbisara
b) Ajatshatru
c) Ghanananda
d) Darshak
Answer: c) Ghanananda
True/False Questions and Answers
- Janapadas were regions inhabited by a single tribe or Jana.
Answer: True - Magadha was the weakest among the Mahajanapadas.
Answer: False - Ganasanghas were hereditary monarchies.
Answer: False - Bimbisara consulted village headmen called Gramini for administration.
Answer: True - The Varna system was based on occupation rather than birth.
Answer: False - Buddhism and Jainism became popular due to their rejection of casteism.
Answer: True - The land revenue was called Bhaga and ranged from 1/12th to 1/6th of the produce.
Answer: True - Punch marked coins were made of gold and silver.
Answer: False - Magadha’s success was partly due to its abundant iron mines.
Answer: True - Women had no significant role in society during the Mahajanapada period.
Answer: False
Short Questions and Answers
- What is a Janapada?
Answer: A Janapada is a region inhabited by a tribe or Jana, meaning the land where they set foot. - Name two Mahajanapadas.
Answer: Magadha and Kosala. - Who was the head of a village in the Magadha administration?
Answer: Gramini. - What was the capital of Bimbisara?
Answer: Rajgriha. - Name one Ganasangha of the period.
Answer: Lichchhavis. - What was the main occupation of the Vaishyas?
Answer: Agriculture and trade. - What was the land revenue called during this period?
Answer: Bhaga. - Name one religion that became popular during the Mahajanapada period.
Answer: Buddhism. - What were punch marked coins made of?
Answer: Copper and silver. - Name one famous port of the Mahajanapada period.
Answer: Bhrigukaccha.
Competency-Based Questions and Answers (Reasoning and Assertion)
- Assertion (A): Magadha emerged as the most powerful Mahajanapada.
Reason (R): It had abundant iron mines and efficient rulers like Bimbisara.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. - Assertion (A): Ganasanghas were republics with elected rulers.
Reason (R): The office of the ruler in Ganasanghas was not hereditary.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. - Assertion (A): Buddhism and Jainism became popular during the Mahajanapada period.
Reason (R): They rejected the rigidity of the Varna system and rituals.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. - Assertion (A): The Magadha empire had a well-developed economy.
Reason (R): The use of punch marked coins facilitated trade.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. - Assertion (A): Women had a prestigious place in Mahajanapada society.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions and Answers
- Question: Why did Magadha become the most powerful Mahajanapada?
Answer: Magadha’s success stemmed from its strategic location along the Ganga for trade, abundant iron mines for tools and weapons, efficient rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatshatru, and a strong military with elephants. Its efficient administration and matrimonial alliances further consolidated its power. - Question: How did the Varna system influence social structure during the Mahajanapada period?
Answer: The Varna system divided society into Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, creating a rigid hierarchy based on birth. This led to social stratification, with Kshatriyas dominating, and contributed to the rise of Buddhism and Jainism, which rejected casteism, appealing to the masses. - Question: Evaluate the role of punch marked coins in the economic development of Mahajanapadas.
Answer: Punch marked coins, made of copper and silver, standardized trade by replacing barter systems. Their widespread use in towns like Champa and Vaishali facilitated internal and external trade, boosted economic growth, and supported the rise of guilds, strengthening the Mahajanapada economy. - Question: Why did Buddhism and Jainism gain popularity during this period?
Answer: Buddhism and Jainism gained popularity by rejecting the rigid Varna system and complex rituals of Brahmanism, appealing to lower classes and those disillusioned with caste hierarchy. Their emphasis on equality and simple ethical practices resonated with the diverse Mahajanapada society. - Question: How did matrimonial alliances contribute to Magadha’s expansion?
Answer: Matrimonial alliances allowed Magadha to forge diplomatic ties with other Mahajanapadas, reducing conflicts and expanding influence. By marrying daughters of rival rulers, kings like Bimbisara strengthened political bonds, secured loyalty, and facilitated territorial expansion without constant warfare.
Long Questions and Answers (40-50 Words)
- Question: Describe the administrative structure of the Magadha empire.
Answer: The Magadha empire was led by a powerful king, assisted by Mahamatras (ministers), Senanayak (army chief), Sangrahitri (treasurer), Purohita (priest), and Gramini (village head). Ayuktas managed state functions, while a disciplined army ensured security, enabling efficient governance and territorial control. - Question: Explain the significance of Ganasanghas in the Mahajanapada period.
Answer: Ganasanghas, like Lichchhavis and Sakyas, were republics with elected rulers, contrasting hereditary monarchies. Their assemblies made laws, promoting democratic governance. This system empowered communities, fostering political stability and cultural diversity in regions like Vaishali and Kapilvastu. - Question: Discuss the economic importance of agriculture in the Mahajanapadas.
Answer: Agriculture was the backbone of the Mahajanapada economy, with farmers growing wheat, rice, and sugarcane. The Bhaga revenue system supported the state, while iron tools enhanced productivity. This agricultural surplus fueled trade, urban growth, and the prosperity of towns like Shravasti. - Question: How did the use of iron influence the Mahajanapada period?
Answer: The use of iron revolutionized agriculture and warfare in the Mahajanapadas. Iron tools like ploughshares increased farming efficiency, while weapons strengthened armies. This technological advancement, especially in Magadha with its iron mines, boosted economic and military power, aiding its dominance. - Question: Analyze the role of trade in the Mahajanapada economy.
Answer: Trade in Mahajanapadas, facilitated by punch marked coins and guilds, drove economic growth. Towns like Champa and ports like Bhrigukaccha supported internal and external trade in jewellery and textiles. Guilds, led by Shrenees, organized craftsmen, enhancing commerce and state revenue.