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Question
Answer in 100-150 words
Describe the salient features of Mahajanapadas.
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Solution
Mahajanapadas were states that existed between 6th and 4th BC centuries. Buddhist and Jain texts mention sixteen Mahajanapadas. The name of all these are not uniform in all texts but some names are common and uniform which means they were the powerful ones.
These Mahajanapadas are Vajji, Magadha, Kaushal, Kuru, Panchal, and Gandhar.
The important features of the Mahajanapadas are as follows.
1.Most of the Mahajanapadas were ruled by powerful kings. However, there were some Mahajanapadas where rule was in the hands of people, we call them republics. In some states the king and the subject had collective control on the economic resources of the state.
2.Every Mahajanapadas had its own capital. The capital normally would be surrounded by fort. The fortification of the capital was needed for protection and economic resources.
3.It was around 6th Qentury BC, Brahmins began to compile scripture called “Dharmshastra” which states rules of morality including that of monarch. Herein it was mentioned that the king should be Kshatriya.
4.The main job of the king was collection of taxes from farmers, traders, craftsmen. They also accepted donations.
5.It was considered fair to plunder neighbouring countries for riches.
6.Gradually Mahajanapadas began to have full time army and officials. Soldiers were from the ranks of farmers.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
Compare the given Maps, and list the mahajanapadas that might have been included in the Mauryan Empire. Are any Asokan inscriptions found in these areas?
Name the languages in which the Ashokan inscriptions were written.
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“There cannot be any divided loyalty” Govind Ballabh Pant argued that in order to become loyal citizens people had to stop focusing only on the community and the self: For the success of democracy one must train himself in the art of self-discipline. In democracies, one should care less for himself and more for others. There cannot be any divided loyalty. All loyalties must exclusively be centred around the State. If in a democracy, you create rival loyalties, or you create a system in which any individual or group, instead of suppressing his extravagance, cares nought for larger or other interests, then democracy is doomed. |
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- Initially the capital of Magadha was Pataliputra.
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Choose the correct statements:
Match the following.
| List I | List II |
| A. Mahapadma Nanda | 1. Kushana dynasty |
| B. Kaniska | 2. Magadha |
| C. Samudragupta | 3. Maurya dynasty |
| D. Asoka | 4. Gupta dynasty |
The 6th century BCE is regarded as a major turning point in early Indian history for which of the following reason/s?
“Magadha was the most powerful Mahajanpada ‘. Examine the statement.
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Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow.
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“There cannot be any divided loyalty” Govind Ballabh Pant argued that in order to become loyal citizens people had to stop focusing only on the community and the self: For the success of democracy one must train himself in the art of self-discipline. In democracies, one should care less for himself and more for others. There cannot be any divided loyalty. All loyalties must exclusively be centred around the State. If in a democracy, you create rival loyalties, or you create a system in which any individual or group, instead of suppressing his extravagance, cares nought for larger or other interests, then democracy is doomed. |
- How did G.B Pant encourage citizens to make a unified nation?
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- How was loyalty considered the base of the social pyramid?
Read the source given below and answer the questions that follows.
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“There cannot be any divided loyalty” Govind Ballabh Pant argued that in order to become loyal citizens people had to stop focusing only on the community and the self: For the success of democracy one must train himself in the art of self-discipline. In democracies one should care less for himself and more for others. There cannot be any divided loyalty. All loyalties must exclusively be centred round the State. If in a democracy, you create rival loyalties, or you create a system in which any individual or group, instead of suppressing his extravagance, cares nought for larger or other interests, then democracy is doomed. |
- How did G.B Pant encourage citizens to make a unified nation?
- Why did he urge citizens for loyalty towards nation?
- How was loyalty considered as the base of social pyramid?
