Question

How did states organise themselves prior to 1000 CE?

Answer 1

Before 1000 CE, states were organised gradually from small tribal and kin-based groups (jana) into territorial states called janapadas and mahājanapadas. With the growth of agriculture, population and trade, larger kingdoms and empires developed. Kings became important rulers and were supported by officials, ministers, armies and administrative systems. Powerful empires such as the Mauryas, Guptas and Cholas developed organised systems of administration to govern their large territories.