Mahajanapadas & Rise of Kingdoms (600 BCE – 400 BCE)
Delhi Police Exam History Section
1. Introduction
After the Later Vedic period, India witnessed a major socio-political transformation.
Small tribal settlements gradually converted into large territorial states called Mahajanapadas.
This marks the beginning of Second Urbanisation in India — especially in Eastern India (Ganga valley).
Time Period: 600 BCE – 400 BCE
2. Sources
Buddhist texts → Anguttara Nikaya
Jain texts → Bhagavati Sutra
Panini's Ashtadhyayi
These mention and confirm the Mahajanapadas.
3. Sixteen Mahajanapadas (IMPORTANT)
| Mahajanapada | Region (Modern) | Capital |
|---|---|---|
| Magadha | Bihar | Rajgir (later Pataliputra) |
| Kosala | Eastern UP | Shravasti |
| Vatsa | Allahabad region | Kaushambi |
| Avanti | Ujjain region | Ujjaini |
| Kuru | Haryana-Delhi | Indraprastha |
| Panchala | Western Uttar Pradesh | Ahichhatra |
| Gandhara | NW Pakistan | Taxila |
| Anga | Eastern Bihar | Champa |
| Other states | Kashi, Matsya, Surasena, etc | --- |
4. Types of States
2 types of Mahajanapadas existed:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Republics (Gana / Sangha) | ruled by council → not a king (ex: Vajji) |
| Monarchies | ruled by Kings (ex: Magadha, Kosala, Avanti) |
5. Why Magadha became Powerful?
Magadha finally dominated all other Mahajanapadas and created the base for the Mauryan Empire.
Reasons for rise of Magadha:
Iron ore found in Bihar → weapon making + agriculture boom
Strategic river location (Ganga + Son)
Strong rulers Bimbisara & Ajatashatru
Organized army & taxation
Elephants from forest region
6. Important Kings of Magadha
| King | Dynasty | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Bimbisara | Haryanka | Introduced marriage alliances |
| Ajatashatru | Haryanka | Defeated Vajji Confederacy |
| Mahapadma Nanda | Nanda | Expanded empire, paved way for Mauryas |
7. Why this period matters
Start of political consolidation
Basis for Mauryan Empire formation
Religious change → Jainism & Buddhism rise during this period
First urban revival after Indus Valley
Quick Recap
Period of 16 large states = Mahajanapadas
Sources: Anguttara Nikaya, Bhagavati Sutra
Two types → Republic & Monarchy
Magadha became strongest → future Mauryan base
Important rulers: Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, Mahapadma Nanda
Sample Questions
How many Mahajanapadas existed in the 6th century BCE?
Options: (a) 10 (b) 12 (c) 16 (d) 18
View Answer
C. 16
Which Mahajanapada later formed the core of Mauryan Empire?
Options: (a) Gandhara (b) Kosala (c) Magadha (d) Vatsa
View Answer
C. Magadha
Vajji was which type of state?
Options: (a) Monarchy (b) Republic (c) Tribal (d) Slave State
View Answer
B. Republic
Previous Year Questions (Delhi Police / SSC)
How many Mahajanapadas were there in ancient India?
Year: SSC CGL
View Answer
16
Taxila was the capital of which Mahajanapada?
Year: SSC GD
View Answer
Gandhara
Who was the founder of Nanda Dynasty?
Year: SSC CPO
View Answer
Mahapadma Nanda
Which Mahajanapada emerged as most powerful?
Year: Delhi Police
View Answer
Magadha
You've completed Mahajanapadas & Rise of Kingdoms Concepts!
Courage Tip: Focus on memorizing the 16 Mahajanapadas and their capitals, especially Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, and Avanti. Remember that Magadha's rise was due to strategic advantages like iron resources, river location, and strong rulers. The distinction between Republics (like Vajji) and Monarchies is frequently tested in exams.
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