SSC CGL - Detailed Guide 2025
Self-Paced Course
Mahajanapadas
Reference: Lucent GK, NCERT Class 6–12
Introduction
- Period: ~6th Century BCE
- India saw the rise of urbanization, iron tools, trade, and the decline of tribal systems.
- 16 Mahajanapadas (Great Kingdoms) mentioned in Buddhist text Anguttara Nikaya.
List of 16 Mahajanapadas
| S. No | Mahajanapada | Capital | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anga | Champa | Monarchy |
| 2 | Magadha | Rajagriha | Monarchy |
| 3 | Kasi | Varanasi | Monarchy |
| 4 | Kosala | Shravasti | Monarchy |
| 5 | Vajji | Vaishali | Republic |
| 6 | Malla | Kusinara | Republic |
| 7 | Chedi | Shuktimati | Monarchy |
| 8 | Vatsa | Kaushambi | Monarchy |
| 9 | Kuru | Indraprastha | Monarchy |
| 10 | Panchala | Ahichhatra | Monarchy |
| 11 | Matsya | Viratanagara | Monarchy |
| 12 | Surasena | Mathura | Monarchy |
| 13 | Assaka | Potali | Monarchy |
| 14 | Avanti | Ujjayini | Monarchy |
| 15 | Gandhara | Taxila | Monarchy |
| 16 | Kamboja | Rajapura | Monarchy |
Important Mahajanapadas
- Magadha: Became the most powerful (Nanda, Maurya empires).
- Vajji & Malla: Republics (Ganarajya).
- Gandhara: Center of education (Taxila University).
- Kosala: Home of Ayodhya; rival of Magadha.
Why Magadha rose to power?
- Fertile land, iron resources.
- Strong rulers: Bimbisara, Ajatashatru.
- Use of elephants, efficient administration.
- Control over Ganga trade routes.
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