Question

What do you mean by Janapadas and Mahajanapadas?

Answer 1

Instructions:
The answer to this question must have explanation on the following points:

• Janapadas with an example
• Important features of janapadas
• Mahajanapadas and the names of some important mahajanapadas

Solution:

• Janapadas were the small states that came into existence in between 1000 BC and 600 BC.
• Ashmak, one of the prominent janapadas, formed a part of today’s Maharashtra.
• Some of the janapadas were monarchies, while others were republics.
• They also had a gana-parishad which comprised the senior citizens of the respective janapada.
• Some of the janapadas which became stronger and expanded their geographical boundaries came to be known as mahajanapadas.
• By the sixth century BC, sixteen mahajanapadas became prominent. Some of these included Kosala, Vatsa, Kosala and Magadha.