Mahajanapadas

Ancient History
Mahajanapadas
(Theory + Imp MCQ)
By – Indo Pathshala
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 The 16 Mahajanapadas were ancient Indian kingdoms that existed from the 6th to 4th
century BCE. These powerful and prosperous states were spread across the northern and
eastern regions of India. Each of these has its own distinct culture, language, and customs.
The term ‘Mahajanapadas’ means ‘great kingdoms‘ or ‘great states
 It means ‘vast realm‘ in Sanskrit, combining ‘maha’ for ‘great’ and ‘janapada’ for ‘foothold of
a people’.”
 The 16 Mahajanapadas were mostly situated in what is now Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
 They included both monarchies (Rajyas) and non-monarchical states known as Ganas or
Sanghas
 The Anguttara Nikaya, a Buddhist scripture from the Sutta Pitaka, sheds light on the social,
political, and economic conditions of ancient India during that time
 Bhagavati Sutra, a Jaina work, provides differing lists of the sixteen Mahajanapadas, with
some including Vanga and Malaya
 Around this era, the use of iron tools became widespread, aiding the clearing of forests in
the Gangetic plains and leading to eastward civilization expansion
 Iron tools improved agricultural practices, resulting in surplus food production used for
the needs of kings for military and administrative purposes.
 An agrarian economy allowed people to settle and expand into neighbouring regions
 Sixteen prominent Mahajanapadas emerged, including both monarchical and republican

states
 Monarchies:- Gandhara, Kamboja, Kashi, Vatsa, Avanti, Chedi, Kuru, Panchala, Matsya, Anga,
Kosala, Magadha, Surasena
 Republics: - Asmaka, Malla, Vajji
 The monarchs had supreme authority in some Mahajanapadas, while republican states
were governed by assemblies of senior citizens, known as the Gana-parishad, which made
administrative decisions

 In Republican or oligarchic Mahajanapadas, the king was elected from the group of Rajas
who were known for their fighting ability, and he ran the administration with the help of an
assembly called Sabha
 The monarchies were mainly found in the Gangetic Plains while the republics were situated
around the foothills of the Himalayas and in the north-western India in modern Punjab
 The appearance of urban centres led to the emergence of different social groups such as
gahapati, merchants, settlers, etc., pursuing different occupations and multiple activities
 The Janapadas as mentioned in the later Vedic texts, Jain and Buddhist sources, signify that
the regions with different types of human settlements came to acquire geographical names
for the first time in Indian history
 A passage from the Astadhyayi of Panini, makes it clear that the people owed their
allegiance to the Janapada (territory) to which they belonged rather than to the Jana or the
tribe.
Kashi
 Kashi was among the foremost and most dominant of the sixteen Mahajanapadas.
 Around 450 BCE, it emerged as a significant town with its capital at Varanasi.
 Renowned for its cotton textiles and horse market, it played a role in the downfall of
the Videhan monarchy.
 River Varuna in the north and river Assi in the south bounded ancient Kashi.
 Kashi frequently clashed with the kingdoms of Kosala, Magadha, and Anga. Despite
defeating Kosala initially, it was eventually conquered by Kosala and later annexed by
Ajatasatru to Magadha
Kosala
 The Shatpath Brahman provides insights into the Kosala Mahajanapada, with its capital at
Shravasti, located northwest of Magadha in present-day eastern Uttar Pradesh
 Kosala was bounded by the Gomati River in the west, the Sarpika or Syandika River in the
south, the Sadanira (Gandak) River in the east, and the Nepal hills in the north
 Ayodhya, Saketa, and Shravasti were the key cities in Kosala, and its
kings supported both Brahmanism and Buddhism
 Prasenjit, the Kosalan king was the contemporary of king Bimbisara and Ajatasatru of
Magadha. Prasenjit’s sister was married to Bimbisara, the king of Magadha, and Kashi was
given to her as dowry. However, a dispute with Ajatasatru, son of Bimbisara soon led to

discord. Ajatasatru put his father to death, whose wife, sister of Prasenjit, died due to grief.
Prasenjit, in retaliation, confiscated Kashi
 A war broke out between both sides and the conflict finally ended with reconciliation.
Prasenjit’s daughter Vajjira was married to Ajatasatru and Kashi was given as dowry to the
bride
 King Prasenjit of Kosala was contemporaneous with Bimbisara and Ajatasatru of Magadha.
A conflict over Kashi ensued due to family disputes, resulting in several battles and
reconciliations
 Despite not embracing Buddhism, a Bharhut sculpture indicated friendly relations between
Prasenjit and Buddha
 Eventually, during Ajatasatru’s rule, Magadha annexed Kosala after Prasenjit’s demise.
Kosala also encompassed the tribal republican territory of the Sakyas of Kapilvastu,
identified with Piprahwa in Basti district, close to Lumbini in Nepal, the birthplace of
Gautam Buddha
Anga
 Anga was an ancient region, referenced in Brahmanical works like the Aitareya Brahmana,
the Mahabharata, the Puranas, and the Ramayana.
 Located east of Magadha and west of the Raj Mahal hills, its capital was at Champa,
corresponding to modern-day districts of Munger and Bhagalpur.
 It was known for its wealth and commerce, with its merchants frequently
visiting Suvarnabhumi.
 During Bimbisara’s rule, Anga was annexed to Magadha, marking the sole conquest by
Bimbisara
Magadha
 The name Magadha is first found in the Atharvaveda and is among the prominent
Mahajanapadas.
 Positioned between Anga and Vatsa, it corresponds to modern Patna and Gaya districts
in Bihar and eastern parts of Bengal.
 Bounded by the Ganga and Son rivers in the north and west, the Vindhyas outcrop in the
south, and the Champa River in the east.
 Initially, the capital was Rajagriha or Girivraja, guarded by five hills. Later, it shifted to
Pataliputra.

 Magadha gained prominence under the rule of Bimbisara and Ajatsatru,
encountering conflicts with neighbouring Licchavis and Vajjis.
 Pataligama, an ancient site of Pataliputra, witnessed the construction of a fort by

Ajatasattu’s ministers to counter the Vajjis.
 The ancient city of Giribbaja was encircled by five hills

named Isigili, Vepulla, Yebhara, Pandava, and Gijjhkuta
Vatsa
 Vatsa traces its origins to the Rig Vedic period, believed to be an offshoot of the Kurus who
settled in Kaushambi, corresponding to modern-day Allahabad and Mirzapur in UP.
 Kaushambi served as the prosperous capital, serving as a significant trade hub for goods
and passengers from the south and the west.
 Udayana, the sixth-century BCE ruler, engaged in conflicts with Magadha’s king Ajatasatru
and Avanti’s king Pradyota, eventually forming alliances through matrimonial ties.
 Initially opposed to Buddhism, Udayana later embraced it and made it the state religion.
 During Palaka’s reign, Vatsa was incorporated into the Avanti kingdom
Avanti
 The Avanti kingdom encompassed modern Malwa, with Ujjayini initially serving as the
capital of northern Avanti and Mahissmati as the capital of Southern Avanti. Later, Ujjayini
(modern Ujjain) became the capital of the unified Avanti.
 Avanti was divided into the north and south by the Netravati river.
 Chanda Pradyota, the ruler during Buddha’s time, was known for his fierceness but later
embraced Buddhism.
 Avanti emerged as a significant Buddhist centre.
 Ultimately, the Magadha Empire annexed the kingdom of Avanti under the rule
of Sishunaga.
Gandhara
 Gandhara was situated roughly in the area of modern Kashmir, extending up to the Kabul
valley.
 Taxila served as its capital and was renowned as a prominent centre of learning where
scholars from all over the world gathered.

 Positioned on the Uttarapatha, it was a hub for commercial activities.
 According to Buddhist tradition, Gandhara King Pukkusati exchanged gifts with Bimbisara
of Magadha and travelled to meet the Buddha on foot.
 Later, it became the twentieth province of the Achaemenid Empire (Persian) as per
the Greek historian Herodotus
Kamboja
 Kamboja was a country neighbouring Gandhara in the far North-West with Dwarka as its
capital.
 It is often linked with Gandhara in both literature and inscriptions, mentioned in Yaska’s
Nirukta and Ashoka’s edicts alongside Yona as frontier provinces.
 Prior to 530 BCE, it was conquered by Cyrus, the Achaemenid emperor of Persia, who
reportedly destroyed the Kamboja city of Kapisi (modern Begram).
 During Kautilya’s era, Kamboja transitioned from a monarchy to a republic.
 Kamboja was renowned for its horses throughout Indian history,

with Sumangalavilasini depicting it as the home of horses
Matsya
 Matsyas were one of the notable Ksatriya tribes within the early Vedic Aryan community in
India.
 A hymn in the Rigveda recounts an attack on the Matsyas by the renowned king Turvasa.
 The Matsyas or the Matsya kingdom are mentioned in various texts such as the Satapatha
Brahmana, the Kausitaki Upanisad, the Mahabharata, the Padma Purana, and
the Visnudharmottara Mahapurana.
 Their capital was at Viratnagar, and their territory roughly corresponds to the former state
of Jaipur in Rajasthan, including a portion of Bhagalpur
Kurus
 The Kurus were a significant and ancient Indo-Aryan Ksatriya tribe.
 Their capital was at Hastinapur, and their territory roughly corresponds to modern Delhi
and the adjoining doab region.
 While the Kurus were highly important during the later Vedic period, their prominence
had diminished by the sixth century BCE
Panchala

 The Panchala Mahajanapada was situated in the Rohilkhand and parts of the Central Doab
(modern districts of Bareilly, Badaun, Aligarh, etc.).
 Panchala was divided into northern Panchala with its capital at

Ahicchatra (Bareilly district) and southern Panchala with Kampilya as its capital.
 The well-known city of Kannauj was within the kingdom of Panchala.
 By the 6th century BCE, the prominence of Panchala had faded
Chedi
 The kingdom of the Chedis was located approximately in the eastern areas of Bundelkhand
and nearby regions.
 Sotthivati (Suktimati) served as its capital, likely situated in the Banda district of Madhya
Pradesh.
 The Chedi tribe has an ancient history among the Ksatriyas during the early Vedic times.
 The Chedi country was located near the Yamuna River, adjacent to the Kurus’ territory.
 It had close ties with the Matsya and Kashi kingdoms. In the Mahabharata, it is referred
to as Suktimati or Suktisahvaya in Sanskrit
Surasena
 The Surasenas were centered around their capital at Mathura, situated along the Yamuna
River at the crossroads of important trade routes.
 Despite their strategic location, the fragmented political structure and diverse
terrain hindered the formation of a strong kingdom.
 The Mahabharata and the Ramayana reference the Surasenas alongside neighbouring
tribes such as Salvas and Kuru-Panchalas.
 Mathura is specifically highlighted in Buddhist texts as the capital of the Surasena

kingdom, referred to as Madhura
Vajjis (Vrijji)
 The Vajji confederacy comprised eight clans, including the Videhas and
the Lichchhavis, each with its own capital like Mithila and Vaishali.
 Located north of the Ganga, the Vajji territory extended to the Nepal hills in Bihar, with
the Gandak River marking its western boundary and the Koshi and Mahananda
Rivers defining its eastern limit.
 Following the decline of the Videhan monarchy, the Vajji confederation likely emerged as
a republic during the time of Mahavira and Gautama Buddha.
 Ajatasatru, the king of Magadha, is believed to have brought about the destruction of this
confederacy
Mallas
 The Mallas’ territory was split into two divisions, each governed from the cities
of Kusinara (linked to Kasia in Gorakhpur) and Pava (modern Padrauna).
 These cities hold significance in both Buddhism and Jainism, with Kusinara being the place
of Buddha’s passing and Pawapuri being the site of Mahavira’s nirvana.
Asmaka (Assaka)
 The kingdom of Assaka (Asmaka) was positioned close to the Godavari River, with
its capital located at Patali or Potna in present-day Maharashtra.
 According to the Anguttara Nikaya, the region was known for its wealth, prosperity,
and abundance of food and gems, eventually gaining commercial importance.
16 Capital of the Modern Facts about 16 Mahajanapadas

Mahajanapadas Mahajanapadas Location
Anga Champa Munger and  Anga Mahajanapada finds

Bhagalpur reference in the Mahabharata and
Atharva Veda.
 During the rule of Bimbisara, it was
taken over by Magadha Empire.
 It is situated in present-day Bihar
and West Bengal.
 Its capital Champa was located at
the confluence of the Ganga and the
Champa rivers.
 It was an important commercial
centre on the trade routes and
merchants sailed from here to
Suvarnabhumi (South East Asia).
Magadha Girivraja/ Gaya and  Magadha finds mention in the
Rajagriha Patna Atharva Veda.
 It was located in present-day Bihar
close to Anga, divided by river
Champa.

 Later, Magadha became a centre
of Jainism and the first Buddhist
Council was held in Rajagriha.
Kasi/Kashi Kasi Banaras  It was located in Varanasi.
 This city got its name from rivers
Varuna and Asi as cited in the
Matsya Purana.
 Kasi was captured by Kosala.
Vatsa Kausambi Allahabad  Vatsa is also known as Vamsa.
 Located on the banks of the
Yamuna.
 This Mahajanapada followed the
monarchical form of governance.
 The capital was
Kausambi/Kaushambi (which was
at the confluence of Ganga and
Yamuna).
 This was a central city for
economic activities.
 Trade and business prospered in
the 6th century. After the rise of
Buddha, the ruler Udayana made
Buddhism a state religion.
Kosala Shravasti Eastern Uttar  It was located in modern Awadh
(northern), Pradesh region of Uttar Pradesh.
 The area also included Ayodhya, an
Kushavati important city associated with the
(southern) Ramayana.
 Kosala also included the tribal
republican territory of Sakyas of
Kapilavastu. Lumbini in
Kapilavastu is the birthplace of
Gautama Buddha.
 Important king – Prasenajit
(Buddha’s contemporary)
Shurasena Mathura Western  This place was a centre of Krishna
Uttar worship at the time of
Pradesh Megasthenes.
 There was a dominance of the
Buddha’s followers also.
 Important king – Awantipura
(Disciple of Buddha).

 Its capital Mathura was on the
banks of the Yamuna.
Panchala Ahichchatra Western  Its capital for northern Panchala
and Kampilya Uttar was Ahichchatra (modern Bareilly)
Pradesh and Kampilya
(modern Farrukhabad) for its
southern regions.
 The famous city of Kannauj was
situated in the Kingdom of
Panchala.
 Later the nature of governance
shifted from monarchy to republic.
Kuru Indraprastha Meerut and  The area around Kurukshetra was
Southeastern apparently the site for Kuru
Haryana Mahajanapada.
 It moved to a republic form of
governance.
 The epic poem, the Mahabharata,
tells of a conflict between two
branches of the reigning Kuru clan.
Matsya Viratanagara Jaipur  It was situated to the west of the
Panchalas and south of the Kurus.
 The capital was at Viratanagara
(modern Bairat).
 It is situated around present-day
Jaipur, Alwar and Bharatpur area
of Rajasthan.
 Founder – Virata
Chedi Sothivati Bundelkhand  This was cited in the Rigveda.
region  The capital was
Sothivati/Shuktimati/Sotthivatinag
ara
 It located in the present-day
Bundelkhand region (Central
India).
 King – Shishupala. He was killed by
Vasudeva Krishna during the
Rajasuya sacrifice of the Pandava
king Yudhishthira.
Avanti Ujjaini or Malwa and  Avanti was significant in relation to
Mahismati Madhya the rise of Buddhism.
 The capital of Avanti was located at
Pradesh Ujjaini (northern part) and
Mahismati (southern part).
 It was situated around present-day
Malwa and Madhya Pradesh.
 Important king – Pradyota.
 Father-in-law of Udayana
(King of the Vatsas).
Gandhara Taxila Rawalpindi  The capital was at Taxila
(Takshashila).
 Present-day location – Modern
Peshawar and Rawalpindi,
Pakistan and the Kashmir valley.
 Gandhara is cited in the Atharva
Veda.
 The people were highly trained in
the art of war.
 It was significant for international
commercial activities.
 Important king – Pushkarasarin.
 Gandhara was conquered by
Persians in the latter part of the
sixth century BCE.
Kamboja Poonch Rajouri and  The capital of Kamboja was
Hajra Poonch.
(Kashmir),  It is situated in present-day
NWFP Kashmir and Hindukush.
(Pakistan)  Several literary sources mention
that Kamboja was a republic.
 Kambojas had an excellent breed of
horses.
Asmaka or Potali/Podana Banks of  It was located on the banks of
Assaka Godavari Godavari.
 It was the only Mahajanapada
situated to the south of the Vindhya
Range and was in Dakshinapatha.
 It included the region of Pratisthan
or Paithan.
Vajji Vaishali Bihar  North of Ganga in the division of
Tirhut was the state of the Vajjis.
 It included eight clans, the most
powerful being the Lichchhavis

(Capital – Vaishali), Videhans
(Capital – Mithila), Jnatrikas (based
in Kundapura).
 Mahavira belonged to the Jnatrikas
clan.
 The Vajjis were defeated by
Ajatashatru.
Malla Kusinara Deoria and  It finds a reference in Buddhist and
Uttar Jain texts and in the Mahabharata.
Pradesh  Malla was a republic.
 Its territory touched the northern
border of the Vajji state.
 Capitals – Kusinara and Pava.
 Both capitals are important in the
history of Buddhism. The Buddha
took his last meal at Pava and went
to Mahaparinirvana at Kusinara.
Mahajanapadas: The Political Structure

 Mahajanapadas were republics (Ganas or Sanghas), monarchies, or oligarchies. Most of
them were monarchies.
 The monarchies were ruled by a king who held supreme power and was assisted by a
council of ministers.
 A council of elected representatives governed the republics. The head of the council was the
executive head.
 Oligarchies were ruled by a small group of people who held power over the masses.
 Each of the Mahajanapadas had a capital city.
 The Mahajanapadas had a complex system of administration with various officials holding
different positions.
 These Ganasanghas were oligarchies where the king was elected and he ruled with the help
of a council. Vajji was an important Mahajanapada with a Sangha form of government
 The founders of Jainism and Buddhism came from republican states
 The king was responsible for the defense of the kingdom, and the army was the backbone of
the state.

 The Mahajanapadas had a well-organized system of revenue collection. Taxes were
collected from different sources.
 There existed a tax on crops that was 1/6th of the produce, known as Bhaga or share. Even
craftsmen, herders, hunters, and traders were taxed by the rulers
 Since power was diffused in gana-sanghas unlike that of kingdoms, the stratification of
society was limited and ramifications of administration and coercive authority was not
extensive
 The Gana-sanghas had two strata- The Kshatriya rajakula or ruling families, and The dasa-
karmakara or the slaves and labourers
Mahajanapadas: Changes in Agriculture

 During the era of Mahajanapadas, agriculture made significant progress. Two important
changes were introduced:
 Iron ploughshares were widely used, which led to an increase in production.
 The practice of transplanting paddy was adopted. Instead of scattering seeds on the soil,
saplings were grown and then planted in the fields. This method significantly increased
production but also involved a lot more work.
 Rice was the staple cereal produced in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Paddy transplantation, which
means saplings were grown and then transplanted in the fields, enormously adding to the
yield.
 Taxation: The warrior and Priest class, i.e., the Kshatriyas and Brahmins, were exempted
from paying taxes, and the burden fell on Vaishyas or Grihapatis. Bali, a voluntary payment
during the Vedic age, became compulsory, and officers called Balisadhakas were appointed
to collect it. Even artisans and traders were taxed.
 Metal Coins/Legal tenders: Coins made of metal appeared first in the 7 th -6th century BCE.
The earliest coins are predominantly silver coins though a few copper coins also appear.
They are called Punch-marked coins because they were punched with several specific
figures, one by one
 The state-issued coins are attributed to two different periods: the first is the Janapadas, and
the second is the Mauryans
Emergence of new types of Towns

 Mahanagara: big cities like Kashi, Kaushambi, Shravasti, etc.
 Rajdhani: Capital cities such as Rajagriha, Patliputra, etc.
 Pura (Nagara): fortified towns
 Nigama: Market towns
 Nagarka: small towns
Three types of villages
 Typical villages: mixed castes, communities, most villages fell under this category
 Suburban villages: Craft villages, e.g., Chariotmakers’ villages, Carpenter’s village
(Vaddhaki-grama)
 Border Villages (Aramika-Grama): situated on the periphery of the countryside
 Brahmadeyas: villages granted to Brahmanas
 Pottery shifted from Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture to North Black Polished Ware
(NBPW Phase)
 Painted Grey Ware (PGW) (1000-700 BC) was made of well-prepared clay on a wheel,
typically grey in colour, and decorated with black or red geometric patterns.
 The limited range of PGW shapes includes various bowls, dishes, and vases, representing
the deluxe ware among a mix of different ceramics found in the Ghaggar and Indo-
Gangetic regions during the Early Iron Age in India
 Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) (600-200 BC) marked the start of the second phase
of urbanisation in India. It was a glossy and shiny type of pottery, technically the finest of its
time, with a polished surface resembling glaze in shades from jet black to deep grey or
metallic blue due to iron content. NBPW fragments have been discovered from the Gangetic
plains to the northern Deccan.
Art & Architecture
 Unique art and architecture in Mahajanapadas.

 Construction of stupas, temples, and palaces.
 Intricate carvings and sculptures reflecting cultural and religious beliefs

Difference between Gana-Sanghas and Kingdoms
Features Kingdoms Gana-Sangha (Republic)

Decentralized and was not
hereditary
Government Centralized and Hereditary
Authority was vested in a

council consisting of the chief
of the clan
Most of them are located in the
Most of them based in the foothills of
Location Great alluvial plains of Ganga
the Himalayas
and its tributaries
Through debate, discussion, and
Decision- Through King, who was advised
voting in the assembly called
making by Mantri-Parishad (ministers)
Santhagara
Tolerant towards unorthodox views
The Brahmanical system did not
Views e.g. Mahavira and Buddha views were
tolerate other views
contrary to the Vedic system
Loyalties Clan loyalty Caste and King loyalty
IMP Question related to Mahajanapadas

Which of the following Buddhist texts describes 16 Mahajanapadas?
(a) Anguttara Nikaya

(b) Soundranandan
(c) Mahavastu
(d) None of the above
Ans. (a) Anguttara Nikaya

Explanation – The description of 16 Mahajanapadas is given in the Buddhist text Anguttara
Nikaya
Which of the following Jain texts describes 16 Mahajanapadas?
(a) Bhagwati Sutra

(b) Kalpasutra
(c) Parishishtaparvan
Ans. (a) Bhagwati Sutra

Explanation – The description of 16 Mahajanapadas has been given in the Jain text Bhagwati
Sutra
Which of the following was the capital of Anga Mahajanapada?
(a) Champa
(b) Vaishali
(c) Shravasti

Ans. (a) Champa
Explanation -Anga Mahajanapada came under the Bhagalpur and Munger districts of northern
Bihar state. Its capital was Champa. The architect of this city was Mahagovind. In ancient times,
Champa was famous for its trade and commerce.
In which state of India the area of Anga Mahajanapada was located?
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Bihar
(c) Gujarat
(d) Uttar Pradesh
Ans. (b) Bihar

Explanation – There was an area of Anga Mahajanapada in the Bihar State of India. Anga
Mahajanapada was the extension of the Bhagalpur and Munger districts of Bihar State.
What was the capital of the Lichchavi kingdom?

(a) Champa
(b) Vaishali
(c) Shravasti
Ans. (b) Vaishali

Explanation – The capital of the Lichchivis was Vaishali.
What was the capital of Kashi Mahajanapada?
(a) Varanasi
(b) Vaishali
(c) Shravasti
Ans. (a) Varanasi

Explanation – The capital of Kashi Mahajanapada was Varanasi. Kashi Mahajanapada was
situated to the west of Vajji Mahajanapada.
Which Mahajanapada ruler was Brahmadatta?
(a) Kashi
(b) Anga
(c) Magadh
(d) Kosala
Ans. (a) Kashi

Explanation – Brahmadatta was the ruler of Kashi Mahajanapada. . Kashi Mahajanapada was
situated to the west of Vajji Mahajanapada. The capital of Kashi Mahajanapada was Varanasi

What was the capital of North Kosala Mahajanapada?
(a) Kushavati
(b) Vaishali
(c) Shravasti
Ans. (c) Shravasti

Explanation – The expansion of the Kosala Mahajanapada was from Nepal in the north to the Sai
River in the south and from Panchal in the west to the Gandak River in the east. The Saryu River
divided this Mahajanapada into two parts – North Kosal and South Kosal. The capital of the
northern Kosala Mahajanapada was Shravasti.
What was the capital of Dakshin Kosala Mahajanapada?
(a) Kushavati
(b) Vaishali
(c) Shravasti
Ans. (a) Kushavati

Explanation – The capital of the southern Kosala Mahajanapada was Kushavati. The Saryu River
divided this Mahajanapada into two parts – North Kosal and South Kosal.
Which Mahajanapadas ruler was Prasenjit ?
(a) Kashi
(b) Panchal
(c) Magadh
(d) Kosala
Ans. (d) Kosala

Explanation – Prasenjit was the ruler of Kosala Mahajanapada. He was a contemporary of
Mahatma Buddha
In which the state of India belongs to the area of Kosala Mahajanapadas?
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Bihar
(c) Gujarat
(d) Uttar Pradesh
Ans. (d) Uttar Pradesh

Explanation – The area of Kosala Mahajanapada belonged to the state of Uttar Pradesh in India.
The expansion of the Kosala Mahajanapada was from Nepal in the north to the Sai River in the
south and from Panchal in the west to the Gandak River in the east. The Saryu River divided this
Mahajanapada into two parts – North Kosal and South Kosal. The Kapilavastu Republic of the
Shakyas was also included in the Kosala Mahajanapada.
What was the capital of Malla Mahajanapada?
(a) Kushinagar
(b) Pava
(c) None of the above
(d) Both a and b
Ans. (d) Both a and b

Explanation – The capital of Malla Mahajanapada was Kushinagar and Pava. Malla
Mahajanapada was located in the Deoria district of modern eastern Uttar Pradesh state.
In which state was the area of Vatsa Mahajanapada?
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Gujarat
(d) Uttar Pradesh
Ans. (d) Uttar Pradesh

Explanation – There was an area of Vatsa Mahajanapada in Allahabad district of Uttar Pradesh
state.
What was the capital of Kuru Mahajanapada?
(a) Indraprastha
(b) Vaishali
(c) Shravasti
Ans. (a) Indraprastha

Explanation – The capital of Kuru Mahajanapada was Indraprastha. The Kuru Mahajanapada
included the territories of modern Meerut, Delhi, and Thaneshwar. The city of Hastinapur
during the Mahabharata period was also located in this Mahajanapada.
What was the capital of Surasena Mahajanapada?
(a) Mathura
(b) Kampilya
(c) Ujjain
(d) Mahishmati
Ans. (a) Mathura

Explanation – Mathura was the capital of Surasena Mahajanapada. Surasena Mahajanapada was
located in the Brajmandal region. Ancient Greek writers called this state Shursenoi and its
capital was called Methora.
What was the capital of Dakshin Avanti Mahajanapada?

(a) Ahichchhatra
(b) Kampilya
(c) Ujjain
(d) Mahishmati
Ans. (d) Mahishmati

Explanation – Avanti Majhajanapada was located in western India. The areas of modern Malwa
and Madhya Pradesh used to come in this Mahajanapada. It was divided into two parts-
Northern Avanti and Southern Avanti. Mahishmati was the capital of the southern Avanti
Mahajanapada
What was the capital of North Avanti Mahajanapada?
(a) Ahichchhatra
(b) Kampilya
(c) Ujjain
(d) Mahishmati
Ans. (c) Ujjain

Explanation – Avanti Majhajanapada was located in western India. The areas of modern Malwa
and Madhya Pradesh used to come in this Mahajanapada. It was divided into two parts-
Northern Avanti and Southern Avanti. Ujjain was the capital of Northern Avanti Mahajanapada
What was the capital of Dakshin Panchal Mahajanapada?
(a) Ahichchhatra
(b) Kampilya
(c) Ujjain
(d) Mahishmati
Ans. (b) Kampilya

Explanation – Panchal Mahajanapada was formed from the Bareilly, Badaun, and Farrukhabad
districts of modern Rohilkhand. Panchal Mahajanapada had two parts – Northern Panchal and
Southern Panchal. The capital of the Southern Panchal Mahajanapada was Kampilya
What was the capital of North Panchal Mahajanapada?
(a) Ahichchhatra
(b) Kampilya
(c) Ujjain
(d) Mahishmati
Ans. (a) Ahichchhatra

Explanation – Panchal Mahajanapada was formed from the Bareilly, Badaun, and Farrukhabad
districts of modern Rohilkhand. Panchal Mahajanapada had two parts – Northern Panchal and
Southern Panchal. The capital of the Northern Panchal Mahajanapada was Ahichchhatra.

Which Mahajanapadas ruler was Udayana ?
(a) Vatsa
(b) Panchal
(c) Magadh
(d) Kosala
Ans. (a) Vatsa

Explanation – Udayana was the ruler of Vatsa Mahajanapada. The Vatsa Mahajanapada was
spread over the modern Allahabad region. Its capital was Kaushambi.
Which of the following texts mention 16 Mahajanapadas?
(a) Bhagwati Sutra

(b) Anguttara Nikaya
(c) None of these
(d) Both a and b
Ans. (d) Both a and b

Explanation – The mention of 16 Mahajanapadas is found in both Bhagwati Sutra and Anguttara
Nikaya texts.
Which of the following was the capital of Chedi Mahajanapada?
(a) Sothivati
(b) Kampilya
(c) Ujjain
(d) Mahishmati
Ans. (a) Sothivati

Explanation – The capital of Chedi Mahajanapada was Sothivati. The area of Bundelkhand of
modern Uttar Pradesh state was Chedi Mahajanapada in ancient times. It was situated on the
bank of the river Yamuna
Which Mahajanapada ruler was Shishupala?
(a) Chedi
(b) Panchal
(c) Magadh
(d) Kosala
Ans. (a) Chedi

Explanation- Shishupala was the ruler of Chedi Mahajanapada. Chedi Mahajanapada was
situated on the bank of the river Yamuna.
Which of the following was the capital of Matsya Mahajanapada?
(a) Sothivati
(b) Viratnagar
(c) Ujjain
(d) Mahishmati
Ans. (b) Viratnagar

Explanation – The capital of Matsya Mahajanapada was Viratnagar. Matsya Mahajanapada was
spread over the area of modern Jaipur.
What was the capital of Asmaka Mahajanapada?
(a) Sothivati
(b) Viratnagar:
(c) Potala
(d) Mahishmati
Ans. (c) Potali

Explanation – Potali was the capital of Asmaka Mahajanapada. This Mahajanapada was situated
on the bank of the Godavari river.
Which of the following was the capital of Kamboja Mahajanapada?
(a) Sothivati
(b) Viratnagar:
(c) Potali
(d) Rajpur or Hatak
Ans. (d) Rajpur or Hatak

Explanation – The capital of Kamboja Mahajanapada was Rajpur or Hatak. This Mahajanapada
was located in Uttarapatha. This Mahajanapada was famous for its good breed of horses.
Which of the following Mahajanapadas was located in South India?
(a) Kamboja
(b) Asmaka
(c) Matsya
(d) Chedi
Ans. (b) Asmaka

Explanation – Asmaka was the only Mahajanapada located in South India. This Mahajanapada
was spread in the present state of Andhra Pradesh. It was situated on the bank of the river
Godavari.
Which of the following Mahajanapadas was famous for having good quality horses?
(a) Kamboja
(b) Asmaka
(c) Matsya
(d) Chedi
Ans. (a) Kamboja
Explanation – Kamboja Mahajanapada was famous for the good quality of horses.
Which Mahajanapada ruler was Pradyota ?
(a) Avanti
(b) Panchal
(c) Magadh
(d) Kosala
Ans. (a) Avanti

Explanation – Pradyota was the ruler of Avanti Mahajanapada. Pradyota’s jaundice was treated
by the Raj Vaidya Jivak of Bimbisara.
Which Mahajanapada ruler was Ajatashatru?
(a) Avanti
(b) Panchal
(c) Magadh
(d) Kosala
Ans. (c) Magadh

Explanation- Ajatashatru was the ruler of Magadha Mahajanapada. The expansion of Magadha
Mahajanapada was in the modern state of Bihar.
Which of the following Mahajanapadas was situated on the banks of the river Godavari?
(a) Avanti
(b) Asmaka
(c) Magadh
(d) Kosala
Ans. (b) Asmaka

Explanation – Asmaka Mahajanapada was situated on the bank of the Godavari river. It was the
only Mahajanapada, which was located in South India.
Jivaka belonged to whose court?
(a) Bimbisara
(b) Prasenjit
(c) Pradyota
(d) None of these
Ans. (a) Bimbisara

Explanation – Jivaka belonged to the court of Bimbisara, the ruler of Magadha. Pradyota’s
jaundice was treated by the Raj Vaidya Jivak of Bimbisara.

Out of the sixteen Mahajanapadas, how many Mahajanapadas were located in Uttar Pradesh?
(a) 8
(b) 9
(c) 10
(d) 11
Ans. (a) 8
Explanation – 8 Mahajanapadas were located in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
What was the name of Ujjain in ancient times?
(a) Takshshila
(b) Indraprastha
(c) Avantika
(d) None of these
Ans. (c) Avantika

Explanation – In ancient times, the name of Ujjain was Avantika. In ancient times, Avanti
Mahajanapada was made up of some areas of modern Malwa and Madhya Pradesh
Which was the most powerful city-state of India in 6 BC?
(a) Gandhara
(b) Kamboj
(c) Magadh
(d) Kashi
Ans. (d) Kashi

Explanation – In 6 BC, Kashi was the most powerful city-state of India. Kashi Mahajanapada was
situated to the west of Vajji Mahajanapada. Its capital was Varanasi
Which one of the following states was not a republic?
(a) Shakya
(b) Lichchhavis
(c) Yaudheya
(d) All of the above
Ans. (c) Yaudheya

Explanation – The Yaudheya kingdom was not a republic
By whom was the world’s first republic state established in Vaishali?
(a) Maurya
(b) Nand
(c) Gupta
(d) Lichchhavi
Ans. (d) Lichchhavi
Explanation – The world’s first republic state was established by the Lichchhavi in Vaishali.
In which of the following Buddhist texts are “Sixteen Mahajanapadas” mentioned?
(a) Anguttara Nikaya

(b) Khuddaka Nikaya
(c) Digh Nikaya
(d) None Of the above
Ans. (a) Anguttara Nikaya

Explanation – There is a mention of “Sixteen Mahajanapadas” in the Buddhist text Anguttara
Nikaya
How many Mahajanapadas have been mentioned by Panini in Ashtadhyayi?
(a) 18
(b) 20
(c) 22
(d) 24
Ans. (c) 22
Explanation – Panini has mentioned 22 Mahajanapadas in Ashtadhyayi

Mahajanapadas

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Ancient History

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 Sixteen prominent Mahajanapadas emerged, including both monarchical and republican

 Republics: - Asmaka, Malla, Vajji

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 Pataligama, an ancient site of Pataliputra, witnessed the construction of a fort by

 The ancient city of Giribbaja was encircled by five hills

 Avanti emerged as a significant Buddhist centre.

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 During Kautilya’s era, Kamboja transitioned from a monarchy to a republic.

 Kamboja was renowned for its horses throughout Indian history,

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 Panchala was divided into northern Panchala with its capital at

 The well-known city of Kannauj was within the kingdom of Panchala.

 By the 6th century BCE, the prominence of Panchala had faded

 Mathura is specifically highlighted in Buddhist texts as the capital of the Surasena

16 Capital of the Modern Facts about 16 Mahajanapadas

Anga Champa Munger and  Anga Mahajanapada finds

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Mahajanapadas: The Political Structure

 Each of the Mahajanapadas had a capital city.

 The founders of Jainism and Buddhism came from republican states

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Mahajanapadas: Changes in Agriculture

 Iron ploughshares were widely used, which led to an increase in production.

Emergence of new types of Towns

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Art & Architecture

 Unique art and architecture in Mahajanapadas.

Difference between Gana-Sanghas and Kingdoms

Features Kingdoms Gana-Sangha (Republic)

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IMP Question related to Mahajanapadas

(a) Anguttara Nikaya

Ans. (a) Anguttara Nikaya

Which of the following Jain texts describes 16 Mahajanapadas?

(a) Bhagwati Sutra

Ans. (a) Bhagwati Sutra

Which of the following was the capital of Anga Mahajanapada?

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In which state of India the area of Anga Mahajanapada was located?

Ans. (b) Bihar

What was the capital of the Lichchavi kingdom?

Ans. (b) Vaishali

What was the capital of Kashi Mahajanapada?

Ans. (a) Varanasi

Which Mahajanapada ruler was Brahmadatta?

Ans. (a) Kashi

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Ans. (c) Shravasti

What was the capital of Dakshin Kosala Mahajanapada?

Ans. (a) Kushavati

Which Mahajanapadas ruler was Prasenjit ?

Ans. (d) Kosala

In which the state of India belongs to the area of Kosala Mahajanapadas?

Ans. (d) Uttar Pradesh