Best History Notes on Mahajanapadas available for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025
History 3
Here is a detailed explanation of the Mahajanapadas—a key topic for BPSC and other Indian history exams:
Mahajanapadas (c. 600 BCE – 300 BCE)
This period marks the second urbanization in India and the emergence of organized states with territorial control, known as Mahajanapadas.
What are Mahajanapadas?
- The term “Mahajanapada” is a compound of two Sanskrit words:
- Maha = great
- Janapada = foothold of a tribe (jana = people, pada = foot/place)
- They were 16 large political entities that existed during the Later Vedic period, mentioned in Buddhist texts like Anguttara Nikaya and Jain texts.
List of 16 Mahajanapadas
| Mahajanapada | Capital | Modern Location |
| 1. Anga | Champa | Bhagalpur, Bihar |
| 2. Magadha | Rajagriha (later Pataliputra) | Bihar |
| 3. Vajji (Vriji) | Vaishali | North Bihar |
| 4. Malla | Kusinara & Pava | Uttar Pradesh |
| 5. Kasi | Varanasi | Eastern UP |
| 6. Kosala | Shravasti | Eastern UP |
| 7. Chedi | Shuktimati | Bundelkhand |
| 8. Vatsa | Kausambi | Allahabad (Prayagraj) |
| 9. Kuru | Hastinapur | Western UP |
| 10. Panchala | Ahichchatra & Kampilya | Western & Central UP |
| 11. Matsya | Viratnagar | Rajasthan |
| 12. Surasena | Mathura | Western UP |
| 13. Assaka | Potali | Maharashtra (Dakshinapatha) |
| 14. Avanti | Ujjayini | Madhya Pradesh |
| 15. Gandhara | Taxila | Pakistan (Rawalpindi) |
| 16. Kamboja | Rajapura | Afghanistan/Kashmir region |
Classification
- Monarchies: Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, Avanti
- Republics (Gana-sanghas): Vajji, Malla, Kuru, Panchala
Magadha’s Rise to Dominance
Why Magadha emerged as the strongest Mahajanapada:
| Factor | Details |
| Geography | Located in the Gangetic plains with fertile soil and ample resources |
| Mineral Wealth | Iron ore availability in Chotanagpur Plateau for weapons |
| Transport | Rivers like Ganga, Son enabled easy movement and trade |
| Strong Rulers | Bimbisara, Ajatashatru of Haryanka dynasty; use of war and diplomacy |
| Fortifications | Strong capital cities (Rajagriha, then Pataliputra) |
| Economic Power | Taxation, trade, and agriculture boosted revenue |
Significance of the Mahajanapadas
- Foundation of early state formation in India.
- Introduction of administration, revenue systems, and standing armies.
- Period saw rise of heterodox religions like:
- Jainism (Mahavira born in Vaishali)
- Buddhism (Gautama Buddha preached in Kosala, Magadha)
- Led to the rise of powerful empires, beginning with Magadha (Maurya Empire).
Summary Chart
| Aspect | Early Vedic Period | Mahajanapada Period |
| Political Units | Tribes (Jana) | Kingdoms & Republics |
| Governance | Tribal chiefs | Kings, Ganasanghas |
| Economy | Pastoral/agricultural | Urban, trade-based |
| Religion | Vedic rituals | Rise of Buddhism, Jainism |
| Historical Significance | Foundation of society | Foundation of empires |
Religious movement