<–2/”>a >The literal meaning of Mahajanapadas is great kingdoms. They flourished in the north/north western parts of India before the rise of Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism. Aryans have migrated into India long time back and there were regular friction between them and the non aryan tribes concerning, cattle, fodder, land etc. These tribes of Aryans were called as Janas by many Vedic texts. Later on there was a merger of the Vedic Janas into Janapadas. Different regions of the Indian subcontinent were previously divided into Janapadas, this was a clear demarcation by boundaries. Many Janapadas by 600 BCE further developed into bigger political bodies. These kingdoms came to be known as Mahajanapadas in the Buddhist traditions.
Sixteen great kingdoms as they are referrd to by buddhist and other texts. The sixteen mahajanapadas include Kasi, Kosala, anga, Magadha, Vajji, Malla, Chedi, Vatsa, Kuru, Panchala,Machcha, Surasena, Assaka, Avanti, Gandhara and Kamboja.
Out of the above 16 states Kuru, Panchal, Shursen, Vats, Kaushal, Malla, Kashi and Chedi were present in Uttar Pradesh and are still in the state. More known among them were Kaushal, Kashi and Vats beides these certain republican states were also within the boundary of Uttar Pradesh.
Kasi:
The name Kasi is the tribe who settled in the region around Varanasi where itself the capital was located. There is a belief that Varanasi got its name from the rivers that surround the city, namely Varuna and Asi. Kasi occupied a predominant position among the sixteen Mahajanapadas, before the rise of Buddha. We come to know a lot about Kasi from the Jatakas which were a voluminous body of myths and folklore revolving about prvious births of the buddha. This supremacy called for a long drawn conflict for mastery between other cities, like Kosala, Anga and Magadha with Kasi. Kasi was no doubt influencial that is the reason why we get a mention of Kasi in the Vedic texts. Matsya Purana and Alberuni are the texts where we read Kasi as Kausika and Kaushika, others read it as Kasi.
Kosala:
Among the sixteen Mahajanapadas, Kosala is one, which comprised of Shravasti, Kushavati, Saket and Ayodhya. Kosala constituted of the territories of modern Oudh or Awadh which is located in Uttar pradesh. The state capital of Kosala was Ayodhya which was under the command of Prosenjit the Kosala King, a contemporary of Gautama Buddha. The southern side it was bordered by the Ganges, the east had river Gandhak encircling it. Magadha was a neighbouring state to Kosala, and there were conflicts between them. Ajatshatru who was the king of Magadha and Prasenjit were in continuous struggle for power which finally came to an end with the alignment of the confederation of Lichchavis with Magadha. After Prasenjit, Vidudabha rose into power and Kosala ultimately amalgamated into Magadha.
Anga:
India’s earliest empire was evolving around the Gangetic plains, which included The Mahajanapadas. Anga was one of these evolving states, which is one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas that prospered during that period. Malini, Champapuri, champa Malini, Kala Malini etc were the different names by which this sate was called. The Angas were first referred to in the Atharva Veda as the detested people. Atharva Veda considers Anga an unholy place and some even condemned it as a place where wives and children were sold. Mahabharata, testifies the people of Anga to be of noble birth or ‘Sujati’ proclaiming the sanctity of the place Champa as a pilgrimage. During the reign of Bimbisara, this Mahajanapada was usurped and taken over by Magadha. Champa was also a major seat for the Spread of Jainism and Buddhism.
Magadha:
Magadha emerged as a powerful kingdom in the reign of Bimbisara and his son Ajatshatru. The earliest ruling dynasty according to Mahabharata and Puranas seems to be founded by king Brihadratha. The Vedas have a mention of the Magadhas as semi ‘brahmanised’ and this was a reason for the not so good impression of the people. Kikata was a non Aryan country according to Yasaka and the king Pramaganda is said to be the ruler of Kikata. Kikata on the other hand was considered a synonym for Magadha in later Vedic literature.
The city was known by many other names like Magadhapura, Brihadrathapura, Vasumati, Kushagrapura and Bimbisarapuri. Buddhism and Jainism were in vogue in the religious scenario during that time, and Magadha became a dynamic center of Jainism along with the first Budhist Council being held in Rajagriha in the Vaibhara Hills.
Vajji or Vriji:
Sixteen Mahajanapadas of ancient Inida includes Vajji as one of them. The Vajji was a confederation a many clans of which the Licchhavis, the Vedehans, Jnatrikas and the Vajjis were the most important. It was actually known as the Vajji Sangha or the union of Vajji, which comprised of many janapadas, gramas (villages), gosthas (groups). The eminent people were chosen from each khandas (districts) to represent on their behalf in Vajji gana parishad (people’s council of Vajji). The chairman of the council was called Ganapramukh (head of the Democracy), but often he was addressed as the king.The other executives were Mahabaladhrikrit (equivalent to the minister of Internal Security), binishchayamatya (chief Justice), dandadhikrit (other justices) etc. Vajji had its capital at Vaishali.
Malla:
Malla was an ancient dynasty in India and is one of the sixteen mahajanapadas. Epics like Mahabharata mentions that the Mallas were considered along with the tribes of the Angas, Vangas and Kalingas. Buddhist and Jain works have the mention of the Mallas who existed in a republic that consisted of nine teritories. In a more original context it is evident that they actually had a monarchical form of government in the beginning but later they transformed into the republic form{Samgha). The Mallas were very warlike and brave people and have been mentioned and referred as Vrtaya Kshatriyas by Manusmriti, as Vasishthas in the Mahapparnibbana Suttanta. Mallas have also suffered domination by the Magadha empire after Buddha’s death.
Chedi or Cheti:
The Chedis were group of ancient people of India living on the south of the river Yamuna. They are mentioned in the Rigveda, and city called Suktimati is mentioned as the capital of Chedi. Chedi kingdom was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas, and was ruled by Sisupala, an ally of Jarasandha of Magadha and Duryodhana of Kuru. Prominent Chedis during Kurukshetra War included Damaghosha, Shishupala, Dhrishtaketu, Suketu, Sarabha, Bhima’s wife and so on. Chedi was the place that was chosen for spending the 13th year of exile by the Pandavas.
Vamsa:
The Vamsa or the Vatsa was the kingdom that followed the monarchical form of government. This kingdom is one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas, and the capital of this was located at Kausambi. One very important aspect of this city was that it formed the hub of all economic activitioes and had a prosperous trade and business relations. 6th century Bc has the account of Udyana to be the ruler of the, kingdom at the time of Buddha. About Udayana it is said that earlier there were resentments on his side regarding Budhism as he was very warlike and aggressive but in the later years became more tolerant and finnaly a folower of Buddha. So much he was affected by his teachings that he made buddhism his state religion.
Kuru:
The kuru janapada is one of the sixteen mahajanapadas. Regarding the origin of the Kurus it has been said that they belong to the Puru-Bharata family. Kurus were the specific origin of people living in the Kurukshetra and according to the Buddhist text Sumangavilasini, the kurus came from the Uttarakuru. Testified by the Vayu Purana, the founder of Kurukshetra or kuru janapada was Kuru who was the son of Samvarsana of the Puru lineage. During sixth/fifth century BCE, the Kurus are believed to have shifted to republic form of government.
Panchala:
Panchala was divided into Uttara-Panchala and Dakshina-Panchala. Counted among the sixteen Mahajanapadas, the northen Panchala had Chhatravati as its capital and the south had its capital at Kampilya. In Panchala is situated the renouned city of Kanyakubja. Like many other kingdoms it was seen that the Panchals tooo had shifted to a republican form of government in sixth and fifth century BCE from being a Monarchy.
Machcha or Matsya:
The Kingdom of Matsya was again an important part of the sixten mahajanapadas. This lay south of the Kurus and west of the Yamuna which separated them from the Panchalas. The Machcha tribe inhabited this region which had its capital at Viratanagara. The Matsyas are generally linked up with the Surasenas in Pali literature. The Matsya tribe in comparison to the other janapadas were of not much poolitical emminence during the age of Buddha. Matsyas and the chhedis have a connection here when we see that they were once ruled by the same king Sujata, and Matsya was a part of the kingdom ofn Chedi.
Surasena:
The kingdom of Surasena, underwent a lot metamorphosis in terms of religion. The capital which was Mathura, was the centre of Krishna worship at the time of Megasthenes/”>Megasthenes. Whereas Avantipura who was the king of Surasena was one of the first desciples of Buddha, and it gained prominence evr since then in Mathura. The geographical locattion of this kingdom among the sixteen mahajanapadas was south west of Matsya and west of the river Yamuna. There were various tribe that in habited the region and they were headed by a chief.
Assaka or Ashmaka:
Kingdom of Assaka or Ashmaka was situated in the southern part of India and one of the sixteen mahajanapadas. The Ashmaka had its capital located at Potana or Potali which have resemblences of Paudanya of Mahabharatha. The Assakas are placed in the north-west in the Markendeya Purana and the Brhat Samhita. There are numerous associations regarding the identification of assakas. That is why we have different views on this. Like the commentator of Akutilya’s Arthashahstra identifies it with Maharashtra.
Avanti:
Avanti was an important kingdom of the sixteen mahajanapadas, and it lay in the western part of India. Buddhism rose to its prominence in this kingdom and and this was one of the other kingdoms which initiated Buddhism in a larger manner. The kingdom was divided as north and south Avanti and the north had its capital at Ujjaini. Mahissati was the capital of Avanti in the beginning which was integrated into Ujjaini during the period of Mahavira and Buddha. Avanti in the later stages of historu was amalgamated into the Magadha empire under the reign of Shishunaga.
Gandhara:
The Gandhara kingdom comprised of the Gandharas who were highly trained in the art of war and they have a mention in the Atharva Veda as well . though in the Vedas they are mentioned as the despised people along with some others due to their allegiance to non Aryan group. Puranic and Buuddhistic tradition included Gandharas in Uttarapatha. The Gandhara kingdom of the sixteen mahajanapadas was founded by Gandhara, son of Aruddha who was the son of Yayati. It was alos believed once according to Gandhara Jatakas that they they were a part of Kashmir. Gandhara was an important seat of international commercial activities, and provided Communication with other countries like Iran and Central Asia.
Kamboja:
Kamboja was believed to have composed of parts that were o the either side of the Hindukush. Whereas originally they were located somewhre else. The Kamboja Mahajanapada of the Buddhist traditions refers to the ‘cis-Hindukush branch’ of ancient Kambojas. The kamboja being one of the sixteen mahajanapadas were a republic since ages. There are many evidence from The Mahabharata, Kautiliya’s Arthashastra and Ashoka’s Edict No. XIII which affirms that the Kambojas were a republic people.
Magadha emerged as a very powerful mahajanapada with time and this marked the annexation of sevaral janapadas of the ‘Majjhimadesa’. The Kasis, Kurus, Panchalas, Vatsyas etc were certainly among the exterminated clans which had no trace in the folklore, poetry and so on. The sixteen Mahajanapadas were infact distinguished as the ones belonging to the Majjhimadesa or mid India, or Uttarpatha or the north-west region.,
The Mahajanapadas were 16 kingdoms that emerged in the Ganges Plain during the 6th century BCE. They were:
- Anga
- Magadha
- Kashi
- Kosala
- Vajji
- Kuru
- Panchala
- Matsya
- Chedi
- Vatsa
- Avanti
- Gandhara
- Kamboja
- Purus
- Kurukshetra
The Mahajanapadas were characterized by their urban centers, social stratification, and political systems. They were also home to a number of important religious and philosophical developments.
The Mahajanapadas were eventually conquered by the Mauryan Empire in the 4th century BCE. However, their legacy continues to be felt in Society/”>Indian Society today.
The following are some of the subtopics that you may be asked about in the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam:
- The rise of the Mahajanapadas
- The political and social structure of the Mahajanapadas
- The economy of the Mahajanapadas
- The religion and philosophy of the Mahajanapadas
- The art and architecture of the Mahajanapadas
- The decline of the Mahajanapadas
- The legacy of the Mahajanapadas
The rise of the Mahajanapadas
The Mahajanapadas emerged in the Ganges Plain during the 6th century BCE. This was a time of great change and upheaval in India. The Aryans, who had migrated to India from Central Asia centuries earlier, were now beginning to settle in the Ganges Plain. This led to a clash between the Aryans and the indigenous people of the region. The Aryans were eventually victorious, and they established a number of kingdoms in the Ganges Plain.
The Mahajanapadas were the most powerful of these kingdoms. They were characterized by their urban centers, social stratification, and political systems.
The political and social structure of the Mahajanapadas
The Mahajanapadas were ruled by kings. The kings were assisted by a council of ministers. The ministers were responsible for the day-to-day running of the kingdom. The kings also had a large army at their disposal.
The society of the Mahajanapadas was divided into four varnas: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. The Brahmins were the priests and scholars. The Kshatriyas were the warriors. The Vaishyas were the merchants and farmers. The Shudras were the laborers.
The economy of the Mahajanapadas
The economy of the Mahajanapadas was based on agriculture. The main crops were rice, wheat, and barley. The Mahajanapadas also had a thriving trade with other parts of India and with the Middle East.
The religion and philosophy of the Mahajanapadas
The Mahajanapadas were home to a number of important religious and philosophical developments. The two most important religions were Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism and Buddhism. Hinduism is the oldest Religion in India. It is based on the Vedas, which are a collection of sacred texts. Buddhism is a religion that was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who is also known as the Buddha. The Buddha taught that the cause of suffering is desire, and that the way to end suffering is to follow the Eightfold Path.
The art and architecture of the Mahajanapadas
The Mahajanapadas were also home to a number of important developments in art and architecture. The most famous example of Mahajanapada art is the Ajanta Caves. The Ajanta Caves are a series of Buddhist caves that were carved out of the side of a cliff. The caves are decorated with beautiful paintings and sculptures.
The decline of the Mahajanapadas
The Mahajanapadas began to decline in the 4th century BCE. This was due to a number of factors, including internal conflict, external invasion, and the rise of new kingdoms. The Mahajanapadas were eventually conquered by the Mauryan Empire in the 4th century BCE.
The legacy of the Mahajanapadas
The Mahajanapadas left a lasting legacy on Indian society. They were the first kingdoms to emerge in the Ganges Plain, and they played a major role in the development of Indian culture. The Mahajanapadas also gave rise to a number of important religious and philosophical developments. Their legacy continues to be felt in India today.
The following are frequently asked questions and short answers about the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam:
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What is the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam?
The Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam is a competitive exam conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) for the recruitment of officers to various posts in the State Government. -
Who can apply for the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam?
Any Indian citizen who is a graduate in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent is eligible to apply for the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam. -
What are the eligibility criteria for the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam?
The eligibility criteria for the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam are as follows: -
The candidate must be a citizen of India.
- The candidate must have passed the 10+2 examination from a recognized board.
- The candidate must have passed the graduation examination from a recognized university or equivalent.
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The candidate’s age must be between 21 and 40 years as on the first day of the examination.
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What are the subjects in the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam?
The subjects in the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam are as follows: -
General Hindi
- General English
- General Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Logic
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Current Affairs
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What is the syllabus for the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam?
The syllabus for the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam is as follows: -
General Hindi: The syllabus for General Hindi includes topics such as grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing.
- General English: The syllabus for General English includes topics such as grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing.
- General Knowledge: The syllabus for General Knowledge includes topics such as history, geography, Polity, economics, and current affairs.
- Mathematics: The syllabus for Mathematics includes topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Logic: The syllabus for Logic includes topics such as reasoning, problem solving, and Data Interpretation.
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Current Affairs: The syllabus for Current Affairs includes topics such as national and international news, Sports, and entertainment.
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What is the pattern of the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam?
The pattern of the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam is as follows: -
The exam is conducted in two parts: Part I and Part II.
- Part I is a qualifying exam and consists of 100 questions.
- Part II is an objective-type exam and consists of 200 questions.
- The total marks for the exam are 300.
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The duration of the exam is 3 hours.
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What is the cut-off for the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam?
The cut-off for the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam is decided by the UPPSC. The cut-off is based on the performance of the candidates in the exam. -
How to prepare for the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam?
The following are some tips on how to prepare for the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam: -
Start preparing early.
- Make a study plan and stick to it.
- Revise the syllabus regularly.
- Practice solving previous year’s question papers.
- Take mock tests to assess your preparation.
- Get adequate sleep and eat healthy food.
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Stay calm and confident on the day of the exam.
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What are the job opportunities after clearing the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam?
The job opportunities after clearing the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam are as follows: -
Assistant Commissioner
- District Magistrate
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate
- Block Development Officer
- Tehsildar
- Naib Tehsildar
- Inspector of Police
- Sub-Inspector of Police
- Assistant Superintendent of Police
- Deputy Superintendent of Police
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Superintendent of Police
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What are the salary and benefits of the jobs after clearing the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam?
The salary and benefits of the jobs after clearing the Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam are as follows: -
The salary of the Assistant Commissioner is Rs. 56,100-1,77,500.
- The salary of the District Magistrate is Rs. 1,56,000-3,91,000.
- The salary of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate is Rs. 1,12,400-2,70,000.
- The salary of the Block Development Officer is Rs. 78,100-2,09,200.
- The salary of the Tehsildar is Rs. 56,
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The first major political unit in India was the:
(a) Mahajanapada
(b) Gupta Empire
(c) Mauryan Empire
(d) Mughal Empire -
The Mahajanapadas were:
(a) independent kingdoms
(b) provinces of the Mauryan Empire
(c) vassal states of The Gupta Empire
(d) feudatories of the Mughal Empire -
The most powerful Mahajanapada was:
(a) Magadha
(b) Kosala
(c) Vajji
(d) Avanti -
The founder of the Mauryan Empire was:
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Ashoka the Great
(c) Bindusara
(d) Samudragupta -
The Mauryan Empire was at its peak during the reign of:
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Ashoka the Great
(c) Bindusara
(d) Samudragupta -
The Mauryan Empire was divided into:
(a) four provinces
(b) five provinces
(c) six provinces
(d) seven provinces -
The Mauryan Empire was ruled by a:
(a) king
(b) emperor
(c) prince
(d) governor -
The Mauryan Empire was a:
(a) Hindu empire
(b) Buddhist empire
(c) Jain empire
(d) Sikh empire -
The Mauryan Empire was known for its:
(a) military might
(b) economic prosperity
(c) religious Tolerance
(d) all of the above -
The Mauryan Empire came to an end in the:
(a) 2nd century BCE
(b) 1st century BCE
(c) 1st century CE
(d) 2nd century CE -
The Gupta Empire was founded in the:
(a) 4th century CE
(b) 5th century CE
(c) 6th century CE
(d) 7th century CE -
The Gupta Empire was at its peak during the reign of:
(a) Chandragupta I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta II
(d) Kumaragupta I -
The Gupta Empire was known for its:
(a) military might
(b) economic prosperity
(c) religious tolerance
(d) all of the above -
The Gupta Empire came to an end in the:
(a) 5th century CE
(b) 6th century CE
(c) 7th century CE
(d) 8th century CE -
The Mughal Empire was founded in the:
(a) 16th century CE
(b) 17th century CE
(c) 18th century CE
(d) 19th century CE -
The Mughal Empire was at its peak during the reign of:
(a) Akbar the Great
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Aurangzeb -
The Mughal Empire was known for its:
(a) military might
(b) economic prosperity
(c) religious tolerance
(d) all of the above -
The Mughal Empire came to an end in the:
(a) 18th century CE
(b) 19th century CE
(c) 20th century CE
(d) 21st century CE -
The British East India Company was founded in the:
(a) 17th century CE
(b) 18th century CE
(c) 19th century CE
(d) 20th century CE -
The British East India Company gained control of India in the:
(a) 18th century CE
(b) 19th century CE
(c) 20th century CE
(d) 21st century CE -
India gained independence from the British in the:
(a) 1947
(b) 1950
(c) 1960
(d) 1970 -
India is a:
(a) republic
(b) monarchy
(c) Dictatorship
(d) democracy -
The current president of India is:
(a) Ram Nath Kovind
(b) Narendra Modi
(c) Amit Shah
(d) Rajnath Singh -
The current