Table of Contents
Describe the salient features of mahajanapadas.
Ans: The salient features of mahajanapadas are as follows :
- The most important mahajanapadas were Vajji, Magadha, Koshala, Kuru, Panchala, Gandhara and Avanti.
- Most mahajanapadas were ruled by kings.
- Some, known as ganas or sanghas, were oligarchies where power was shared by a number of men, often collectively called rajas.
- In some cases, as in the case of the Vajji sangha, the rajas probably controlled resources such as land collectively.
- Each mahajanapada had a capital city, which was often fortified.
- Brahmanas composed the Dharmasutras which laid down norms for rulers as well as for other social categories. The rulers were ideally expected to be Kshatriyas. Rulers were advised to collect taxes and tribute from cultivators, traders and artisans.
- Sometimes raids on neighbouring states were conducted for acquiring wealth. These raids were recognised as legitimate means.
- Gradually, some states acquired standing armies and maintained regular bureaucracies. Others continued to depend on militia, recruited from the peasantry.
Class 12 History Chapter 1 Bricks, Beads and Bones The Harappan Civilisation
6. Describe some of the distinctive features of Mohenjodaro.
8. Discuss how archaeologists reconstruct the past.
9. Discuss the functions that may have been performed by rulers in Harappan society.
Class 12 History Chapter 2 Kings, Farmers and Towns Early States and Economies
2. Describe the salient features of mahajanapadas.
3. How do historians reconstruct the lives of ordinary people?
5. List some of the problems faced by epigraphists.
8.Discuss the notions of kingship that developed in the post-Mauryan period
9. To What Extent Were Agricultural Practices Transformed In The Period Under Consideration?