Class 6 History Ch 6: New Empires and Kingdoms

Chapter 6: Kingdoms, Kings and an Early Republic

Chapter Summary

• Around 3000 years ago, some men became rulers (Rajas) not just by being chosen by Janas (people), but by performing very big sacrifices. The Ashvamedha (horse sacrifice) was one such ritual.
• In the Ashvamedha, a horse was let loose to wander freely, guarded by the Raja's men. If another Raja stopped the horse, they had to fight. If they let the horse pass, it meant they accepted the performing Raja's supremacy.
• The Raja who performed the sacrifice was considered very powerful. He was seated on a special throne, and his charioteer recited his glory. Other Rajas were his subordinates.
• Brahmins performed these rituals and were rewarded with gifts. The Varna system emerged around this time, dividing society into four groups:
  • Brahmins: Priests and teachers, expected to study and teach the Vedas, perform sacrifices, and receive gifts.
  • Kshatriyas: Rulers and warriors, expected to fight battles and protect people.
  • Vaishyas: Farmers, herders, and traders. Both Kshatriyas and Vaishyas could perform sacrifices.
  • Shudras: Expected to serve the other three groups, could not perform rituals or study the Vedas. Women were also generally grouped with Shudras.
• Janapadas: Rajas who performed big sacrifices were now recognized as Rajas of Janapadas (the land where the Jana set its foot). Archaeological sites like Purana Qila (Delhi), Hastinapura (near Meerut), and Atranjikhera (near Etah) are examples of these Janapadas. People lived in huts, kept cattle, and grew a variety of crops.
• Mahajanapadas: Around 2500 years ago, some Janapadas became more important than others and were known as Mahajanapadas. Most Mahajanapadas had a capital city, many of which were fortified with massive walls of wood, brick, or stone.
• Fortification was done to show off the Raja's wealth and power, and to protect the city from attacks. Maintaining these fortifications and large armies required enormous resources.
• Taxes: To maintain armies and build forts, Rajas collected taxes:
  • On crops (usually 1/6th of the produce, called "bhaga"). This was the most important tax.
  • On craftspersons (e.g., a weaver or blacksmith might have to work for the king one day a month).
  • On herders (in the form of animals or animal produce).
  • On hunters and gatherers (forest produce).
  • On traders (through goods bought and sold).
• Changes in Agriculture:
  • Increased use of iron ploughshares, allowing for better turning of heavy, clayey soil, leading to more grain production.
  • Transplantation of paddy, where saplings were grown and then planted in the fields. This led to higher production but required more labour (usually slaves, known as dasas and dasis, and landless agricultural labourers, kammakaras).
• Magadha: Became the most important Mahajanapada in about 200 years. Its importance was due to:
  • Two powerful rulers, Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, who used all possible means to conquer other Janapadas.
  • Mahapadma Nanda was another important ruler who extended the kingdom to the North-West.
  • Its location: Rivers Ganga and Son flowed through Magadha, important for transport, water supply, and making land fertile.
  • Part of Magadha was forested, providing timber for houses and elephants for the army.
  • Iron ore mines in the region provided raw material for tools and weapons.
• Vajji: Another important Mahajanapada, with its capital at Vaishali (Bihar). It had a different form of government known as a Gana or a Sangha.
• Ganas or Sanghas: Had not one, but many rulers. Each person was called a Raja. These Rajas performed rituals together and met in assemblies to discuss important issues, deciding on actions through debate.
• Women, dasas, and kammakaras could not participate in these assemblies.
• Both the Buddha and Mahavira belonged to Ganas or Sanghas.
• These Ganas were later conquered by powerful Rajas, such as the Magadhan rulers.

Questions and Answers

1. State whether true or false:

   1. Rajas who performed big sacrifices were expected to live in simple settlements.
   2. In the janapadas, people lived in huts and kept cattle as well as other animals.
   3. The use of iron became common in the Mahajanapadas.
   4. The fortified walls were built to protect the capital city.
   5. Bimbisara and Ajatashatru were rulers of Magadha.
   6. Vaishali was the capital of Vajji.

   Answer:

   1. False
   2. True
   3. True
   4. True
   5. True
   6. True

2. Fill in the blanks:

   1. ________ were groups of people who did not participate in the assemblies of the ganas or sanghas.
   2. The ________ river flowed through the kingdom of Magadha.
   3. Rajagriha was the early capital of ________.
   4. ________ was the last of the powerful rulers of Magadha.

   Answer:

   1. Women, dasas, and kammakaras
   2. Ganga (and Son)
   3. Magadha
   4. Mahapadma Nanda

3. What do you mean by a janapada?

   Answer: The word 'janapada' literally means the land where the 'jana' (a tribe or people) set its foot and settled down. These were areas where Rajas established their settlements after performing big sacrifices. People in janapadas lived in huts, kept cattle, and cultivated a variety of crops like rice, wheat, barley, pulses, mustard, and sesame.

4. List two main differences between a raja of the Rigvedic times and a raja of the later times.

   Answer: Two main differences are:

   • Rigvedic Raja: Was chosen by the Jana (people/tribe) and was primarily a warrior who led the army in battles. He did not have capital cities, armies, or tax collection systems.
   • Later Times Raja: Became ruler by performing big sacrifices like the Ashvamedha. He had fortified capital cities, maintained large standing armies, and collected regular taxes from the people. He was considered very powerful and superior to other Rajas.

5. Describe the main features of the ganas or sanghas.

   Answer: The main features of the ganas or sanghas were:

   • They had not one, but many rulers, each of whom was called a 'raja'.
   • These 'rajas' performed rituals together.
   • They met in assemblies to discuss important issues. They decided what to do and how to do it through debate and discussion.
   • For example, if they were attacked, they met to discuss what should be done to deal with the enemy.
   • Women, dasas (slaves), and kammakaras (landless agricultural labourers) were not allowed to participate in these assemblies.
   • Both the Buddha and Mahavira belonged to ganas.

6. Mention the importance of Magadha as a mahajanapada.

   Answer: Magadha became the most important Mahajanapada in about 200 years due to several factors:

   • Powerful Rulers: Rulers like Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, and Mahapadma Nanda were very ambitious and used all possible means to expand their kingdom.
   • Geographical Location: The Ganga and Son rivers flowed through Magadha, making the land fertile for agriculture, providing water for irrigation, and facilitating cheap transport.
   • Natural Resources: Parts of Magadha were forested, providing timber for building and elephants for the army. The region also had iron ore mines, which were used to make strong tools and weapons.
   • Strategic Capitals: Rajagriha (present-day Rajgir) was its early capital, and later Pataliputra (present-day Patna) became the capital, both strategically located.

7. How was Magadha different from the other mahajanapadas?

   Answer: Magadha was different from many other Mahajanapadas due to its unique combination of geographical advantages, natural resources, and effective leadership that collectively led to its unprecedented growth and power:

   • Exceptional Resources: While other Mahajanapadas might have had some resources, Magadha uniquely combined fertile riverine plains (Ganga, Son for agriculture and transport), dense forests (timber, elephants), and rich iron ore mines (tools, weapons).
   • Aggressive Expansion: Rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru employed more aggressive and strategic methods of conquest and consolidation compared to some contemporary kingdoms. Mahapadma Nanda further extended its influence significantly.
   • Strategic Capital Cities: Rajagriha was naturally fortified, and Pataliputra (later capital) was strategically located controlling river routes, giving Magadha an edge in defense and trade.
   • Political Stability and Succession: Despite conflicts, Magadha generally maintained a powerful and relatively stable line of rulers who continuously worked towards its expansion and strengthening, setting it apart in terms of consistent growth.

8. Who built the fortified walls of the capital city? What were they used for?

   Answer:

   • Who built them: The Rajas of the Mahajanapadas themselves built the massive fortified walls around their capital cities.
   • What they were used for:
     1. Protection: To protect the cities from attacks by other Rajas.
     2. Symbol of Power and Wealth: Building huge, tall, and impressive walls was a way for the Raja to show off his wealth, power, and control over the resources and people of his kingdom.
     3. Control: The fortifications also made it easier for the Raja to control the people living inside the city.