What are 16 Mahajanapadas ? History, Location | Indian history [short notes for UPSC]

• Literal meaning of janapada–

The word ‘janapada’ comprise of two words-

Jana means ‘people’

Pada means ‘foot’

Janapada was the place where people set its foot or settle

• Janapada and janapadin–

‘janapada’ means a country

‘janapadin’ means its citizen

• History of janapadas–

There were approximately 22 different janapadas exists in 6^th century bc

This period also known as the age of ‘2^nd urbanisation’ after ‘harappan civilisation’

Janapadas were the major kingdoms of vedic period

Each janapada was seperated by other with its boundary

Each janapada was named after the ‘kshatriya people’

• Mahajanapadas–

With due course of time these janapadas became larger in size and gain importance now became mahajanapada

Such type of 16 mahajanapadas exists in northern india between 6^th to 4^th bc

The emergence of mahajanapada started from eastern uttar pradesh and western bihar

Buddhists sacred text anguttara nikaya mentioned 16 mahajanapadas

Most of them were follow monarchies

Some of them were republic that is known as ‘ganas’ and ‘sanghas’

Built forts and large walls around the cities to protect them from neighbouring kingdoms (enemies)

• Reasons for development of mahajanapadas–

Due to the availability of fertile land and iron ore

Use of iron weapons in war helped them to expand their territories

Which later on resulted into 16 mahajanapadas

Use of iron tools in agriculture helped them to florish their socio-economic development

Now farmers able to grow paddy with ease

• Revenue–

Tax was levied on agriculture was 1/6 of the total produce and known as bhaga

Tax levied on other craft activities, trade and other professions also

• Further history–

With due course of time, the large and powerful kingdoms eliminated smaller and weak mahajanapadas

In 6^th century ad only 4 powerful kingdoms were left-

Magadha

Kosala

Vatsa

Avanti

List of 16 mahajanapadas–