These DAV Class 6 SST Notes and DAV Class 6 SST Chapter 12 Notes – Janapadas and the Mahajanapadas (600-100 BCE) hold significant importance as study material for students.
Janapadas and the Mahajanapadas (600-100 BCE) Class 6 DAV Notes
→ Janapadas and Mahajanapadas existed around 600 BCE in India. Some of the important Janapadas were Gandhara (modern Afghanistan), Kuru, Panchala and Videha (in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar).
→ Some of the important Mahajanapadas were Magadha, Vatsa, Avanti, Kosala, Matsya, Anga and Kashi.
→ There were a few kingdoms where the rulers were chosen by the people of the kingdom. These kingdoms were called Gansanghas or Republics. The office of the ruler was not hereditary.
→ Some of the important Gansanghas were Lichchhavis of Vaishali, Sakyas of Kapilvastu, Vrijis of Mithila and Mallas of Pava (Kushi Nagar).
→ Some of the important Magadha rulers were Bimbisara, Ajatshatru and Darshak. The capital of Bimbisara was Rajgriha near Patna in Bihar. Ajatshatru, the second Magadha king, established his capital Pataliputra in village Patali on the bank of river Ganga.
→ After the death of Ajatshatru, two important dynasties Shishunagas and Nandas ruled Magadha afterwords.
→ The king enjoyed vast powers. He was regarded as god among his people. The officials who assisted him were called Mahamatyas, They performed the functions of the ministers. Ayuktas performed the functions at the state level.
→ The ministers play an important role in the administration. The King’s army was comprised of infantry, cavalary, war elephants and chariots.
→ The social set-up was based on varna system. The Kshatriyas were considered better than the Brahmins. Vaishyas were called Grihapatis. Shudras were in the service of the above three classes of people.
→ Buddhism and Jainism became popular during this time. They didn’t believe in casteism and rituals.
→ The people of Magadha were involved in cattle-rearing and agriculture. They were also engaged in jewellery making, weaving, carpentry, pottery-making, etc. They were also good traders and craftsmen.
→ A well-regulated money system prevailed in this time. The coins were made of copper and silver.
→ Some of the important towns and large towns during this period were Champa, Rajgriha, Shravasti, Kausambi, Varanasi, Vaishali, Mithila, Ayodhya, Ujjaini, etc.
→ Janapada : A region inhabited by a tribe or Jana.
→ Gansangha or Republic : A kingdom where the ruler was chosen by the people of the kingdom.
→ Mahamatras : The officials who assisted the king in discharging his duties.
→ Guild : The organisation of the people of a particular vocation.
→ Shrenee : The head of the guild.
→ Gana : A group consisting of many members.
→ Matrimonial alliances : Relations through marriages.
→ Republic : A state where its nead is elected by the people.
→ Sangha : Organisation or association.