NCERT Textbook: Kingdoms, Kings and an Early Republic | Old & New NCERTs for IAS Preparation (Must Read) - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


43 ?
kingdoms , kings and 
an early republic How some men became rulers
Choosing leaders or rulers by voting is something 
that has become common during the last fifty 
years or so. How did men become rulers in the 
past? Around 3000 years ago, some men became 
recognised as rajas by performing big sacrifices. 
The ashvamedha or horse sacrifice was one 
such ritual. A horse was let loose to wander freely 
and it was guarded by the raja’s men. If the horse 
wandered into the kingdoms of other rajas and 
they stopped it, they had to fight. If they allowed 
the horse to pass, it meant that they accepted that 
the raja who wanted to perform the sacrifice was 
stronger than them. These rajas were then invited 
to the sacrifice, which was performed by specially 
trained priests, who were rewarded with gifts. The 
raja who organised the sacrifice was recognised 
as being very powerful, and all those who came 
brought gifts for him.  
The raja was a central figure in these rituals. 
He often had a special seat, a throne or a tiger 
skin. His charioteer, who was his companion in 
the battlefield and witnessed his exploits, chanted 
tales of his glory. His relatives, especially his wives 
and sons, had to perform a variety of minor rituals.  
CHAPTER 5
KINGDOMS, KINGS AND  
AN EARL Y REPUBLIC
Election day
Shankaran woke up to see his grandparents all ready to go 
and vote. They wanted to be the first to reach the polling 
booth. Why, Shankaran wanted to know, were they so 
excited? Somewhat impatiently, his grandfather explained: 
“We can choose our own rulers today.”
Chapter 5-6.indd   43 22 April 2022   12:49:54
Rationalised 2023-24
Page 2


43 ?
kingdoms , kings and 
an early republic How some men became rulers
Choosing leaders or rulers by voting is something 
that has become common during the last fifty 
years or so. How did men become rulers in the 
past? Around 3000 years ago, some men became 
recognised as rajas by performing big sacrifices. 
The ashvamedha or horse sacrifice was one 
such ritual. A horse was let loose to wander freely 
and it was guarded by the raja’s men. If the horse 
wandered into the kingdoms of other rajas and 
they stopped it, they had to fight. If they allowed 
the horse to pass, it meant that they accepted that 
the raja who wanted to perform the sacrifice was 
stronger than them. These rajas were then invited 
to the sacrifice, which was performed by specially 
trained priests, who were rewarded with gifts. The 
raja who organised the sacrifice was recognised 
as being very powerful, and all those who came 
brought gifts for him.  
The raja was a central figure in these rituals. 
He often had a special seat, a throne or a tiger 
skin. His charioteer, who was his companion in 
the battlefield and witnessed his exploits, chanted 
tales of his glory. His relatives, especially his wives 
and sons, had to perform a variety of minor rituals.  
CHAPTER 5
KINGDOMS, KINGS AND  
AN EARL Y REPUBLIC
Election day
Shankaran woke up to see his grandparents all ready to go 
and vote. They wanted to be the first to reach the polling 
booth. Why, Shankaran wanted to know, were they so 
excited? Somewhat impatiently, his grandfather explained: 
“We can choose our own rulers today.”
Chapter 5-6.indd   43 22 April 2022   12:49:54
Rationalised 2023-24
Painted Grey Ware.
Plates and bowls are the 
most common vessels made 
out of Painted Grey Ware. 
These are extremely fine to 
touch, with a nice, smooth 
surface. Perhaps these were 
used on special occasions, 
for important people, and to 
serve special food.  
The other rajas were simply spectators who had 
to sit and watch the performance of the sacrifice. 
Priests performed the rituals including the 
sprinkling of sacred water on the king. The ordinary 
people, the vish or vaishya, also brought gifts. 
However, some people, such as those who were 
regarded as shudras by the priests, were excluded 
from many rituals. 
Make a list of all those who would be present 
at the sacrifice. Which are the categories that are 
described in terms of their occupation? 
Varnas
There were four social categories, namely Brahmins, Kshatriyas, 
Vaishyas and Shudras. Brahmins were expected to study (and teach) 
the Vedas, perform sacrifices and receive gifts. 
Kshatriyas were expected to fight battles and protect people. 
Vaishyas were expected to be farmers, herders, and traders. 
The Shudras were expected to serve the other three groups.
Janapadas
The rajas who performed these big sacrifices 
were now recognised as being rajas of janapadas  
rather than janas. The word janapada literally 
means the land where the jana set its foot, and 
settled down. Some important janapadas are 
shown on Map 4 (page 45).
Archaeologists have excavated a number 
of settlements in these janapadas, such 
as Purana Qila in Delhi, Hastinapura near 
Meerut, and Atranjikhera, near Etah (the 
last two are in Uttar Pradesh). They found 
that people lived in huts, and kept cattle 
as well as other animals. They also grew 
a variety of crops — rice, wheat, barley, 
pulses, sugarcane, sesame and mustard.  
Is there a crop in this list that was not 
mentioned in Chapter 3?
Chapter 5-6.indd   44 26 May 2022   10:45:40
Rationalised 2023-24
Page 3


43 ?
kingdoms , kings and 
an early republic How some men became rulers
Choosing leaders or rulers by voting is something 
that has become common during the last fifty 
years or so. How did men become rulers in the 
past? Around 3000 years ago, some men became 
recognised as rajas by performing big sacrifices. 
The ashvamedha or horse sacrifice was one 
such ritual. A horse was let loose to wander freely 
and it was guarded by the raja’s men. If the horse 
wandered into the kingdoms of other rajas and 
they stopped it, they had to fight. If they allowed 
the horse to pass, it meant that they accepted that 
the raja who wanted to perform the sacrifice was 
stronger than them. These rajas were then invited 
to the sacrifice, which was performed by specially 
trained priests, who were rewarded with gifts. The 
raja who organised the sacrifice was recognised 
as being very powerful, and all those who came 
brought gifts for him.  
The raja was a central figure in these rituals. 
He often had a special seat, a throne or a tiger 
skin. His charioteer, who was his companion in 
the battlefield and witnessed his exploits, chanted 
tales of his glory. His relatives, especially his wives 
and sons, had to perform a variety of minor rituals.  
CHAPTER 5
KINGDOMS, KINGS AND  
AN EARL Y REPUBLIC
Election day
Shankaran woke up to see his grandparents all ready to go 
and vote. They wanted to be the first to reach the polling 
booth. Why, Shankaran wanted to know, were they so 
excited? Somewhat impatiently, his grandfather explained: 
“We can choose our own rulers today.”
Chapter 5-6.indd   43 22 April 2022   12:49:54
Rationalised 2023-24
Painted Grey Ware.
Plates and bowls are the 
most common vessels made 
out of Painted Grey Ware. 
These are extremely fine to 
touch, with a nice, smooth 
surface. Perhaps these were 
used on special occasions, 
for important people, and to 
serve special food.  
The other rajas were simply spectators who had 
to sit and watch the performance of the sacrifice. 
Priests performed the rituals including the 
sprinkling of sacred water on the king. The ordinary 
people, the vish or vaishya, also brought gifts. 
However, some people, such as those who were 
regarded as shudras by the priests, were excluded 
from many rituals. 
Make a list of all those who would be present 
at the sacrifice. Which are the categories that are 
described in terms of their occupation? 
Varnas
There were four social categories, namely Brahmins, Kshatriyas, 
Vaishyas and Shudras. Brahmins were expected to study (and teach) 
the Vedas, perform sacrifices and receive gifts. 
Kshatriyas were expected to fight battles and protect people. 
Vaishyas were expected to be farmers, herders, and traders. 
The Shudras were expected to serve the other three groups.
Janapadas
The rajas who performed these big sacrifices 
were now recognised as being rajas of janapadas  
rather than janas. The word janapada literally 
means the land where the jana set its foot, and 
settled down. Some important janapadas are 
shown on Map 4 (page 45).
Archaeologists have excavated a number 
of settlements in these janapadas, such 
as Purana Qila in Delhi, Hastinapura near 
Meerut, and Atranjikhera, near Etah (the 
last two are in Uttar Pradesh). They found 
that people lived in huts, and kept cattle 
as well as other animals. They also grew 
a variety of crops — rice, wheat, barley, 
pulses, sugarcane, sesame and mustard.  
Is there a crop in this list that was not 
mentioned in Chapter 3?
Chapter 5-6.indd   44 26 May 2022   10:45:40
Rationalised 2023-24
45 ?
kingdoms , kings and 
an early republic They made earthen pots. Some of these were 
grey in colour, others were red. One special type 
of pottery found at these sites is known as Painted 
Grey Ware. As is obvious from the name, these grey 
pots had painted designs, usually simple lines and 
geometric patterns. 
Mahajanapadas
About 2500 years ago, some janapadas became 
more important than others, and were known as 
mahajanapadas. Some of these are shown on Map 
4. Most mahajanapadas had a capital city, many 
of these were fortified . This means that huge walls 
of wood, brick or stone were built around them.
Forts were probably built because people were 
afraid of attacks from other kings and needed 
Map : 4 
Important Janapadas,           
Mahajanapadas and Cities 
Chapter 5-6.indd   45 22 April 2022   12:49:58
Rationalised 2023-24
Page 4


43 ?
kingdoms , kings and 
an early republic How some men became rulers
Choosing leaders or rulers by voting is something 
that has become common during the last fifty 
years or so. How did men become rulers in the 
past? Around 3000 years ago, some men became 
recognised as rajas by performing big sacrifices. 
The ashvamedha or horse sacrifice was one 
such ritual. A horse was let loose to wander freely 
and it was guarded by the raja’s men. If the horse 
wandered into the kingdoms of other rajas and 
they stopped it, they had to fight. If they allowed 
the horse to pass, it meant that they accepted that 
the raja who wanted to perform the sacrifice was 
stronger than them. These rajas were then invited 
to the sacrifice, which was performed by specially 
trained priests, who were rewarded with gifts. The 
raja who organised the sacrifice was recognised 
as being very powerful, and all those who came 
brought gifts for him.  
The raja was a central figure in these rituals. 
He often had a special seat, a throne or a tiger 
skin. His charioteer, who was his companion in 
the battlefield and witnessed his exploits, chanted 
tales of his glory. His relatives, especially his wives 
and sons, had to perform a variety of minor rituals.  
CHAPTER 5
KINGDOMS, KINGS AND  
AN EARL Y REPUBLIC
Election day
Shankaran woke up to see his grandparents all ready to go 
and vote. They wanted to be the first to reach the polling 
booth. Why, Shankaran wanted to know, were they so 
excited? Somewhat impatiently, his grandfather explained: 
“We can choose our own rulers today.”
Chapter 5-6.indd   43 22 April 2022   12:49:54
Rationalised 2023-24
Painted Grey Ware.
Plates and bowls are the 
most common vessels made 
out of Painted Grey Ware. 
These are extremely fine to 
touch, with a nice, smooth 
surface. Perhaps these were 
used on special occasions, 
for important people, and to 
serve special food.  
The other rajas were simply spectators who had 
to sit and watch the performance of the sacrifice. 
Priests performed the rituals including the 
sprinkling of sacred water on the king. The ordinary 
people, the vish or vaishya, also brought gifts. 
However, some people, such as those who were 
regarded as shudras by the priests, were excluded 
from many rituals. 
Make a list of all those who would be present 
at the sacrifice. Which are the categories that are 
described in terms of their occupation? 
Varnas
There were four social categories, namely Brahmins, Kshatriyas, 
Vaishyas and Shudras. Brahmins were expected to study (and teach) 
the Vedas, perform sacrifices and receive gifts. 
Kshatriyas were expected to fight battles and protect people. 
Vaishyas were expected to be farmers, herders, and traders. 
The Shudras were expected to serve the other three groups.
Janapadas
The rajas who performed these big sacrifices 
were now recognised as being rajas of janapadas  
rather than janas. The word janapada literally 
means the land where the jana set its foot, and 
settled down. Some important janapadas are 
shown on Map 4 (page 45).
Archaeologists have excavated a number 
of settlements in these janapadas, such 
as Purana Qila in Delhi, Hastinapura near 
Meerut, and Atranjikhera, near Etah (the 
last two are in Uttar Pradesh). They found 
that people lived in huts, and kept cattle 
as well as other animals. They also grew 
a variety of crops — rice, wheat, barley, 
pulses, sugarcane, sesame and mustard.  
Is there a crop in this list that was not 
mentioned in Chapter 3?
Chapter 5-6.indd   44 26 May 2022   10:45:40
Rationalised 2023-24
45 ?
kingdoms , kings and 
an early republic They made earthen pots. Some of these were 
grey in colour, others were red. One special type 
of pottery found at these sites is known as Painted 
Grey Ware. As is obvious from the name, these grey 
pots had painted designs, usually simple lines and 
geometric patterns. 
Mahajanapadas
About 2500 years ago, some janapadas became 
more important than others, and were known as 
mahajanapadas. Some of these are shown on Map 
4. Most mahajanapadas had a capital city, many 
of these were fortified . This means that huge walls 
of wood, brick or stone were built around them.
Forts were probably built because people were 
afraid of attacks from other kings and needed 
Map : 4 
Important Janapadas,           
Mahajanapadas and Cities 
Chapter 5-6.indd   45 22 April 2022   12:49:58
Rationalised 2023-24
? 46
our pasts –i The fortification wall at 
Kaushambi. 
This is a picture of 
remains of a wall made 
of brick, found near 
present-day Allahabad 
(Uttar Pradesh). A part 
of it was probably built 
about 2500 years ago.  
protection. It is also likely that some rulers 
wanted to show how rich and powerful they were 
by building really large, tall and impressive walls 
around their cities. Also in this way, the land and 
the people living inside the fortified area could 
be controlled more easily by the king. Building 
such huge walls required a great deal of planning. 
Thousands, if not lakhs of bricks or stones had to 
be prepared. This in turn meant enormous labour, 
provided, possibly, by thousands of men, women 
and children. And resources had to be found for 
all of this.
Chapter 5-6.indd   46 22 April 2022   12:49:58
Rationalised 2023-24
Page 5


43 ?
kingdoms , kings and 
an early republic How some men became rulers
Choosing leaders or rulers by voting is something 
that has become common during the last fifty 
years or so. How did men become rulers in the 
past? Around 3000 years ago, some men became 
recognised as rajas by performing big sacrifices. 
The ashvamedha or horse sacrifice was one 
such ritual. A horse was let loose to wander freely 
and it was guarded by the raja’s men. If the horse 
wandered into the kingdoms of other rajas and 
they stopped it, they had to fight. If they allowed 
the horse to pass, it meant that they accepted that 
the raja who wanted to perform the sacrifice was 
stronger than them. These rajas were then invited 
to the sacrifice, which was performed by specially 
trained priests, who were rewarded with gifts. The 
raja who organised the sacrifice was recognised 
as being very powerful, and all those who came 
brought gifts for him.  
The raja was a central figure in these rituals. 
He often had a special seat, a throne or a tiger 
skin. His charioteer, who was his companion in 
the battlefield and witnessed his exploits, chanted 
tales of his glory. His relatives, especially his wives 
and sons, had to perform a variety of minor rituals.  
CHAPTER 5
KINGDOMS, KINGS AND  
AN EARL Y REPUBLIC
Election day
Shankaran woke up to see his grandparents all ready to go 
and vote. They wanted to be the first to reach the polling 
booth. Why, Shankaran wanted to know, were they so 
excited? Somewhat impatiently, his grandfather explained: 
“We can choose our own rulers today.”
Chapter 5-6.indd   43 22 April 2022   12:49:54
Rationalised 2023-24
Painted Grey Ware.
Plates and bowls are the 
most common vessels made 
out of Painted Grey Ware. 
These are extremely fine to 
touch, with a nice, smooth 
surface. Perhaps these were 
used on special occasions, 
for important people, and to 
serve special food.  
The other rajas were simply spectators who had 
to sit and watch the performance of the sacrifice. 
Priests performed the rituals including the 
sprinkling of sacred water on the king. The ordinary 
people, the vish or vaishya, also brought gifts. 
However, some people, such as those who were 
regarded as shudras by the priests, were excluded 
from many rituals. 
Make a list of all those who would be present 
at the sacrifice. Which are the categories that are 
described in terms of their occupation? 
Varnas
There were four social categories, namely Brahmins, Kshatriyas, 
Vaishyas and Shudras. Brahmins were expected to study (and teach) 
the Vedas, perform sacrifices and receive gifts. 
Kshatriyas were expected to fight battles and protect people. 
Vaishyas were expected to be farmers, herders, and traders. 
The Shudras were expected to serve the other three groups.
Janapadas
The rajas who performed these big sacrifices 
were now recognised as being rajas of janapadas  
rather than janas. The word janapada literally 
means the land where the jana set its foot, and 
settled down. Some important janapadas are 
shown on Map 4 (page 45).
Archaeologists have excavated a number 
of settlements in these janapadas, such 
as Purana Qila in Delhi, Hastinapura near 
Meerut, and Atranjikhera, near Etah (the 
last two are in Uttar Pradesh). They found 
that people lived in huts, and kept cattle 
as well as other animals. They also grew 
a variety of crops — rice, wheat, barley, 
pulses, sugarcane, sesame and mustard.  
Is there a crop in this list that was not 
mentioned in Chapter 3?
Chapter 5-6.indd   44 26 May 2022   10:45:40
Rationalised 2023-24
45 ?
kingdoms , kings and 
an early republic They made earthen pots. Some of these were 
grey in colour, others were red. One special type 
of pottery found at these sites is known as Painted 
Grey Ware. As is obvious from the name, these grey 
pots had painted designs, usually simple lines and 
geometric patterns. 
Mahajanapadas
About 2500 years ago, some janapadas became 
more important than others, and were known as 
mahajanapadas. Some of these are shown on Map 
4. Most mahajanapadas had a capital city, many 
of these were fortified . This means that huge walls 
of wood, brick or stone were built around them.
Forts were probably built because people were 
afraid of attacks from other kings and needed 
Map : 4 
Important Janapadas,           
Mahajanapadas and Cities 
Chapter 5-6.indd   45 22 April 2022   12:49:58
Rationalised 2023-24
? 46
our pasts –i The fortification wall at 
Kaushambi. 
This is a picture of 
remains of a wall made 
of brick, found near 
present-day Allahabad 
(Uttar Pradesh). A part 
of it was probably built 
about 2500 years ago.  
protection. It is also likely that some rulers 
wanted to show how rich and powerful they were 
by building really large, tall and impressive walls 
around their cities. Also in this way, the land and 
the people living inside the fortified area could 
be controlled more easily by the king. Building 
such huge walls required a great deal of planning. 
Thousands, if not lakhs of bricks or stones had to 
be prepared. This in turn meant enormous labour, 
provided, possibly, by thousands of men, women 
and children. And resources had to be found for 
all of this.
Chapter 5-6.indd   46 22 April 2022   12:49:58
Rationalised 2023-24
47 ?
kingdoms , kings and 
an early republic The new rajas now began maintaining armies. 
Soldiers were paid regular salaries and maintained 
by the king throughout the year. Some payments 
were probably made using punch marked coins 
(see the illustration on page 75). You will read more 
about these coins in Chapter 8.  
List two ways in which the rajas of the 
mahajanapadas were different from those 
mentioned in the Rigveda. 
T axes
As the rulers of the mahajanapadas were  
(a) building huge forts (b) maintaining big armies, 
they needed more resources. And they needed 
officials to collect these. So, instead of depending 
on occasional gifts brought by people, as in the case 
of the raja of the janapadas, they started collecting 
regular taxes.
• Taxes on crops 
• Taxes on craftspersons 
• Herders paid taxes as animals and animal produce. 
• Taxes on goods through trade.
• Hunters and gatherers had to provide forest produce 
to the raja. 
 What do you think would have been provided 
by hunters and gatherers?
Changes in agriculture
There were two major changes in agriculture 
around this time. One was the growing use of 
iron ploughshares. This meant that heavy, clayey 
soil could be turned over better than with a 
wooden ploughshare, so that more grain could 
be produced. Second, people began transplanting 
Chapter 5-6.indd   47 22 April 2022   12:49:58
Rationalised 2023-24