Any two ways mahajanapadas were different from Rigvedas?

Question

Answer

Give two ways

in which rajas of

the mahajanapadas were different

from those mentioned in

the Rigveda

. Solution: Rajas of

Mahajanapadas

: (i) They became rajas by performing very big sacrifices where people accepted their supremacy. (ii) They had capital city, which

were

fortified.

Answer

The concept of kingship had changed from the times of the Rig Veda to the times of the Mahajanapadas.1. The Rajan during Rig Veda was the leader of the tribe. While in the Mahajanapadas, the Ganapati was elected by a group of people in the Republic System of Mahajanapads, in the Monarchical System, Kingship was hereditary. 2.In the monarchical system, the ruler was all powerful and was a law maker and in the republic, the king ruled with the assistance of Kshatriyas. In the Vedic times, all major decisions were made by arriving at a consent in the Sabha and Samithi.

Answer

Differences between Mahajanapadas and Rigvedas

Geographical Expansion

The Mahajanapadas were a cluster of sixteen powerful kingdoms that emerged in the Indian subcontinent from the sixth century BCE onwards. In contrast, the Rigvedas were composed during the period of 1500 BCE to 1200 BCE and were confined to a limited geographical area of the northwest region of the Indian subcontinent.

Political Structure

The political structure of Mahajanapadas was more complex and well-organized than that of the Rigvedas. The Mahajanapadas were ruled by powerful monarchs, who were assisted by a council of ministers and a well-trained army. In contrast, the Rigvedas had a more tribal and decentralized political system, where the authority rested with the tribal chiefs or rajas.

Social Structure

The social structure of Mahajanapadas was more stratified and hierarchical than that of the Rigvedas. The Mahajanapadas had a well-defined caste system, where the Brahmins were at the top of the hierarchy, followed by the Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. In contrast, the Rigvedas had a more egalitarian social system, where the importance was given to the individual's merit and abilities rather than their birth or caste.

Economic System

The Mahajanapadas had a more developed and diversified economy than that of the Rigvedas. The Mahajanapadas were engaged in trade and commerce, agriculture, and crafts. They had a well-developed system of coinage and trade routes. In contrast, the Rigvedas had a primarily pastoral economy, where the cattle played a vital role in their livelihood.

Religious Beliefs

The religious beliefs and practices of the Mahajanapadas were more diverse and complex than that of the Rigvedas. The Mahajanapadas had a pantheon of gods and goddesses and also practiced Buddhism and Jainism. In contrast, the Rigvedas had a simpler belief system, where they worshipped various gods and goddesses, and performed sacrifices to appease them.

Conclusion

Thus, the Mahajanapadas and Rigvedas differed significantly in terms of their geographical expansion, political structure, social organization, economic system, and religious beliefs. The Mahajanapadas were more evolved and advanced than the Rigvedas, and their emergence marked a significant turning point in the history of ancient India.

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