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Consider the following statements with reference to the Mahajanapadas :
1. Mahajanapadas never followed the system of oligarchy
2. Mahajanapadas depended only on occasional gifts brought by people and there was no system of regular taxation
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Consider the following statements with reference to the Mahajanapadas ...
Explanation:

Statement 1: Mahajanapadas never followed the system of oligarchy

- The statement is incorrect as some Mahajanapadas did follow the system of oligarchy, where power was concentrated in the hands of a few elite individuals or families.
- Oligarchy was prevalent in some Mahajanapadas like Magadha, Kosala, and Vajji, where ruling power was in the hands of a select few.
Statement 2: Mahajanapadas depended only on occasional gifts brought by people and there was no system of regular taxation

- This statement is also incorrect as Mahajanapadas did have a system of regular taxation in place.
- The rulers of Mahajanapadas collected taxes from the people to maintain their administration, defense, and other activities.
- The taxes collected included both direct taxes on land, trade, and professions, as well as indirect taxes like tolls and customs duties.
Conclusion

- In conclusion, both statements are incorrect as Mahajanapadas did have a system of taxation and some also followed the system of oligarchy.
- It is important to understand the socio-political structure of Mahajanapadas to have a comprehensive understanding of ancient Indian history.
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Community Answer
Consider the following statements with reference to the Mahajanapadas ...
  • The Mahajanapadas were sixteen kingdoms or oligarchic republics that existed in ancient India from the sixth to fourth centuries BCE during the second urbanisation period. Most of these kingdoms were monarchical in nature, but some of them, called Gana sangha, had an oligarcharical system of governance. In this system, unlike monarchies, where a hereditary king rules, the administration was run by an elected king with the help of a large council or assemblies comprising heads of all important clans and families. This system was certainly more democratic than monarchy, though the common man had no participation in the administration. The most important of these states was that of Vajjis, with their capital at Vaishali, which the Lichchhavis ruled. These oligarchies mainly existed in the foothills of the Himalayas. So, Statement 1 is not correct.
  • As the rulers of the mahajanapadas were building huge forts and 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 were the most important. This was because most people were farmers. Usually, the tax was fixed at 1/6th of what was produced. This was known as bhaga or a share.
    • There were taxes on crafts persons as well. These could have been in the form of labour. For example, a weaver or a smith may have had to work for a day every month for the king.
    • Herders were also expected to pay taxes in the form of animals and animal products.
    • There were also taxes on goods that were bought and sold through the trade.
    • Even hunters and gatherers also had to provide forest produce to the raja. So, Statement 2 is not correct.
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Consider the following statements with reference to the Mahajanapadas :1. Mahajanapadas never followed the system of oligarchy2. Mahajanapadas depended only on occasional gifts brought by people and there was no system ofregular taxationWhich of the statements given above is/are correct ?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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