Long Questions: Kingdoms, Kings and an Early Republic | NCERT Summary: UPSC PDF Download

Q1: Discuss the four Varnas of the later vedic period.
Ans: The Four Varnas. The priests divided people of the ancient India (of Later Vedic Age) into four groups, called Varnas. According to them, each Varna had a different set of functions to perform.

• The brahmins: The first Varna was that of the brahmin. Brahmins were expected to study and teach the Vedas, perform sacrifices and receive gifts.
• The Kshatriyas: In the second place were the rulers, also known as Kshatriyas. They were expected to fight battles and protect people.
• The Vish or the Vaishyas: Third were the Vishs or the Vaishyas. They were expected to be farmers, herders and traders. Both the Kshatriyas and the Vaishyas could also perform sacrifices.
• The Shudras: Last were the shudras, who had to serve the other three groups and could not perform any rituals. Generally, women were also grouped with the shudras. Both women and shudras were not allowed to study the Vedas.

Q2: What was the basis of the Varna system, according to the priests? Why did people oppose the system of Varnas?
Ans: 

• Basis of the Varnas:
  • The priests declared that four groups of the people were decided on the basis of birth. For instance, if one’s father and mother were brahmins one would automatically become a brahmin and so on.
  • Later on, the priests classified some people as untouchable. These included some crafts persons, hunters and gatherers, as well as people who helped perform burials and cremations. The priests said that contact with these groups was polluting.
• Causes of Passion of the system of Varnas. Many people did not accept the system of Varna laid down by the brahmins:
  • Some kings thought they were superior to the priests.
  • Other people felt that birth could not be a basis for deciding which varna people belonged to.
  • Besides, some people felt that there should be no differences amongst people based on occupation.
  • Other people favoured that everybody should be able to perform rituals.
  • And some people condemned the practice of untouchability.
  • There were many areas in the subcontinent, such as the north-east, where social and economic differences were not very sharp and where the influence of the priests was limited.

Q3: Explain Magadha mahajanpada.
Ans: Magadha became the most prominent Mahajanapada in roughly two hundred years. Magadha was home to many major and enriched rivers, including the Son and the Ganga. These rivers were vital for transportation, water supply, and soil fertility. Magadha had several forested areas. From the forests, wild elephants were kidnapped and trained for the army. Forests also supplied wood for waggons, chariots, and dwellings. In the Magadha region, there were iron ore mines that could be used to build strong tools and weapons.

Q4: Why did forts became an important part of Mhajanpadas?
Ans: The Mahajanapadas rajas erected forts for a variety of purposes. The forts were used for a variety of purposes. The fortifications kept the city safe and secure from outside attacks.
If Rajas had fortified districts, they might have had better control over their subjects. The fortification of the area aided in the control of both the land and the inhabitants. To demonstrate their wealth as well as their strength, several rajas built towering, huge, and spectacular fort walls around their cities. They wanted to demonstrate their dominance.

Q5: How today’s elections to chose rulers are different from the elections that took place in Janpadas around 3000 years ago?
Ans: Elections now are substantially different from those that occurred roughly 3000 years ago. Today, the people elect their rulers. The right to vote and choose their own leaders is guaranteed to all citizens. The leaders are chosen by a popular vote. To be chosen as a ruler in the Janapadas, a person had to demonstrate his supremacy. To be recognised and approved, the rajas had to organise the Ashwamedha Yajna. A great monarch was regarded as a raja who performed such a sacrifice.

Q6: Explain different types of Varnas.
Ans: People were classified using Varnas. In the society, there were various types of people. They were categorised based on their occupation.
There were four different kinds of Varna systems:

• Brahmin (Priests): These were the most well-liked members of society. They used to study the Vedas and preach and teach from them.
• Kshatriyas (Warriors): These were the individuals who waged wars and safeguarded the people.
• Vaishyas (Traders): Farmers, herdsmen, and traders were among the Vaishyas.
• Sudras (Servants): These people used to serve and obey the three people mentioned above. Sudras were shunned by the three Varnas mentioned above. They didn't have the legal right to study the Vedas.

Q7: What were taxes? Explain.
Ans: For the Mahajanada rulers, acquiring resources and money grew increasingly vital as fortifications and large armies became more significant. Officials were appointed to collect money.
Taxes were collected in a variety of ways:
(a) Crop Taxes: 1/6th of the whole crop was required to be paid to the king in the form of Bhaga or share.
(b) Labour Taxes: Every labourer was required to work for the king one day every month. It didn't matter who they were, such as waiver or blacksmith. Taxes were collected from herders in the form of animals and animal products.
(c) Trading Taxes: Every good purchased or sold was subject to a tax.