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Old NCERT Gist (RS Sharma): Territorial States and the First Magadhan Empire | Additional Study Material for UPSC PDF Download

Reasons behind the rise of territorial states

  • rise of iron-based agricultural economy led to increasing agricultural surpluses which could finance the standing army of state.
  • increasing need for agricultural land led to wars and expansion.
  • People owed strong allegiance to janpada (territory) rather than to their jana (tribe).

About Mahajanapadas

  • There were 16 Mahajanpadas in the age of Buddha from the north ofI     Vindhyas to the west of Bihar.
  • Four most powerful empires were: Vatsa, Avanti, Kosala, and Magadha.
  • Magadha consisted of Modem day Patna. Gaya and Parts of shahbad
  • Vajjis included eight class among them most powerful were Licchavis with capital at Vaishali.
  • Kosala (Eastern UP) had their capital at Sravasti.
  • Avanti (central Malwa and MP) had Northern capital at Ujjain and southern at Mahishmati.

Rise and Growth of Magadha Empire

  • Bimbisara was the founder of Magadha Empire who belonged to Hiryanka dynasty
  • He followed the policy of aggrandizement and conquest. He also forged matrimonial alliances by marrying the daughters of Koshala, Licchavi and Madra dynasties.
  • He became friends with Mahasena of Avanti and received embassy from ruler of Gandhara

➢ Their first capital was at Rajgir
(i) Ajatshatru: successor of Bimbisara, also followed aggressive policy of expansion and won battles against Kosala and Lichhavis.

(ii) Udayin: Built Patna fort on confluence of Ganga and Son because of Patna’s strategic location.

(iii) Sisungas: Temporarily shifted capital to Vaishali and destroyed Avanti, ending the 100-year conflict. Ujjain remained in Magadhan empire till end of Maurya rule.

Rise of Mighty Nandas

  • Nandas captured power from Mauryans and succeeded Sisunaga. They Captured Kalinga.
  • Alexander invaded Punjab but did not move East fearing the Nandas.
  • Mahapadma Nanda(title ekarat) - sole sovereign) was the most powerful. Maintained a large army via an efficient tax collection system.
  • Later Nandas were unpopular and weak.
  • The rule was taken over by Mauryas during Dhanananda.

An Assessment of Magadha Empire

  • Ambitious and enterprising rulers.
  • Advantageous geographic location. Rich deposits of iron in vicinity, enabling superior weapons. Iron deposits were also found near eastern MP (Avanti). So, Avanti proved to be a tougher competitor compared to others.
  • Rajgir was impregnable. Second capital at Pataliputra was on confluence of 3 rivers Ganga, Gandak and Son. Army could move in all directions quickly, which was advantageous during wars. Pataliputra was called jaldurg (water fort).
  • Fertile alluvial plains = surplus agricultural produce = more taxes = more money = better army.
  • Rise of towns and use of coins consequently trade expanded in north India
  • Military organization: First state to use elephants in warfare.
  • Unorthodox character of Magadhan society: original inhabitants were looked down upon by orthodox Brahmanas, Advent of Vedic religion and more enthusiasm for expansion than the kingdoms.
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FAQs on Old NCERT Gist (RS Sharma): Territorial States and the First Magadhan Empire - Additional Study Material for UPSC

1. What were the reasons behind the rise of territorial states during the Mahajanapada period?
Ans. The rise of territorial states during the Mahajanapada period can be attributed to various factors such as economic and agricultural development, trade, urbanization, and the need for political organization and control over resources. As agricultural productivity increased, surplus food production led to the growth of urban centers and trade networks, which in turn created the need for centralized political authority to manage and protect these resources.
2. What were the characteristics and significance of the Mahajanapadas?
Ans. The Mahajanapadas were large territorial states that emerged in ancient India during the 6th century BCE. They were characterized by centralized political authority, organized military forces, and urban centers. The Mahajanapadas played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of ancient India, as they laid the foundation for the rise of larger empires and contributed to the development of administrative systems, trade networks, and cultural exchange.
3. How did the Magadha Empire rise and grow during ancient India?
Ans. The Magadha Empire, centered around the region of modern-day Bihar, rose to prominence during the Mahajanapada period. It started as a small kingdom and gradually expanded its territory through conquests and alliances. The rulers of Magadha, such as Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, implemented effective administrative and military strategies, which helped in consolidating their power and expanding the empire. The growth of Magadha Empire was also supported by the fertile agricultural lands and the strategic location of the region.
4. Who were the Nandas and how did they contribute to the rise of the Magadha Empire?
Ans. The Nandas were a dynasty that ruled over the Magadha Empire during the 4th century BCE. They rose to power after overthrowing the ruling dynasty of the Shishunagas. The Nandas played a crucial role in extending the boundaries of the empire through military campaigns and conquests. They also implemented various administrative and economic reforms, such as the introduction of a centralized taxation system and efficient governance, which contributed to the growth and prosperity of the Magadha Empire.
5. How would you assess the significance of the Magadha Empire in ancient Indian history?
Ans. The Magadha Empire holds immense significance in ancient Indian history. It served as a political and cultural center, attracting scholars, philosophers, and merchants from different parts of India and beyond. The empire's military prowess and territorial expansion laid the foundation for the subsequent Mauryan Empire, which became one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient India. The administrative and economic reforms introduced by the Magadhan rulers also had a lasting impact on the governance and socio-economic structure of the region.
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