Table of contents | |
Introduction | |
The Mahajanapadas | |
Rise and Growth of the Magadha Empire | |
Causes of Magadha's Success |
From the sixth century B.C., the widespread use of iron in eastern Uttar Pradesh and western Bihar led to the formation of large territorial states. The adoption of iron weapons and new agricultural tools empowered the warrior class and increased food production. The surplus was used by princes for militaryand administrativeneeds and also benefited emerging towns. This developmentreinforced the territorial concept, with people pledging allegianceto their Janapadaor territory rather than the broader Jana to which they belonged.
Mahajanapadas in the Buddha's Age:
Powerful States:
Kingdom of Anga:
State of Vajjis:
Kingdom of Kashi:
Koshala:
Mallas:
Vatsas:
Kurus and Panchalas:
Avantis:
Magadha under Bimbisara:
Rivalries and Alliances:
Expansion and Conquests:
Dynastic Shifts:
Nandas:
Decline of Nandas and Rise of Mauryas:
Download the notes
Old NCERT Summary (RS Sharma): Territorial States & The First Magadhan Empire- 1
|
Download as PDF |
The march of the Magadhan empire during the two centuries preceding the rise of the Mauryas is similar to the Iranian expansion during the same period. The formation of the largest statein India during this period was thework of severalenterprisingand ambitious rulers such as Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, and Mahapadma Nanda. They employed all means, fair and foul, at their disposal to enlarge their kingdoms and strengthen their positions. But this was not the only reason for the expansion of Magadha.
There were some important factors:
Geographical Advantage:
Strategic Capitals:
Agricultural Fertility:
Economic Prosperity:
Military Innovation:
Unorthodox Social Structure:
Magadha's expansion was propelled by geographical advantages, strategic capitals, agricultural fertility, economic prosperity, military innovation, and a unique social structure, ultimately leading to the establishment of the first empire in India.
112 videos|505 docs|173 tests
|
1. What were the Mahajanapadas and how did they contribute to the rise of the Magadha Empire? |
2. What factors led to the success of the Magadha Empire? |
3. How did the Magadha Empire become the first major empire in ancient India? |
4. What role did the territory of Magadha play in its rise as an empire? |
5. How did the Magadha Empire promote trade and commerce? |