6th century B.C. 16 Mahajanapadas were developed in India. Among them, Magadha flourished. It was Magadha that the Maurya dynasty established its dominance.
The rise of new religions
During this period, the centers of economic and political activity shifted from Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh to eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. There was fertile land due to high rainfall. The fruit of hal was found around 500 BC at a place called Jakheda in Etah district of western Uttar Pradesh . Evidence of iron has also been found from Rajghat, Kaushambi, Vaishali and Sonepur. Paddy, sugarcane and mustard were cultivated*. Cities were developed during this period. Pataliputra, Rajgarhia, Shravasti, Varanasi, in 600 and 300 BC. Cities like Vaishali, Champa, Kaushambi and Ujjayini etc. were developed. These cities became centers of craft and trade. Punch mark coins were received during this period. They had the symbols of crescent fish, trees and hills. These coins were of silver and copper. Jainism and Buddhism were born due to the evils of Vedic religion.
Principles of Jainism and Buddhism:
Mahavir Swami was the founder of Jainism. He was born in 599 BC in Kundagram near Vaishali in Bihar. He was the 24thand last Tirthankara of Jainism. He emphasized on attaining salvation. He emphasized on following Triratna and Panchmahavrata. He also emphasized on spiritism, reincarnation, karmaism and syadism. He opposed rituals, external hypocrisy.
The founder of Buddhism was Mahatma Buddha. He was born in 566 BC in a place called Lumbini located in the foothills of the hill of Nepal. He explained the four Aryan truths, the Ashtangika Path, the Ten Sheelas, the Middle Way, the Karmaism, the Anatmism, etc. He opposed rituals and external obstinacy. The influence of Buddhism has been immense in literature, art and religious fields.
Sixteen Mahajanapadas:
6th century B.C. 16 Mahajanapadas were developed. These included Anga, Magadha, Kashi, Kaushal, Sursen, Panchal, Kuru, Matsya, Chedi, Avanti, Gandhara, Kamboj, Yajji, Malla , Asmaka etc. Many of them were union groups while monarchical.
Origin of Magadha:
Magadha flourished into a vast empire. The contribution of the Haryak dynasty has been high in its flourishing. The first ruling enemy of this dynasty, Udai, contributed to the development of Magadha. King Shishunaga of Shishunga dynasty also contributed to the flourishing of Magadha. His son Kalashok contributed more to the upliftment of the Buddhists. Finally, the rule of King Dhanananda of Nanda dynasty was established on Magadha. He was an evil ruler. Chandragupta Maurya and Chanakya put an end to this. Thus, the ruling power of the Maurya Empire was established over Magadha. During the Mauryan period, the country progressed in all fields.
Rise of Maurya Empire:
In 321 BC, Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire. Information about the Mauryan Empire is found through Ashoka inscriptions, Kautilya's Arthashastra, Megasthenes' Indica, Kalhan's Rajtarangini, etc. Chandragupta Maurya conquered almost the entire north India, north west and very large regions of India with his military force. After that his son Bindusara ruled. After Bindusara, Ashoka became the king of Magadha. He conquered Kashmir and Kalinga. The Kalinga War had a great impact on him. He gave up fighting forever and embraced pacifist Buddhism. Pushyamitra Shunga sat on the throne of Magadha after killing Brihadratha, the last king of the Maurya dynasty.
Ashoka and his Dhamma:
Ashoka propagated Buddhism. He gave the name of Dhamma to human religion. There was truth, purity, good behavior, etc. in his dhamma. He gave importance to public welfare. He did many works for the propagation of Buddhism. He respected all religions.
Fall of Maurya's:
The collapse of the Mauryan Empire was due to the vastness of the rule, the unqualified successor of Ashoka, the vacancy of the treasury, the lack of succession rules, Ashoka's liberal policy, etc.
India under Mauryan rule Central rule was strong in India during the Mauryan period. The king was omnipotent, but he also took care of the welfare of the people. There was a council of ministers to assist the king. Provincial governance was also well-organized. At the local level, the village and the city were ruled. The military and police system was also strong. The intelligence system was also good. The state did fair justice. He severely punished the criminals. Everyone was considered equal before the law. The king gave more importance to public welfare.
Economy, Society and Art:
The economic system of the country was good in the Mauryan period. Agriculture, animal husbandry, industry and trade etc. were at an advanced stage. Agricultural production was high. Trade at the national and international level was at an advanced stage. There were four varnas in the society such as Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. The position of Brahmins and Kshatriyas was strong. The condition of the Shudras was low. Architecture, painting and modrikala flourished a lot in the Mauryan period.
Mauryan Economy, Society and Art
Mauryan Economy:
The main occupation of the people in the Mauryan period was agriculture. The Mauryan emperors built new agro-based places to make the vacant land cultivable. People and prisoners of war from where the population was high were settled here to cultivate. The kings of this period made proper arrangements for irrigation. Provide wells, canals, dams and ponds etc. At that time, grains like wheat, wheat, sugarcane, pulses, peas , oilseeds etc. were produced. At that time cottage industry and trade were also the means of livelihood of the people. The major centers of textile making were Varanasi, Mathura, Bengal, Gandhar and Ujjain etc. Trade was done both by land and waterway. The largest trading center in the northwest was Taxila. At that time, there were important ports like Tamrascript in the east and Bharuch in the west. Crafts were also a good source of income during the Mauryan period. Merchants and artisans were organized as organizations. It was called a category or guild. The Mauryan emperor had a monopoly in the production of iron.
Mauryan Society:
The varna system was prevalent in the Mauryan period. Brahmins and Kshatriyas had the highest position in the society. Due to the development of trade, commerce, the condition of the Vaishyas had improved. The condition of the Shudras had also improved. They had the right to participate in farming and craft related works. The population of untouchables was also very high in the Mauryan period. Due to the rise of Jainism and Buddhism, the influence of Vedic religion had diminished.
Mauryan art:
The Mauryan period has provided our country with the oldest specimens of ancient Indian art and architecture. Magsthenes has mentioned in detail the beauty of the palace of Pataliputra.
The remains of this palace have been found in Kumhrar near Patna. The best specimens of stone sculpture making developed during the Mauryan period have been found in the form of Ashoka Pillars of Rampurwa, Lauria, Nandangarh and Sarnath. The national symbol of our country is derived from the Ashoka Pillar of Sarnath near Banaras. All these pillars are circular and are carved out of the same stone. These are made of sandy stone. These have been obtained from a place called Chunar near Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh. Architectural specimens made by cutting in some rocks associated with the Mauryan period have been found from the Lomas Rishi Cave built in the hills of Barbara near Gaya. Many stone and clay sculpture samples have also been found polished during the Mauryan period. The female statue in the form of a stone yakshini has been obtained from Didarganj, which is considered to be superior in terms of art. In this way, we can say that sculpture, architecture and painting had developed in the Mauryan period.
Major teachings of Jainism:
The main teachings of Jainism are as follows:
(1) Retirementism: Jainism mentioned that a person can attain happiness only after retiring.
(2) Triratna Mahavir Swami has described three means for attaining salvation, which are called Triratna. For example, (a) proper knowledge, (b) right speech and (c) right character.
(3) Panchmahavrata: In Jainism, emphasis has been laid on the observance of truth, non-violence, asteya, aparigraha and celibacy etc.
Mahavir Swami emphasized that the soul is immortal and immortal while the body is perishable. The soul has many forms.
(5) Reincarnation: Man is born again and again and dies to enjoy the fruits of his deeds.
(6) Karmaism: In Jainism, emphasis is laid on doing the best deeds.
(7) Disbelief of Vedas: Mahavir Swami has considered the Vedas to be inauthentic. His words have been called false.
(8) Syadism: In Jainism, it has been said that a person should not think that his thoughts are right and that the thoughts of others are wrong, but he should accept that the views of others can also be correct to some extent.
Major teachings of Buddhism:
The main teachings of Buddhism are as follows
(1) Four Aryan Truths: There are four things in it. For example, there is suffering in the world. (b) The cause of sorrow is cravings or desires. (c) Suppression of thirst is necessary for the destruction of suffering. (d) It is necessary to follow the eight-fold path for the destruction of thirst.
(2) Ashtangika Path: Mahatma Buddha has given eight paths. Such as (a) right speech, (b) proper vision, (c) right resolution, (d) right livelihood, (a) proper work, (c) proper exercise, (l) right intelligence, (v) proper samadhi etc.
(3) Disbelief in the soul : Mahatma Buddha did not believe in the soul. They don't believe in its presence.
(4) Karmaism is the inspiration to do the best deeds in Buddhism.
(5) Middle Way: Gautama Buddha has made it clear that one should not give too much pain to one's body and should not give too much rest.
(6) Transientism: Mahatma Buddha has made it clear that this world is fleeting. In this, all things are unstable.
(7) Nirvana: Mahatma Buddha has taught to do good deeds for attaining salvation.
(8) Ten Sheelas: Mahatma Buddha gave truth, non-violence, asteya, aparigrah, celibacy, renunciation of untimely food, renunciation of soft bed, renunciation of Kanchan Kamini, renunciation of aromatic and intoxicating , Emphasis has also been laid on the observance of dance songs etc. Of these, the first five things are considered necessary for the householders, while all ten things are said to be necessary for the sannyasis.
Janapada : Important Questions and Answers
Question1. Write the names of the places where evidence of iron tools was found during the 6th century BC.
Answer: Jakheda, Rajghat, Kaushambi, Vaishali and Sonepur
Question2. Give details of some of the important trade routes and trade centers of this period.
Answer: Pataliputra, Rajgarhia, Shravasti, Varanasi, Vaishali, Champa , Kaushambi and Ujjayini etc. were the centers of trade. Varanasi, a town connected to Shravasti and Kaushambi, was the main centre of trade. Shravasti was also interconnected through Kapilvastu and Kushinagar. Traders used to go to Magadh and Kaushal via Mathura and Takshashila for trade. Mathur had become a major centre of transit for travelling to Ujjain and the coastal areas of Gujarat.
Question3. Why were ancient coins called Panchmark coins?
Answer: Because the symbols of crescent moon, fish, hill, etc. have been found on these coins. For this reason, these coins are called Panchmark coins (coins made in mold mold).
Question4. Who laid the foundation of the Aajeevika sect?
Answer: Magali Ghoshal
Question5. Which three elements are named 'Triratna' in the doctrine of Jainism?
Answer: Proper belief, proper knowledge and proper behavior.
Question6. Which are the two branches of Jainism?
Answer: Digambar and Shwetambar
Question 7. Where did Buddha give his first sermon?
Answer: Sarnath
Question 8. What are the four great truths and ashtanga paths in Buddhism?
Answer: In Buddhism, there are four Aryan truths (1) suffering, (2) sorrow community, (3) sorrow prevention, (4) sorrow resistance, gamini pratipada, etc. whereas in the eight-fold path there are (1) right vision, (2) right karma, (3) right speech, (4) right livelihood, (5) right samadhi, (6) right resolution , (7 ) right cleverness. (8) Proper exercise, etc.
Question 9. What did Buddha teach about suffering?
Answer: To get rid of suffering, Buddha has taught suppression of desires. He has inspired us to follow the eight-fold path of suppression of desires.
Question 10. Which language did Buddha use to propagate his principles?
Answer: Pali
Q.11 What is the difference between Mahayana and Hinayana?
Answer: In the Mahayana sect, they started using Sanskrit language and worshiping Mahatma Buddha as an idol, whereas in the Hinayana sect, they use Pali language and consider Mahatma Buddha as their guide.
Question 12. What did Buddhism contribute to the field of literature and art?
Answer: Scholars of Buddhism had composed many texts. Such as Tripitaka, Milindpanho, Buddhacharita etc. In the form of stupas, rock-cut caves and paintings, Buddhism is considered a symbol of inspiration due to the advancement of art and architecture. Art samples can be seen at places like Sanchi, Bharuch, Amravati and Ajanta. The art of Gandhara and Mathura was also inspired by Buddhism.
Question 13. Write the names of any four Mahajan posts of the 6th century BC.
Answer: (1) Ang, (2) Magadha, (3) Kashi, (4) Skill etc.
Question 14. What was the difference between The League of Nations and Monarchy?
Answer: There was administrative rule in the Gana Sangha in which an elected king ruled with the help of a large council or assemblies. In which the heads of all the important clans and families participated, whereas in the monarchy, the king was hereditary. He was autocratic and voluntary. He himself was the chief in the government-related work.
Question 15. Which was the most important association in the 6th century BC?
Answer: Vaishali
Question 16. What policies did Bimbsara adopt to expand his empire?
Answer: Bimbsara adopted three policies to expand his empire: (1) establishing marital relations, (2) befriending powerful kings, (3) conquering weak kings.
Question 17. How did geographical elements play an important role in the rise of Magadha?
Answer: Girivraj or Rajgir, the ancient capital of Magadha, was surrounded by five hills on all sides. These hills protected it as a natural fort. Similarly, the yield from the fertile land of the river valley here facilitated the formation of a very large army. This army won the wars. People here got timber and elephants from the southern regions. Magadha was in control of the iron mine near south Bihar. This led to the acquisition of weapons and agricultural tools. This increased production and also led to success in wars.
Question 18. What was the name of the capital of Magadha?
Answer: Rajgir or Rajgir
Question 19. Name the two rulers with whom Ajatshatru fought wars?
Answer: Prasenjit and Chetak
Question 20. Who was the most prominent ruler of Nanda dynasty?
Answer: Mahapadmanand
Question 21. During the reign of which ruler was the 2nd Buddhism Conference held?
Answer: Black
Question 22. What are the main sources for writing Mauryan history?
Answer: Ashoka's records are an important source for writing Mauryan history. Out of these records, 44 records are of such a type which are engraved on rocks and pillars. Apart from this, sources like Panchmark coins, remains of Ashoka's palace located in Kumhar and pieces of statues are also considered important. Megasthenes' Indica, Kautilya's Arthashastra, Deepadynasty and Mahavamsa Buddhist texts, Vishakhadutt's Mudrarakshas, etc. are also the main sources of Mauryan history.
Question 23. In which language and script are most of the inscriptions of Ashoka written?
Answer: Prakrit and Brahmi
Question 24. Who is the author of Indica?
Answer: Magsthenes
Question 25. Who was the last Mauryan ruler?
Answer: Brihadratha
Question 26. What do Ashoka inscriptions tell us about Dhamma?
Answer: An in-depth study of the Ashoka inscriptions reveals that dhamma included basic characteristics such as kindness, charity, truth, purity and good behavior.
Question 27. How did Ashoka deal with other religions?
Answer: Ashoka's behavior with other religions was of tolerance. He respected all religions. Ashoka did the work of welfare of people of all religions. He gave religious freedom to the people. He did not discriminate on the basis of religion.
Question 29. What were the functions of dhamma mahamataras?
Answer: Care of Brahmins and all other types of monks
Question 30. After the death of Ashoka, which two rulers ruled over two parts?
Answer: Dasharatha and Samprati
Question 31. What was the impact of Mauryan rule on Indian history later on?
Answer: This led to the expansion of iron technology and agriculture, which led to the emergence of many regional states in India.
Q.32 Which officer of Mauryan period was responsible for the assessment and collection of taxes?
Answer:
Question 33. Under the supervision of which officer was the cultivation on the land owned by the royal owner?
Answer: Chairman.
Question 34. What is the name of the rock cut cave in Barbara hills near Gaya?
Answer: Lomasa Rishi Cave near Gaya
Question 35. Why did the Vaishyas protect Buddhism and Jainism?
Answer- Jainism and Buddhism emphasized on peace, equality and good deeds. Both these religions opposed rituals, external rituals, and expensive sacrifices. This religion also emphasized charity, frugality, non-violence and good social behavior. Due to economic progress, vaishyas emerged in this period. The Vaishya class gave protection to Jainism and Buddhism to get a good place in the social level.
Question 36. What are the main features of Ashoka's Dhamma policy?
Answer- Ashoka's Dhamma was a code of conduct or a kind of ideal social behavior. It is seen in all religions of the world. Ashok had requested the public to accept this. The basic characteristics of Ashoka's Dhamma were compassion, charity, dakshina, truthfulness, purity and good behavior etc. Ashoka also gave inspiration to control violence, anger and jealousy. He had inspired us to respect our parents, relatives, Brahmins and shramanas.
Question 37. Why did Ashoka follow the policy of Dhamma?
Answer- As soon as half of Ashoka's rule ended, his empire had expanded a lot. There were people of different culture, society and religion in this empire. There were mutual differences. Therefore, this led to political tension. In order to protect the empire from such political tensions, Ashoka took the path of bringing unity by creating a sense of harmony and harmony among the various groups so that their mutual fighting could end and peace could be established. Therefore, for this reason, Ashoka followed the policy of Dhamma.
Question 38. What efforts did the Maurya's make to collect excessive taxes?
Answer- The Maurya's built new agricultural places to make the fallow land useful for agriculture. People and prisoners of war were brought here from places with high population to work in the fields. The owners of the villages were kings themselves. In addition to the state agricultural areas, there were also owners of private land. These people used to pay many types of taxes to the state. Farmers on irrigated land were charged a higher amount of tax. Sacrifice was the main part of the land tax tax. It was charged at the rate of quantity equal to one-sixth of the total yield. Farmers also had to pay other taxes. Such as Pindkar, Hiranyakar, Bhag and Bhog kara etc.
Question 39. Give a detailed account of the contribution of Maurya's in the field of art.
Answer- The palace built in Pataliputra, stone sculptures, Ashoka Pillar of Sarnath, etc. have been the best examples of art in the form of Mauryan art. All the pillars of Ashoka were made of circular and carved out of the same stone. These pillars are made of sandy stone. Such pillars have been found at a place called Chunar near Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh. Mauryan architectural specimens are carved into rocks and is located in the Lomas Rishi cave in the Barbara hills near Gaya. Many stone and clay sculpture samples of this period are polished. In Didarganj, a stone statue of a woman has been found in the form of Yakshini. It's stealing in your hand. This sculpture is considered to be the best specimen of art.
Question 40. Where were the cities developed during the district period? Barbara
Answer: During the district period, cities were developed in the valley of Central Ganga.
Which cities were developed in 600 and 300 BC?
Answer: In 600 and 300 BC, cities like Pataliputra, Rajgarhia, Shravasti, Varanasi, Vaishali, Champa , Kaushambi and Ujjayini etc. were developed.
Question 42. When and where was Mahavir Swami born?
Answer: Mahavir Swami was born in 599 BC at a place called Kundagram near Vaishali in Bihar.
Question 44. Which are the panchamahavratas of Jainism?
Answer: The Panchmahavrata of Jainism is (1) truth, (2) non-violence, (3) asteya, (4) aparigraha and (5) celibacy etc.
Question 45. When and where was Mahatma Buddha born?
Answer: Mahatma Buddha was born in 566 BC in a forest called Lumbini.
Question 46. What is dharmachakra propagation?
Answer: Mahatma Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath. This phenomenon is called dharmachakra pravartan.
Question 47. Where and when did Mahatma Buddha get married?
Answer: Mahatma Buddha's Nirvana took place in Kushinagar in 486 BC.
Question 48. What are the two sects of Buddhism?
Answer: The two sects of Buddhism are Hinayana and Mahayana.
Question 49. What were the main centers of political activity in the 6th century BC?
Answer: 6th century BC. The major centers of political activity in the state were Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Question 50. Which was the most powerful state among the Mahajanapadas? Write the name of its capital.
Answer: Vajji was the most powerful state among the Mahajanapadas. Its capital was Vaishali.
Question 51. Who was the first ruler of Magadha? What was his reign?
Answer: The first ruler of Magadha was Bimbasra. He ruled from 544 BC to 492 BC.
Question 52. Who was the last ruler of Nanda dynasty? Who ended it?
Answer: The last ruler of Nanda dynasty was Ghanananda. It was ended by Chandragupta Maurya with the help of Chanakya.
Question 53. What is the name of the author of economics?
Answer: Kautilya wrote economics.
Question 54. Who was the founder of Maurya Empire?
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Maurya Empire.
Question 5 5. When did Ashoka attack Kalinga?
Answer: What effect did it have on Ashoka's life? Ashoka invaded Kalinga around 261 BC. Ashoka's heart was moved by the bloodshed of this war. He gave up fighting forever and embraced Buddhism.
Question 56. Who ended the Maurya dynasty? After this, who gained power in power?
Answer: Brihadtha, the last king of the Maurya dynasty, was killed by general Pushyamitra Shunga and ended the Maurya dynasty. Pushyamitra Shunga himself became the ruler.
Question 57. What was the contribution of Bimbsara in the rise of Magadha Empire?
Answer- Bimbsara, the first ruler of the Haryak dynasty, has contributed the most in the upliftment of the Magadha Empire. He ruled Magadha from 544 BC to 492 BC. • Bimbsara adopted three types of policy to make his empire powerful. For example: (1) Establishing marital relations. (2) Befriending powerful kings. (3) Victory over neighboring weak kings, etc. Bimbsar first married Kaushala Devi, sister of Kaushal Naresh Prasenjit. In this, he found the state of Kashi in Dahej. He married Chhalana or Chetna, daughter of Chetak, the chief of the Lichhavi dynasty. The third marriage was to Videha Princess Vasvi. The fourth marriage was to Princess Khema of northern Punjab. He attacked Anga and defeated King Brahmadutt there. He also did public welfare works.
Question 58. Highlight the main reasons for the decline of the Mauryan Empire.
Answer- The following reasons have been responsible for the decline of the Maurya Empire
(1) Weakness of central rule: Due to the large maurya empire, the incompetent king could not take proper care of it.
The central government became weak. This led to the collapse of the empire.
(2) Incompetent succession: Ashoka's successors were ineligible. They could not govern properly.
(3) Military weakness: Ashoka had stopped fighting. Therefore, no attention was paid to the army. The army was weak. Such an army could not withstand foreign invasions.
(4) Blank Treasury: Ashoka had spent more and more money on works of public interest. So the kings after that found empty treasures. They could not do anything due to lack of money.
Question 59. Mention the administration of Chandragupta Maurya.
Answer- Chandragupta Maurya implemented good governance system in the country. He strengthened the central government. For this purpose, he concentrated all the powers related to governance in his hands. He was an autocratic and arbitrary ruler, but he gave more importance to public welfare. He also divided the government into provinces. An officer named Governorate was appointed to govern the provinces. Local government was divided into two parts. Such as (1) village governance, (2) city governance. He also made police and intelligence arrangements. He also formed a strong army.
Question 60. What did Ashoka do for the propagation of Buddhism?
Answer- Ashoka accepted Buddhism after the conquest of Kalinga. He made Buddhism the state religion. He organized the third Buddhist fellowship in Pataliputra. He built monasteries, viharas, and chaityas for the Buddhist monks to live in. He followed the main principle of Buddhism, non-violence. He stopped eating meat for this purpose. Stop slaughtering animals. I stopped hunting. He sent his son Mahendra daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka to propagate Buddhism.