THE EARLIEST STATES : SIXTEEN MAHAJANPADS

THE EARLIEST STATES: SIXTEEN MAHAJANAPADAS

"The earliest states in Indian history are usually referred to sixteen mahajanapadas which flourished in North India during 6th century B.C. The Vedic civilisation by 7th and 6th century B.Chad extended beyond Himalayan region to the interiors of Indian sub-continent. The valley of Ganga and Yamuna along with Eastern India came under the spell of the Aryans. The territory south of Narmada was however left free from Aryan domination.

During this period, striking changes are to be observed in political domain when the tribal organisations changed their identity towards territorial identity. By 6th century B.C., many republics, janapadas or states emerged in North India. The internecine fights, mutual conflicts and internal rivalry among them led to the rise of bigger states or mahajanapadas by defeating the smaller ones. These bigger kingdoms made the kings or the chiefs more powerful were the heads of these territorial units. Thus, the political significance of 6th century B.C. has rightly been regarded as a turning point in early Indian history. In the words of Sir R.C. Majumdar,'

"Our knowledge of the political history becomes more precise and definite from 6th century B.C. and we can clearly perceive how the stage was gradually set for the rise of the great Magadhan empire which constitutes the most distinguished feature of the succeeding period.

The mythologies, account of Panini, the Jain and Buddhist texts refer to the existence of sixteen kingdoms (sodasa mahajanapada) that grew in North India during the period. The brahmanical texts like Aitareya Brahmana, Satapatha Brahmana, Ramayana, Mahabharat Harivamsa, various Puranas, Vyakarana of Panini, Jain texts like Kalpasutra, Uttaradhyana Sutra, Buddhist scriptures like Mahavamsa, Auguttara Nikaya, Majhima Nikaya, Kumbhakara Jataka, Mahaparinirvana Suttanta etc. refer to the presence of a number of kingdoms. Absence of a strong kingdom was naturally favourable for the emergence of smaller ones.

There are of course variations in the list supplied by the sources. But the Buddhist work Anguttara Nikaya seems accurate and is accepted by majority of scholars. The following mahajanapadas were in existence before the time of Buddha.

1. Kasi

2. Kosala

3. Anga

4. Magadha

5. Vriji(vajji)

6. Malla

7. Chedi

8. Vatsa (Vamsa)

9. Kuru

10. Panchala

11. Machcha (Matsya)

12. Surasena

13. Assaka (Ashmaka)

14. Avanti

15. Gandhara

16. Kamboja

The term 'mahajanapada' has been derived from 'janapada' which again comes from "Mama" Jama is a word which is used both in Sanskrit and Prakrit. Literally jana means tribe and the word janapada denotes foothold of a tribe. It was the early stage of land-settlement by a tribe as part of settled life. When one janapada or more was subjugated by the other, the latter's status was raised to mahajanapada. Therefore, mahajanapada stands for bigger states or kingdoms. These sixteen mahajanapadas constituted the pillars of political structure of contemporary period. During this period, Magadha alone attained the status of empire by subjugating the other mahajanapadas.

Let us have a brief description of these sixteen mahajanapadas.

 KASI

In 6th century B.C. Kasi was a wealthy and powerful state in eastern Uttar Pradesh with its capital at Varanasi (Benaras). The capital is so called being gifted by two rivers named Varuna and Asi from north and south. The rulers of nearby Anga, Magadha and Kosala had their coveted eyes on Kasi for its strategic location. Later on, it became a part of Kosala Kingdom.

KOSALA

The kingdom of Kosala roughly corresponds to modern Awadh or Oudh. River Saraju marked a dividing line between north and south with its two capitals at Sravasti and Kusavati respectively. Setavya, Ukkattha and Kitagiri were the other important cities. With the annexation of Kasi, Kosala emerged as one of the powerful kingdoms. Its ruler Prasenjit, was a great admirer of Buddha. There was a protracted struggle between Prasenjit and Ajatsatru, ruler of Magadha. In the long run,Kosala lost its independence to be absorbed within Magadhan empire.

ANGA

Ancient Angacomprises modern Bhagalpur and Monghyr districts of Bihar. The capital was Champa, situated at the confluence of the rivers namely Champa and Ganga. Capital city Champa was a centre of great mercantile importance. During the reign of Bimmbüsanter confirm Magadha, it formed an integral part of Magadhan empire.

MAGADHA

Patna and Gaya districts of modern Bihar state are identical with Magadha of ancient period. Its early capital was Girivraja or Rajagriha, later transferred to Pataliputra. Magadha came to prominence during the time of ruler Bimbisar and his son Ajatsatru. They followed the policy of war and conquest against other existing mahajanapadas. In this struggle for supremacy among kingdoms, Magadha came out with flying colours. Thus, Magadha mahajanapada was converted to Magadhan empire.

VRIJI OR VAJJI

Vriji was a confidency of eight clans out of which Videhans, Lichchhavis, Jnatrikas and Vrijis were the most important ones. The remaining others were Ugras, Bhogas, Kauravas and Aikshvakus. Vrijian confederacy continued from the north of Ganga and extended upto Nepal hills. Mithila (Janakpur) and Vaisali were the headquarters of the confederacy. It entered into a long rivalry with Magadha and ultimately became its component unit.

MALLA

The Malla territory was situated to the north of Vrijian confederacy. Referred as MallaBhumi or Malla-Rastra in Ramayana, it was bifurcated into two segments by river Kakuttha (Kuku) with capitals at Kusinara (Kasia in Gorakhpur) and Pava (Padrauna, 120 miles from Kasia). Both the places occupy significant position for the Buddhists as well as Jains. Buddha breathed his last at Kusinara where as Mahavir left for his heavenly abode at Pavapuri. Mallas retained their independence till Buddha's death and then became a prey to Magadhan imperialism.

CHEDI

The Chedis or Chetis or Chetayas had two distinct settlements - one in mountains of Nepal and the other in Budelkhand. The capital was at Suktimati (near Banda in U.P.). As ancient people, Chedis have found place in the pages of Rig veda. A branch of the Chedis founded a royal dynasty in Kalinga as is evident from Hatigumpha inscription of Chedi king Kharavela.

VATSA

The Vatsa or Vamsa kingdom has been identified with modern Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh. Its capital Kausambi (Kosam), 38 miles from Allahabad was a prosperous city. Also it was the entry-point for goods and passengers from the north-east and the south. In 6th century B.C. Udayama was the ruler of Vatsa who embraced Buddhism under the influence of monk Pindola.

.KURU

Kuumun ummaihwajanapada corresponds to Thanesvara, union territory of Delhi and Meerut district off Uttar Pradesh with capital at Indraprastha (Indrapatta). In Mahasutasoma Jataka and Jamim Utamadhyayana Sutra, there are references to Kuru kingdom. The inhabitants are also known as Kurus who had the reputation of having vast knowledge and good physique.

PANCHALA

Panchala kingdom of 6th century B.C. includes modern Badaun, Farrukhabad and adijoining districts of Uttar Pradesh. It had two divisions - North Panchala had its capital at Ahichatra (Ramnagar in Bareilly) and South Panchala with its capital at Kampilya (Kampil in Farrukhabad). The noted city of Kanyakubja or Kanauj flourished here. Panchala finds place in Mahabharat, Jain Uttaradhyayana Sutra, Buddhist texts like Kumbhakara Jataka and Divyavadan.

MATSYA

Modern Jaipur and Alwar in Rajasthan are identified with ancient Matsya mahajanapada with its capital at Viratanagar (modern Bairat). The feeble political importance of the state made it a part of Chedi territory. Later on, it got absorbed to Magadhan empire.

SURASENA

Surasana was situated to the south-west of Matsya territory and west of Yamuna river. Mathura of mythical fame for Krishna-worship was its capital. King Avantiputra of Surasena was the first among the chief disciples of Buddha. In course of time, Surasena was annexed to Magadhan empire.

 ASSAKA OR ASHMAKA

The kingdom of Assaka or Ashmaka was located in Dakshinapath or South India on the bank of the river Godavari, Potali or Potana (Bodhan in Nizam's dominion) was its capital. Vayu Purana, Mahagovinda Suttanta, Assaka Jataka, Chulla-Kalinga-Jataka contain reference to Assaka in their description.

AVANTI

Avanti was a powerful, influential state in Western India corresponding to modern Malwa, Nimar and the adjoining parts of Madhya Pradesh. River Vetrabati flowed between the kingdom. The northern part had its capital at Ujjain while Mahismati was the capital of southern part. Avanti was an important centre of Buddhism. The ruler of Avanti, king Pradyot was a contemporary of Buddha. He extended the boundary of his kingdom by subjugating the neighbouring rulers. Later on,Avanti itself was annexed to Magadha.

GANDHARA

Pesawar and Rawalpindi in present Pakistan correspond to ancient Gandhara. Takshasila (Taxila) was the capital city. It was an acclaimed both commercial and academic center. Especially the Takshasila University had earned name and fame both in national as well as international level. Scholars from all over the world used to come here for higher education.. King Pukkusati, contemporary of Magadhan king Bimbisar had sent an ambassador to his court. In the later half of 6th century B.C., Gandhara was occupied by the Persians as known from Behistan inscription of Darius.

KAMBOJA

Ancient Kamboja included the south-western part of Kashmir, Hazra district of North West Frontier province extending upto Kafiristan. Rajapura (Rajori) was its capital. Like Gandhara, it was also annexed to the Achaemenids of Persia.

The struggle for supremacy that started among these sixteen mahajanapadas, the growing kingdom of Magadha proved itself to be the most dominant power. Following the policy of annextions, it extended its boundary at the expense of neighbouring kingdoms. This growth of Magadha ultimately culminated in the emergence of Magadhan empire.

POLITY

It is found that while most of the mahajanapada were ruled by the kings, few among them were under oligarchy where power was shared by some powerful individuals. Each mahajanapada had a capital city which was the centre of administration. Again the states like Kosala, Malla, Panchala and Avanti had two capitals for administrative convenience due to the division of the kingdom by the flow of the river in between. This shows their efficient administrative set-up. It was during this period, Dharmasastras were composed that laid down the norms for the rulers and principles of administration. Gradually the concept of standing army and bureaucracy made its place in the administrative set-up. 

Among these sixteen mahajanapadas, the majority had their location in mid-India (Majjhimadesa), Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Assaka was in South India (Dakhinapatha). The last two kingdoms Gandhara and Kamboja belonged to Uttarapatha or the north-west division. Mutual jealously, rivalry among these states, prevented the growth of unity and harmony among them. In a struggle for supremacy that followed in 6th and 5th century B.C., the growing state of Magadha emerged as the most dominant one annexing the several other states of Majjhimadesa or mid-India. Then Indian history entered into a phase of Magadhan imperialism.

SOCIETY ECONOMY

A bird's eye view on the condition of these sixteen mahajanapadas throws much light on contemporary socio-economic condition. .

The social structure included both cities and villages. While the affluents like king or the royal officials resided in the towns and cities, village was the home to the commoners. The caste system was becoming more rigid with no place for inter-caste marriage. The defeated people of the war were treated as slaves.

Agriculture constituted the backbone of economy which included cultivation of rice, sugarcane, other grains, fruits and vegetables. Co-operative method of farming was prevalent which is evident from a system of joint irrigation and fencing of the fields. Arable lands were divided into small holdings for individual proprietorship. Depending upon production, tax was collected from 1/6th to 1/12th of the produce. The raids on neighbouring states were recognised as the legitimate means to acquire wealth and other resources. The other occupations of the period included cattle-rearing, trade and commercial activities.

The cultural heritage of the period is found in the folk culture as known from literary sources. No religious rules or instructions were there in the practice folk culture.

REPUBLICS

Apart from these sixteen mahajanapadas, we come across the existence of names of some self-governing units or small aristocratic republics in 6th century B.C. They are as follows.

1- Sakyas of Kapilavastu (Tilaura-kot in Nepal Tarai)

2- Koliyas of Ramagama (East of Sakya territory with river Rohini as dividing line)

 3- Bhaggas of Sumsumara Hill (Vindhayan region between Yamuna and Son rivers)

 4- Bulis of Allakapa (Probably between Sahabad and Muzzafarpur)

 5- Kalamas of Kesaputta (Probably situated on bank of Gomti river)

 6- Moriyas of Pipphalivana (Nyagrodhavana, lay about 54 miles west of Kusinara)

In all these republics, hereditary monarchy was absent. The Chief or the President was called as Ganapati or Ganajyestha, Ganaraja or Sanghamukhya. He was assisted by the council of elders. They used to meet in an assembly called Santhagara for the administrative deliberation of the republic.

To sum up, in 6th century B.C. the earlier states of sixteen mahajanapadas along with the existence of several republics in North India provided the political shape to the history of the country. It was an era associated with early emergence of states. In the process, the formation of states took a long step forward. In the race for imperial supremacy among these states, ultimately Magadha gained prominence and the growth of Magadha result in the emergence of Magadha empire.