Question

Date: Worksheet-7 The Early States- Janapadas and Mahajanapadas Define : 1. Varnas 2. Mahajanapadas 3. Janapadas​

Answer 1

Answer:

Janapadas

Mahajanapadas

1500 BC to the 6th century BC 600 BC – 345 BC

The Sanskrit term “Janapada” compound term, made up of two words: janas and pada. Jana means “people” or “subject” The word pada means “foot” Mahajapadas is a compound term consisting of maha meaning “great”, and janapada meaning”foothold of a people

The Janapada was the highest political unit in Ancient India during this period. They were usually monarchical in nature though some followed a republican form of government The Mahajanapads still retained their monarchial nature while some of the republics came under the control of powerful oligarchs

The transition from the Bronze age (3000 BC – 1000 BC) to the Iron Age (1500–200 BC) happened during the time of the Janapadas The era of the Mahajanapadas saw the emergence of India’s first large cities after the demise of the Indus Valley Civilization, as well as the rise of Buddhism and Jainism which challenged the religious orthodoxy of the Vedic Period.

As per Vedic literature, some of the following Janapadas were mentioned:

Alina

Anu

Gandhari

Kalinga

Matsya

As per Buddhist and Jain sources, the following are some of the Mahajapadas that are mentioned:

Chedi

Gandhara

Kosala

Magadha

You can know more in detail about these two types of kingdoms and read similar articles by referring to the links given below:

16 Mahajanapadas

Rise and Growth of the Magadha Empire

Difference Between Nayanars and Alvars

Difference Between History and Prehistory

Difference Between the Early Vedic Period and Later Vedic Period

Aside from these, candidates can also check the article given below to know more about the related topics. These linked articles can help the students to learn topics like in a detailed way.

Frequently Asked Questions on Difference between Janapadas and Mahajanapadas

Q 1. What do you mean by Janapadas?

Ans. The Janapadas was the highest political unit in Ancient India between 1500 BC to the 6th century

Q 2. What do you mean by Mahajanapadas?

Ans. The Mahajapadas were the kingdoms that saw the emergence of India’s first large cities after the demise of the Indus Valley Civilization. There are sixteen Mahajanapadas.