Q1. Why were the Mahajanapadas considered to be
more powerful than the Janapadas?
Answers
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According to this ritual, a horse was set loose to wander freely. The Raja’s men guarded it. If the horse wandered into other kingdoms and the rajas of those kingdoms stopped it, then they had to fight. However, if they allowed the horse to pass, then they accepted that the raja performing the sacrifice was stronger than them.
Once the horse was back after the fights, if any, a sacrifice was organized honouring and recognizing the raja as being the most powerful king. Specially trained priests performed this sacrifice with an invitation to all other rajas.
In this ritual, the raja who was being revered was given a special seat – either a throne or a tiger’s skin. His wives and sons also had to perform some minor rituals. Every raja had a charioteer who witnessed his exploits in battle and chanted tales of his glory.
All other rajas who were invited had to bring gifts for him. The ordinary people, known as the vish and the vaishya (with the exclusion of shudras), also brought gifts. This ritual transformed the rajas from being ‘Raja of Janas’ to being ‘Raja of Janapadas’. In simpler words, Raja of Janas means king of the people and Raja of janapadas means king of the land where the Janas have settled or king of a kingdom.
Some Archaeological Findings
In their excavations, archaeologists have found many settlements in Janapadas like Purana Qila in Delhi, Hastinapur in Meerut and Atranjikhera near Etah. These excavations revealed that people in these Janapadas lived in huts, reared cattle, grew a variety of crops and also made earthen pots.
Mahajanapadas
Over years some Janapadas gained more importance and relevance than the others. These Janapadas were called Mahajanapadas. Here is a quick look at some of them:
Map of Mahajanapadas
Most Mahajanapadas had a capital city and a fort to protect them. These were huge walls made of stones and wood, possibly to safeguard the kingdoms from attacks from other kings. It is also possible that Rajas made these forts to display their power and richness. Further, managing the Janas was easier when they were living in a fortified area.
It is important to note that building and maintain such a fort requires a lot of materials and labour. Hence, Rajas started appointing armies of young men and paying them salaries.