Monarchy in the mahajanapadas
Topic: Janapadas, Mahajanapadas and the Second Urbanisation · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 4 "New Beginnings: Cities and States"
Meaning
Most mahajanapadas were monarchies, meaning a king (raja) held the highest power. His position was hereditary, which means it passed down within the royal family. He collected taxes, kept law and order, built forts and maintained an army. Ministers and an assembly of elders advised him. These monarchies existed side by side with gana-sanghas, where an assembly held power. By about 600 BCE, the most powerful monarchies were Magadha, Kosala and Avanti.
Example
In c. 6th century BCE, King Bimbisara of Magadha ruled from the fortified capital Rajagaha (Rajgir, Bihar). He collected taxes from farmers, traders and artisans to pay for his army and officials.
Don't confuse with
- Gana-sangha: in states such as Vajji and Malla, an assembly of many rajas discussed matters and voted, even to choose the ruler. In a monarchy, one hereditary king held power.