HISTORY FOR SSC 2024 | MAHAJANPADS | FRB

Lecture on Mahajanapadas and Magadha in Indian history

Lecture begins with a greeting for the new month and International Labor Day.
The lecture focuses on the progression of history from the Vedic Age to the Mahajanapadas.
The Vedic period is briefly mentioned, along with the migration of tribes from Central Asia to India.
The significance of the Rigveda and Arctic Home to Vedas is mentioned as evidence of migration.
Mahajanapadas are explained as larger tribal communities that emerged from smaller Janapadas.
There were a total of 16 Mahajanapadas during the Later Vedic Age.
Literary sources such as Ashtadhayi, Buddhist literature, and Jain literature mention the Mahajanapadas.
Some texts mention all 16 Mahajanapadas, while others mention only 12.

Mahajanapadas were ancient kingdoms or republics in India.
There were 16 Mahajanapadas in total.
Some Mahajanapadas were monarchies, while others were republics.
Republics had multiple decision makers, while monarchies had a single ruler.
The capital of Anga was Champa, present-day Munger and Bhagalpur in Eastern Bihar and West Bengal.
The capital of Magadha was Rajgiri (also known as Rajgir) and later Patliputra (present-day Patna).
The capital of Kashi was Varanasi (also known as Kasi).
The capital of Vatsa was Kosambi, located in present-day Allahabad.
The capital of Kaushal was Kaushalpur, known for Lord Ram's connection with Ayodhya and later Shravasti.
The capital of Surasena was Mathura, associated with Lord Krishna and his flute tunes.

Chedi or Chedi is known as Banda in the Bundelkhand region.
Avanti's capital is Ujjain or Mahishmati.
Gandhar's capital is Takshashila and it is located near Afghanistan.
Kamboj is in the Rajouri and Poonch area, and Indian Army launched Operation Sarvshakti there.
Rawalpindi in Gandhar is associated with the dead body of a devotee, known as Rawalpindi Express.
Asmak or Amak is in the very South and its capital is Pratishthan or Paithan.
Vajji's capital is Vaishali, and it is associated with Kushi Nara Malla where Buddha died.

Magadha Empire was a powerful empire in ancient India.
The capital of Magadha was initially Rajgiri, surrounded by five hills.
Later, the capital shifted to Patliputra, which was situated on the confluence of Ganga and Son rivers.
The advantageous position of Magadha's easternmost region, Anga, made it a strategic location for expansion.
The empire was surrounded by natural defenses, such as hills and rivers, making it difficult for enemies to invade.

Son River is a right bank tributary of Ganga, originating from Amarkantak Plateau and joining the Ganga near Pataliputra.
The confluence of Ganga and Son River in the Terai region led to flourishing agriculture and improved inland transport.
The Magadh region, where Son River is located, was ruled by four major dynasties - Haran, Nanda, Maurya, and sporadic dynasties after the Maurya dynasty.
Bimbi Saar was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya and the first ruler of the Magadh Empire. He defeated Anga and used diplomatic tactics.
Bimbi Saar had three wives and sent Jeevak, a physician, to Ujjain. Ujjain was the second most powerful city after Magadha, with Mahishmati as its capital.

The tribe in Central Asia started migrating from Early Vedic to Later Vedic.
The First Buddhist Council was patronized by a patrona.
Several historical events occurred, such as Ashoka's reign in 383 BC and Kanishka's reign in 78 AD.
Rajgiri, Vaishali, and Pataliputra were important cities during this time.
The capital was shifted from Rajgiri to Patliputra.
The Shishu Nagar dynasty defeated Avanti and merged it with Magadha.
Nand dynasty's founder was Maha Padmanand, and the last ruler was Dhananand.
Alexander the Great attacked India in 326 BC and fought the Battle of Hid Pasis with Porus.
Dhananand was not a capable ruler and was eventually murdered by Chandragupta Maurya.

16 Mahajanapadas emerged in ancient India.
The location of Magadha, near the confluence of Ganga Son, made it the most powerful Mahajanapada.
Various dynasties ruled Magadha, including the Haran's dynasty, Shishu Nag dynasty, and Nand dynasty.
Society had pottery such as the Northern Black Polished Ware and used punch-marked coins for trade.
Craftsmanship became hereditary over time.
Iron agriculture tools, such as the plough, were used.
Bali was a compulsory office to the Gods.
Rich landowners were called "King" and had to pay taxes.
The village headman was known as "Bhojak" or "Gramini."
Customs tax was collected by the "Shauli Ka" or Fee Chairman.

The lecture was about the collection of land revenue toll tax and the role of the Fee Chairman.
The term "Shaul Shulki" or "Shulka's Speaker" was used to refer to the person responsible for collecting fees/taxes.