05. Kingdoms Kings and an Early Republic Class 6 NCERT Notes Chapter 5 History

Welcome to NCERT Notes on class 6 Chapter 5 History kingdoms kings and an early republic .

Chapter 5: Kingdoms, Kings, and an Early Republic

Introduction

In this chapter kingdom kings and an early republic, we delve into the intriguing world of ancient governance, the rise of kingdoms, the roles of kings, and the emergence of early republics. From the rituals that established rulers to shifts in agricultural practices, we’ll explore the foundations of ancient societies.

How Leaders Emerged

• Recognition of Rajas: Around 3000 years ago, individuals known as rajas gained recognition by performing significant rituals like the ashvamedha (horse sacrifice).
• The Horse Sacrifice: The ashvamedha involved releasing a horse that wandered freely, guarded by the raja’s men. If other rajas stopped the horse, it led to conflict; if they allowed it to pass, they acknowledged the raja’s strength.
• Rituals and Recognition: The raja who organized the sacrifice was considered powerful and respected, with other rajas invited to the event.

Roles of the Rajas

• Central Figure in Rituals: The raja played a central role in rituals, often having a special seat and receiving offerings.
• Charismatic Figure: The raja’s charioteer would sing tales of his valor, and his relatives performed minor rituals.
• Hierarchical Distinctions: Social categories included Brahmins (studied Vedas), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (farmers and traders), and Shudras (servants).

Emergence of Janapadas

• Janapadas and Mahajanapadas: Rulers transitioned from being rajas of janas to rajas of janapadas, marked by the settling of people. Some janapadas evolved into powerful mahajanapadas.
• Urban Settlements: Archaeological excavations reveal settlements like Purana Qila and Hastinapura. People lived in huts and practiced agriculture, rearing animals, and pottery-making.
• Painted Grey Ware: Special pottery known as Painted Grey Ware featured painted designs, adding an artistic touch to daily life.

Shift towards Mahajanapadas

• Fortification and Armies: Fortified cities emerged in mahajanapadas, signaling a need for defense against potential attacks from rival kings.
• Resources and Labor: Building fortifications required extensive labor and resources, demonstrating the rulers’ power and wealth.
• Organized Armies: Rulers began maintaining standing armies, paying soldiers regularly and sometimes using punch-marked coins for payments.

Taxation and Governance

• Collection of Taxes: Rulers of mahajanapadas shifted from occasional gifts to regular tax collections to fund activities like fort-building and maintaining armies.
• Tax Categories: Taxes were levied on crops, craftspersons, herders, traders, and goods through trade.
• Changes in Agriculture: Agricultural practices evolved with the use of iron ploughshares for better soil cultivation and transplantation of paddy for increased production.

Case Study: Magadha

• Geographical Advantage: Magadha, with its fertile land and rivers, became a prominent mahajanapada.
• Capital Cities: Rajagriha and later Pataliputra served as its capitals.
• Powerful Rulers: Bimbisara, Ajatasattu, and Mahapadma Nanda ruled Magadha, expanding its influence through conquests.

Case Study: Vajji

• Different Form of Governance: Vajji operated under a gana or sangha system, where multiple rulers made decisions through assemblies.
• Inclusivity and Governance: The assemblies discussed important matters, while women, dasas, and kammakaras were excluded.
• Resilience and Decline: Despite challenges, the sanghas persisted until being conquered by Gupta rulers.

Conclusion This chapter sheds light on the evolution of governance, the rise of powerful mahajanapadas, and the diverse forms of leadership in ancient India. It underscores the significance of organized armies, taxation systems, and changes in agriculture during this era.

Keywords with Definitions

• Raja: A ruler or leader who gained recognition through rituals and governance.
• Ashvamedha: An ancient horse sacrifice ritual performed to assert a ruler’s power and authority.
• Varna: Social categories that defined occupations and roles in ancient Indian society.
• Janapada: A territorial division characterized by settled communities.
• Mahajanapada: A significant and powerful territorial state in ancient India.
• Fortification: The construction of protective structures like walls and forts around cities.
• Army: Organized group of armed forces under a ruler’s command.
• Tax: Mandatory payments collected by rulers to fund activities like infrastructure and defense.
• Transplantation: The practice of moving young plants to fields for cultivation.
• Gana or sangha: A form of governance involving assemblies of rulers for decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How did individuals become recognized as rajas in ancient times? Individuals became recognized as rajas by performing significant rituals like the ashvamedha, demonstrating their strength and power.

2. What were the key social categories in ancient India? The key social categories were Brahmins (scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (farmers and traders), and Shudras (servants).

3. What were the changes in agriculture during this period? Agriculture saw changes with the adoption of iron ploughshares for better soil cultivation and the practice of transplantation of paddy for increased productivity.

4. How were taxes collected in mahajanapadas? Rulers shifted to regular tax collections on crops, craftspersons, herders, traders, and trade goods to fund activities like fort-building and maintaining armies.

5. What was the significance of fortifications in mahajanapadas? Fortifications served as defense mechanisms against potential attacks from rival kings, showcasing the rulers’ power and wealth.

6. What were the differences between the roles of rajas in janapadas and mahajanapadas? In janapadas, rajas gained recognition through rituals, while in mahajanapadas, rajas maintained organized armies and levied taxes.

7. How did the emergence of mahajanapadas impact urban settlements? The rise of mahajanapadas led to the fortification of cities and a focus on organized defense against potential threats.

8. What changes in agricultural practices were introduced during this period? Agricultural practices evolved with the adoption of iron ploughshares for better soil cultivation and the transplantation of paddy for improved yields.

9. How did the sanghas or ganas govern in the case of Vajji? The sanghas or ganas in Vajji operated through assemblies, where multiple rulers made decisions and discussions were held.

10. What was the significance of the gana or sangha system in ancient governance? The gana or sangha system involved collective decision-making through assemblies, allowing for inclusive governance and deliberation.

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