By the 6th century B.C., northern India was divided into many states, both monarchies and republics. These states are collectively known as the Mahajanapadas. Gradually, political power concentrated into four major kingdoms — Kosala, Vatsa, Avanti, and Magadha. Of these, Magadha rose to supremacy due to its fertile land, rich resources, and strategic location. This chapter examines the political condition of India, the Mahajanapadas, and the rise of Magadha as the leading empire.
Table of Contents
Political Condition
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India was divided into monarchies and republics.
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Monarchies were more common in the Gangetic plain, while republics like the Sakyas, Licchavis, and Mallas existed in the Himalayan foothills and northwest India.
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In republics, decisions were made through assemblies, often by majority vote.
Sixteen Mahajanapadas
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The Buddhist Anguttara Nikaya and Jain texts mention 16 Mahajanapadas.
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These were: Anga, Magadha, Kasi, Kosala, Vajji, Malla, Chedi, Vatsa, Kuru, Panchala, Matsya, Surasena, Asmaka, Avanti, Gandhara, and Kamboja.
Four Major Kingdoms
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By the 6th century B.C., only four kingdoms emerged as strong powers: Vatsa, Avanti, Kosala, and Magadha.
Vatsa
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Capital: Kausambi on the Yamuna.
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Ruler: Udayana, known for matrimonial alliances with Avanti, Anga, and Magadha.
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Later annexed by Avanti.
Avanti
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Capital: Ujjain.
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Ruler: Pradyota, who married Vasavadatta and supported Buddhism.
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Eventually annexed by Magadha.
Kosala
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Capital: Ayodhya.
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Ruler: Prasenajit (a contemporary of the Buddha).
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His sister Kosaladevi married Bimbisara of Magadha, with Kasi given as dowry.
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After conflicts with Magadha, Kosala was absorbed by Magadha.
Magadha
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Became the nerve centre of Indian politics.
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Strategic factors behind Magadha’s rise:
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Fertile Gangetic plains ensured prosperity.
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Rich iron ore deposits near Rajgir and copper/iron near Gaya.
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Strong trade routes and wealthy economy.
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First capital: Rajagriha (Rajgir), later shifted to Pataliputra.
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Rulers of Magadha
Bimbisara (546–494 B.C.)
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Founded the Haryanka dynasty.
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Expanded Magadha through conquests and matrimonial alliances.
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Married Kosaladevi of Kosala, securing peace and wealth.
Ajatasatru (494–462 B.C.)
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Son of Bimbisara.
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Strengthened Magadha and continued expansion.
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Fought wars with Kosala and the Vajji confederacy.
Udayin
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Established Pataliputra as the new capital at the confluence of Ganga and Son rivers.
Sisunaga Dynasty
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Replaced the Haryankas.
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Sisunaga annexed Avanti.
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Under Kalasoka, the Second Buddhist Council was held at Vaisali.
Nanda Dynasty
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Mahapadma Nanda expanded Magadha into a powerful empire.
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Called the “destroyer of all Kshatriyas”.
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His son Dhana Nanda ruled a vast and wealthy kingdom, but was unpopular due to heavy taxation.
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Overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya with the help of Chanakya, paving the way for the Mauryan Empire.
Persian Invasion
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In 518 B.C., Darius I of Persia invaded India and annexed parts of the Indus valley.
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This led to Indo-Persian cultural contacts, including influence on art, script (Kharosthi), and administration.
Key Takeaway
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The 6th century B.C. saw India transform from a land of many states to Magadha’s dominance.
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Strategic resources, fertile land, and ambitious rulers made Magadha the most powerful kingdom.
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The Nanda dynasty created a vast empire, setting the stage for the rise of the Mauryan Empire.
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This period also marked increasing foreign contacts, especially with Persia, which influenced India’s political and cultural development.