Mahajanapadas Period (600 BCE – 325 BCE) — Updated 2026
This chapter explains the sixteen Mahajanapadas, their capitals, administrative systems, economic features, causes for their emergence, the rise of Magadha and final decline. Notes are written in a clear and structured manner for UPSC, SSC and school-level learners.
The period between 600 BCE and 325 BCE marks the emergence of sixteen territorial states in northern India. These states developed formal administrative structures, taxation systems, fortified capitals and standing armies. The Mahajanapadas represent the transition from lineage-based societies to early kingdoms and republics. The period also coincides with the rise of Buddhism and Jainism.
- Anguttara Nikaya (Buddhist text)
- Mahavastu
- Bhagavati Sutra (Jain text)
- Growth of agriculture due to iron tools and forest clearance
- Development of trade routes and market towns
- Need for organized taxation and administration
- Decline of tribal political systems
- Rise of new religious ideas questioning older Vedic rituals
Republican States (Gana-Sanghas)
In these states, power rested with assemblies of elders or clan chiefs, not kings. Decision-making was collective.
- Kamboja
- Kuru
- Koliyas
- Malla
- Moriya
- Shakya
- Vajji Confederacy
- Lichchhavis
- Videha
- Jnatrikas
- Kalamas
- Bhaggas
The Vajji Confederacy consisted of eight related clans. The Lichchhavis are among the earliest known republics in world history.
Monarchical States
- Anga
- Magadha
- Kashi
- Kosala
- Vatsa
- Avanti
- Chedi
- Gandhara
- Matsya
- Surasena
Vatsa descended from the Kuru clan. Asmaka was the only southern Mahajanapada.
Monarchies
- Raja – King
- Uparaja – Crown prince
- Senapati – Military commander
- Bhandagarika – Treasurer
Republics
- Santhagara – Assembly hall
- Gana – Council of elders or chiefs
- Deliberative decisions taken collectively
- Agriculture expanded due to iron ploughshares
- Trade flourished along the Uttarapatha and Dakshinapatha routes
- Punch-marked coins indicate a monetised economy
- Craft guilds (shrenis) regulated production
- Land revenue and taxes funded administration and armies
| Mahajanapada | Capital |
|---|---|
| Anga | Champa |
| Magadha | Rajagriha (later Pataliputra) |
| Kashi | Varanasi |
| Kosala | Shravasti |
| Vatsa | Kaushambi |
| Avanti | Ujjayini / Mahishmati |
| Gandhara | Taxila |
| Kuru | Indraprastha |
| Panchala | Ahichhatra / Kampilya |
| Matsya | Viratnagar |
| Surasena | Mathura |
| Chedi | Suktimati |
| Vajji | Vaishali |
| Malla | Kushinagar / Pava |
| Asmaka | Pratishthana |
| Kamboja | Rajapura / Kapisa |
- Fertile middle Ganga plains
- Access to iron ore in Chotanagpur region
- Strong rulers such as Bimbisara and Ajatashatru
- Strategic river routes
- Well-planned fortified cities
- Continuous inter-state warfare weakened smaller states
- Magadha’s aggressive expansion absorbed neighbouring kingdoms
- Formation of the Mauryan Empire ended the Mahajanapada system
Sources
Anguttara Nikaya, Mahavastu, Bhagavati Sutra
Oldest Republic
Lichchhavis
Southernmost State
Asmaka
Strongest State
Magadha
Economy
Iron tools, agriculture, trade, guilds, punch-marked coins
Administration
Monarchy: Raja, Senapati; Republic: Gana, Santhagara
What are the Mahajanapadas?
Sixteen territorial states that emerged in northern India between 600–325 BCE.
Which texts mention the sixteen Mahajanapadas?
The Anguttara Nikaya, Mahavastu and Bhagavati Sutra.
Which was the most powerful Mahajanapada?
Magadha, due to fertile land, iron resources and strong rulers.
Which was the southernmost Mahajanapada?
Asmaka.
What distinguished Republican Mahajanapadas?
They followed collective governance instead of hereditary kingship.
Why did the Mahajanapadas decline?
Due to inter-state warfare and the rise of the Mauryan Empire.
.png)
