Chapter 5 Indian Sub Continent In The 6th Century BC Topic A Mahajanapadas And Jain
Salient Points At A Glance
Janapada:
The term ‘Janapada’ comprises of two words ‘Jana’ and ‘Pada’. Jana is derived from the word ‘Janagan’ which means people. ‘Pada’ means foot. So ‘Janapada’ means the place where people placed their foot and began to settle down on a piece of land.
Mahajanapadas:
In the 6th century, BC rulers of the janapadas fought battles to extend their territories. Some janapadas were transformed into bigger kingdoms and were known as Mahajanapadas.
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Sixteen Mahajanapadas:
In the 6th century BC there were sixteen Mahajanapadas in the Indian subcontinent.
New Religious Movement:
In the 6th century, BC people of different sections of the society protested against the Vedic religion. As a substitute of Vedic religions simple religions like Buddhism and Jainism arose.
These religions are called New Religions. The movement which was started by the New Religions for protesting against Vedic religion is called New Religious Movement.
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Charvakas and Ajivikas:
The Charvaka and Ajivika communities protested against the Brahmins and Brahmanism before the Jains and the Buddhists.
Parshvanath:
Parshvanath was the prince of Kashi. He was a leading preacher of Jainism. He was the twenty-third Tirthankara. The set of four tenets taught by him is known as Chaturyama.
Vardhaman Mahavira:
Vardhaman Mahavira was the 24th Jain Tirthankara. He preached Jainism for thirty long years. He added Brahmacharya or celibacy to Chaturyama of Parshvanath which together came to be known as Panchamahavrata.
Digambara and Swetambara:
The followers of Jainism who used no clothes at all were called Digambaras and the followers of Jainism who preferred to wear white garments were called Swetambaras.
Gautama Buddha:
In early life Gautama Buddha’s name was Siddhartha. He was meditating under a Pipal tree in a place near Gaya where he attained Bodhi and came to be known as Buddha. He was the preacher of Buddhism.
The two most important features of Buddhism are Aryasatya and Ashtanga Marga.
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Four Noble Truths:
Gautama Buddha explained to his disciples the causes of suffering in one’s life and how to get rid of such suffering. For this, he taught four principal tenets known as Chaturaryasatya or four Noble Truths.
Ashtanga Marga:
Ashtanga Marga means the Eight Paths or ‘Marga’ advised by Buddha to get rid of misery. This Eightfold Path was described as Middle Path as it lies between extreme luxury and hard meditation.
Buddha preached that a person who follows the Eightfold Path would attain ‘Nirvana’, i.e., freedom from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism:
The Buddhists were divided into two sects
- Mahayana and
- Hinayana.
The Mahayanis supported idol worship of Buddha. The Hinayanis supported the old Buddhist philosophy.
Tripitaka:
Tripitaka is the main religious text of Buddhism. The three compilations Suttapitaka, Vinaypitaka, and Abhidhamma- Pitaka together constitute the Tripitaka.
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Jataka:
There are certain stories in the Tripitaka under the heading Jataka. Jataka stories tell about the previous life of Buddha. These stories were used for spreading Buddhism among the people.
List of 16 Mahajanapadas and their respective capitals
| Mahajanapads |
Capitals |
| Kashi |
Benaras |
| Anga |
Champa |
| Vrijji |
Vaishali |
| Chedi |
Shuktimati |
| Kuru |
Hastinapur |
| Surasena |
Mathura |
| Matsya |
Virat Nagari |
| Gandhara |
Taxila |
| Koshala |
Shravasti |
| Magadha |
Rajagriha |
| Malla |
Kushinagar |
| Vatsya |
Kaushambi |
| Panchala |
Ahichhatra (Western) and Kampilya (Eastern) |
| Asmara |
Potana |
| Avanti |
Ujjaini |
| Kamboja |
Rajpur |
Chapter 5 Topic A Mahajanapadas And Jainism Descriptive Questions
Question 1. Which region was the principal site of political power in the Indian subcontinent during the 6th century BC and why?
Answer:
The principal site of political power in the Indian subcontinent during the 6th century BC:
The Ganga-Yamuna region was the principal site of political power in the Indian subcontinent during the 6th century BC.
- All the Mahajanapadas were situated in central and north India except Ashmaka which was in south India.
- The vast Gangetic plain offered ample opportunity to expand territory through military conquest.
- The region’s fertile soil and adequate rainfall made it rich in agricultural and forest wealth.
- The network of so many rivers provided was no punishment for innocent people. excellent waterways.
- The Mahajanapadas of this region became very powerful.
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Question 2. Describe the administrative system of the Mahajanapadas.
Answer:
The administrative system of the Mahajanapadas:
There were both monarchical and non- monarchical systems of governance in the Mahajanapadas.
Monarchical Mahajanapada
1. Rule of the king:
The monarchical states were ruled by kings. The king was the head of the administration.
2. Hereditary Kingship:
In the monarchical mahajanapadas members of distinguished families used to rule for years as kings. If someone from another dynasty would defeat them, then the new dynasty would continue to rule.
3. Work of the Committee:
The king was helped by a committee. The work of the committee was to help the king in administration and to give advice to the king on different issues.
Non-monarchical Mahajanapada
The non-monarchical states were also known as ‘ganarajya’. There was no rule of the king in these states. Duties were decided by the people through debates and discussions.
However, women and slaves were not allowed to participate in such discussions. Vajji was one such non-monarchical state where most of the rules and regulations were written down. There was no punishment for innocent people.
Question 3. Why did the Mahajanapadas of the Gangetic Valley become so powerful?
Answer:
The Mahajanapadas of the Gangetic Valley become so powerful:
In the 6th century BC, the Mahajanapadas of the Gangetic Valley became powerful due to the following reasons
- The Gangetic Valley was a vast region which had no geographical barrier. Therefore territories could easily be expanded through military conquest.
- Due to adequate rainfall, the soil was fertile. Thus agriculture fared well.
- From the dense forests, everything was available from timber to elephants.
- The rivers of the region provided convenient routes for traveling and trading.
Question 4. Write a note on the sixteen Mahajanapadas.
Answer:
The sixteen Mahajanapadas:
In the 6th century BC there were sixteen Mahajanapadas in the Indian subcontinent.
1. Meaning of Mahajanapadas:
Rulers of some janapadas or small kingdoms fought battles and expanded their territories and power. As a result, many janapadas were transformed into bigger kingdoms or ‘Mahajanapadas’. The ‘Mahajanapadas’ were larger in the area and more powerful than the janapadas.
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2. Nature:
Most of the Mahajanapadas were monarchical kingdoms. Some were non-monarchical or ‘ganarajya’.
3. Location:
Most of the mahajanapadas were centered around the Ganga-Yamuna Doab region. These were situated in present-day north and central India except Ashmaka which was situated in south India.
4. Administration:
The monarchical kingdoms were ruled by kings. In the non-monarchical kingdoms, there was no rule of kings. Duties were decided by the people through debates and discussions.
5. Powerful Mahajanapadas:
Four powerful mahajanapadas were Avanti, Vatsya, Koshala and Magadha.
Question 5. Write a note on Vajji (Vriji).
Answer:
Vajji (Vriji):
Vajji or Vriji was one of the most important non-monarchical mahajanapadas of the 6th century BC.
1. Location:
Vajji was located near Magadha.
2. Capital:
The capital of Vajji was Vaishali.
3. Rule of the confederacy:
A confederacy of clans used to rule Vajji. In Vajji most of the rules and regulations were written down. People who were innocent were never punished.
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4 Gautama Buddha and Vajji:
The Vajjis were independent and united in the age of Gautama Buddha. Gautama Buddha respected the Vajjis and gave some advice to them on governance so that the Vajjis could remain united. Buddha put forward the Seven Rules of Improvement of the Vajjis.
Question 6. What advice did Buddha give to the Vajjis when Ajatashatru decided to attack them?
Answer:
The Advice Buddha give to the Vajjis when Ajatashatru decided to attack them
Buddha advised the Vajjis to follow seven rules to maintain their unity when Ajatashatru decided to attack them.
These rules were
- To organize sabha: Buddha advised the Vajjis to organize sabhas or meetings frequently.
- To maintain unity: He told them to cooperate with each other in every action.
- To abide by rules: He advised them to obey To respect elders: Buddha wanted them to show due respect to the elders.
- To respect women: Women should be respected in ways.
- Preserve temples: The Vajjis should take care of the shrines, temples, and other holy places.
- To observe non-violence: Buddha told the Vajjis to be kind to trees, birds, and animals. That is why cruelty towards them were prohibited in the Vajji area.
Question 7. What were the causes of the rise of the New Religious Movement?
Answer:
The causes of the rise of the New Religious Movement:
The 6th century BC saw the rise of the New Religious Movement. There were many causes of the rise of the New Religious Movement.
1. Rituals and ceremonies of Vedic religion:
In the Vedic religion, much importance was given to ceremonies and rituals. Protest against these ceremonies and rituals prepared the background for the rise of the New Religious Movement.
2. Attitude of the Brahmins:
The Brahmins used to look upon sea voyages of the Vaishyas and traders as a sin. Moreover, for running a business, loans, and interest on loans were necessary.
Charging interest was considered disgraceful in Brahmanical religion. This could not be accepted by the Vaishyas and the traders who turned against the Vedic religion.
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3. Rising influence of the Kshatriyas:
Iron weapons increased the power of the Kshatriyas. They became conscious of their position and demanded status equal to that of the Brahmins. Their demand helped in the rise of the New Religious Movement which protested against Brahmanism.
4. In search of a simple religion:
The life of the people were very complicated. People were averse to the existing social system. The greatest evil was the caste system. People were in search for a religion which knows no caste distinction. It was in this situation that the New Religious Movement started.
Question 8. Write a note on Vardhhaman Maha- vira.
Answer:
Vardhhaman Maha- vira:
Vardhhaman Mahavira was the 24th Jain Tirthankara.
- Early Life: Varddhaman Mahavira (540 BC-468 BC) was a Lichhavi Prince.
- Kebalin: Mahavira renounced the world at the age of thirty and went away to meditate. He led an austere life and continued to meditate for twelve long years. He finally attained enlightenment and came to be known as ‘Kebalin’.
- Preacher of Jainism: Mahavira preached Jainism for 30 long years. He added Brahmacharya or celibacy to Chaturyama of Parshvanath which together came to be known as Panchamahavrata.
- Last Years of Life: At the age of seventy-two Mahavira undertook a fast in the city of Pawa. It was in this city that he breathed his last.
Question 9. What do you know about Jainism?
Answer:
Jainism:
In the 6th century BC Jainism emerged as one of the most important religions.
1. Tirthankar:
The preachers of Jainism were called Tirthankaras. There were 24 Jain Tirthankaras. The last two of them were Parshvanath and Mahavira.
2. Basic tenets:
The four basic tenets of Jainism taught by Parshvanath is known as Chaturyama. Mahavira added one more tenet to it Brahmacharya or celibacy. These five tenets together are known as Panchamahavrata.
3. Dwadash Anga:
The basic tenets of Jainism have been classified in twelve divisions and each division is called ‘Anga’. Twelve angas are collectively called ‘Dwadash Anga’.
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4. Digambara and Swetambara:
There were two sects of Jains. The followers of Jainism who used no clothes at all were called Digambaras and the followers of Jainism who preferred to wear white garments were called Swetambaras.
5. Contribution:
Jainism paved the way for very simple religious practices for the Indians.
Question 10 Write a note on Digambara and Shwe- tambara. Or, Who were called the Digambaras and Shwetambaras?
Answer:
Digambara and Shwe- tambara:
Towards the end of Chandragupta Maurya’s reign there was an outbreak of a dreadful famine.
During this time the Jains came to be divided into two sects
- The Digambaras and
- The Shwetambaras.
1. Digambaras:
During the famine, many Jain saints left north-east India and went to Deccan under the leadership of Bhadrabahu. Bhadrabahu was a strong believer of the teachings of Mahavira.
Like Mahavira Bhadrabahu and his followers did not use any clothes. That is why they were called Digambaras.
2. Shwetambaras:
Many Jain saints under the leadership of Sthulabhadra stayed back in north India. Like Parshvanath, Sthulabhadra and his followers used white clothes. That is why this community of Jains came to be known as Shwetambara.
But it is to be noted that there was not much difference in the principal tenets of Digambaras and Swetambaras.
Chapter 5 Topic A Mahajanapadas And Jainism Analytical Questions
Question 1. What do you mean by ‘ganarajya’?
Answer:
Ganarajya:
Some Mahajanapadas were non-monarchical, i.e., they had no kings. These kingdoms were known as gana or sangha (ganarajya). Two such kingdoms were Malla and Vajji or Vriji.
They were basically non-monarchical tribal kingdoms. Here everything was decided through debates and discussions but women and slaves could not participate in them.
Question 2. Why was it difficult for the ‘gaharajas’ of the 6th century BC to retain their independence?
Answer:
The ‘gaharajas’ of the 6th century BC to retain their independence:
It was difficult for the ‘Ganarajyas’ of 6th century BC to retain their independence due to several reasons-
- The ‘ganarajyas’ became weak due to constant warfare with the mahajanapadas.
- For wars, soldiers were recruited but that was expensive. Taxes were imposed on the people to meet such expenses. But it was not easy to extract taxes from the people.
- There were conflicts among the different tribes which weakened them.
Question 3. What was the system of administration in the non-monarchical mahajanapadas?
Answer:
The system of administration in the non-monarchical mahajanapadas:
In the non-monarchical mahajanapadas there was no rule of the king. Duties were decided by the people through debates and discussions. However, slaves and women were not allowed to participate in such discussions.
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Question 4. Why was the New Religious Movement popular?
Answer:
The New Religious Movement popular:
Due to the prevalence of a rigid caste system, animal sacrifices, and complex rites and rituals, common people were averse to Brahmanical religion. As a result, Brahmanical religion became unpopular among the common people.
The simplicity of the new religions like Buddhism and Jainism attracted the attention of the people and thus the New Religious Movement became popular.
Question 5. What do you mean by New Religious Movement?
Answer:
New Religious Movement:
In the 6th century BC people of different sections of society protested against the yajnas, sacrifices, rites, and rituals of the Brahmanical religion. During this time as a substitute of Brahmanical religion.
During this time as a substitute of Brahmanical religion, some simple religions like Buddhism and Jainism arose. These religions are called New Religions.
The movement which was started by the New Religions protesting against Brahmanical religion is called New Religious Movement.
Question 6. Why was Mahavira called Kebalin?
Answer:
Mahavira called Kebalin:
Vardhhaman Mahavira was a Lichhavi prince who was absolutely detached from all worldly comforts. He renounced the world at the age of thirty and went away to meditate.
He led an austere life and continued to meditate for twelve long years. He finally attained enlightenment and came to be known as ‘Kebalin’.
Question 7. What was the ‘Chaturyama’ preached by Parshvanath?
Answer:
The ‘Chaturyama’ preached by Parshvanath:
The basic principles of Jainism called ‘Chaturyama’ or the four great vows were preached by Parshvanath.
These four basic principles or tenets were
- Not killing animals.
- Not telling lies.
- Not taking others’ goods forcibly.
- Not making any properties for own consumption.
Question 8. What is ‘Panchamahavrata’?
Answer:
Panchamahavrata:
The basic principles of Jainism preached by Parshvanath is known as ‘Chaturyama’.
These four basic principles or tenets were
- Not to kill animals,
- Not to tell lies,
- Not to steal,
- Non-attachment to property.
To these Mahavira added the vow of Brahmacharya or celibacy. These five tents together is known as Five Great Vows or Panchamahavrata.
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Question 9. Write about the spread of Jainism.
Answer:
Jainism:
Jainism preached by Vardhhaman Mahavira was popular in different states like Anga, Koshal, Videha, and Magadha. During the rule of the Maurya dynasty, Jainism became a popular religion.
The Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya adopted Jainism. Later on Jainism spread from Orissa to Mathura.
Question 10. Why did the traders oppose Brahmanical religion?
Answer:
The traders oppose Brahmanical religion:
The traders opposed Brahmanical religion because the Brahmins used to look down upon sea voyages and considered it a sin. Moreover, for running a business, loans, and interest on loans are necessary.
Charging interest was considered disgraceful in Brahmanical religion. This could not be accepted by the traders. Therefore they opposed Brahmanical religion.
Chapter 5 Topic A Mahajanapadas And Jainism Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1. What do you mean by ‘Maha- janapadas’?
Answer: In the 6th century BC ancient Indian rulers of the janapadas fought battles to extend their territories. Some janapadas were transformed into bigger kingdoms.
These were larger in terms of area and more powerful than the janapadas and therefore were known as Mahajanapadas.
Question 2. What were the four powerful maha- janpadas in the sixth century BC?
Answer: The four powerful mahajanapadas in the sixth century BC were Avanti, Vatsya, Koshala, and Magadha.
Question 3. What were the three ‘ganarajyas’ which could retain their independence in the 6th century BC?
Answer: The three ‘ganarajyas’ which could retain their independence were the principality of the Vajjis and two of the political centers of the Mallas i.e., Pawa and Kushinara.
Question 4. What were the three royal dynasties that ruled over Magadha maha- janapada?
Answer: The three royal dynasties that ruled over Magadha mahajanpada were Haryanka, Shaishunaga, and Nanda dynasties.
Question 5. What were the districts of modern India that Magadha covered? What was the capital of Magadha?
Answer: Magadha of ancient India covered the districts of Patna and Gaya of modern-day Bihar. The capital of Magadha was Pataliputra.
Question 6. Why did the Kshatriyas join the New Religious Movement?
Answer: In the 6th century BC different types of iron weapons came into use which increased the power of the Kshatriyas. They demanded a status equal to that of the Brahmanas in the society.
They could not tolerate the supremacy of the Brahmanas and thus joined the New Religious Movement.
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Question 7. Write a short note on Parshvanath.
Answer: Parshvanath was the prince of Kashi. He was born 250 years before Mahavira. He was a leading preacher of Jainism. He was the 23rd Tirthankara. The set of four tenets taught by him is known as Chaturyama.
Question 8. Write a brief note on the Angas.
Answer: The Angas are the religious texts of the Jains. They contain the main tenets of Jainism. The teachings of Mahavira and other Tirthankars have been classified in twelve sets or divisions which are called Anga.
These twelve Angas are collectively known as Dwadash Anga.
Question 9. Who were called the Digambaras and Shwetambaras?
Answer: The Jains were divided into two sects-the Digambaras and the Shwetambaras. The followers of Jainism who used no clothes at all were called Digambaras.
The followers of Jainism who preferred to wear white garments were called Shwetambaras.
Question 10. What was considered disgraceful in Brahmanical religion?
Answer: For running a business, loans, and interest on loans were necessary. Charging interest was considered disgraceful in Brahmanical religion.
Question 11. Mention two differences between Digambaras and Shwetambaras.
Answer: The Jains were divided into two sects-the Digambaras and the Shwetambaras.
Their differences were
- The Digambaras used no clothes at all. The Shwetambaras on the other hand preferred to wear white garments.
- The leader of the Digambaras was Bhadrabahu. The leader of the Shwetambaras was Sthulabhadra.
Question 12. What was the religious belief of the Charvakas?
Answer: The religious beliefs of the Charvaka community were as follows
- They did not consider the Vedas as absolute authority and did not believe in the supremacy of the Brahmins.
- They were against the ‘Varnashrama’ tradition or the four castes which existed in the society.
- They did not believe in animal sacrifice or in the concept of heaven.
Question 13. What was the religious belief of the Ajivikas?
Answer: The religious beliefs of the Ajivika community were as follows
- They did not believe in the authority of the Vedas or in any form of God.
- They did not believe that people get good returns by doing good work in life.
Chapter 5 Topic A Mahajanapadas And Jainism Objective Type Questions
State whether the following statements are true or false
Question 1. In ancient India, a region greater than a village was called Jana.
Answer: True
Question 2. The word ‘Janapada’ originated from the word ‘Jana’.
Answer: True
Question 3. Around the 6th century BC, the large kingdoms came to be known as mahajanapadas.
Answer: True
Question 4. We come to know about the eighteen Mahajanapadas present in the Indian subcontinent in the 6th century BC.
Answer: False
Question 5. Most of the sixteen Mahajanapadas were part of modern northern and central India.
Answer: True
Question 6. Most of the Mahajanapadas grew up centering the Ganga-Yamuna Doad.
Answer: True
Question 7. In 6th century BC the Indus Valley region was the main political centre of the Indian subcontinent.
Answer: False
Question 8. The Mahajanapadas which were ruled by kings were called monarchical kingdoms.
Answer: True
Question 9. Magadha was a monarchical kingdom.
Answer: True
Question 10. Malla and Vrijji or Vajji were two important republics.
Answer: True
Question 11. The Vajjis who lived around Vaishali were called Lichhavis.
Answer: True
Question 12. The main preacher of Buddhism was called Tirthankara.
Answer: False
Question 13. Vardhhaman Mahavira was a Kshatriya prince belonging to the clan.
Answer: True
Question 14. Buddha became famous as ‘kebalin’.
Answer: False
Question 15. The main teachings of Jainism are contained in the 12 Angas.
Answer: True
Chapter 5 Topic A Mahajanapadas And Jainism Fill In The Blanks
By selecting the appropriate expression from the brackets
Question 1. Small kingdoms grew up centering a _________ (village/Jana/district).
Answer: Jana
Question 2. The power of the Janapadas started growing in the _________ (4th/5th/6th) century BC.
Answer: 6th
Question 3. The only Mahajanapada of South India was _________ (Koshala/Ashmaka/Vajji).
Answer: Ashmaka
Question 4. Magadha was a _________ (monarchical/democratic/republican) kingdom.
Answer: Monarchical
Question 5. _________ (Chedi/Avanti/Magadha) emerged as the most powerful Mahajanapada.
Answer: Magadha
Question 6. The capital of Vajji was _________ (Vaishali/Champa/Rajagriha).
Answer: Vaishali
Question 7. The reign of the Nanda dynasty ended in _________ (620 BC/324 BC/24 BC).
Answer: 324 BC
Question 8. Ajatashatru was the king of the Mahajanapada of _________ (Magadha/Koshala/Kuru).
Answer: Magadha
Question 9. The main preacher of _________ (Jain/ Buddhist/Aajivika) religion was called Tirthankara.
Answer: Jain
Question 10. The main principle of Jainism is _________ (Chaturyama/Ashtangikamarga/Ashwamedha Yajna).
Answer: Chaturyama
Question 11. The leader of the Digambara sect was _________ (Bhadrabahu / Sthulabhadra / Mahakashyapa).
Answer: Bhadrabahu
Question 12. Parshvanath was the prince of _________ (Kosala / Kashi /Avanti).
Answer: Kashi
Question 13. Parsvanath was a _________ (Jain Tirthankara, / King of Magadha /Preacher of Buddhism).
Answer: Jain Tirthankara
Question 14. Vardhhaman Mahavira was a prince of the _________ (Lichhavi / Maurya /Kushana).
Answer: Lichhavi
Question 15. Mahavira breathed his last in the city of _________ (Rajgir/Pawa /Kushinagar).
Answer: Pawa
Question 16. Mahavir meditated for _________ (11/12/13) years.
Answer: 12
Question 17. The leader of the Jain saints who migrated to south India was _________ (Bhadrabahu /Sthulabhadra /Seriba).
Answer: Bhadrabahu
Question 18. The leader of the Shwetambaras was _________ (Sthulabhadra / Bhadrabahu /Siddhartha).
Answer: Sthulabhadra
Question 19. The Ajivika community was formed by _________ (Mankhliputta Gosal / Sthulabhadra/Siddhartha).
Answer: Mankhliputta Gosal
Question 20. The Charvakas protested against _________ (Brahmanism / Jainism /Buddhism).
Answer: Brahmanism
Chapter 5 Topic A Mahajanapadas And Jainism Answer In A Complete Sentence
Question 1. How many Mahajanapadas were there in the Indian subcontinent in the 6th century BC?
Answer: There were sixteen Mahajanapadas in the Indian subcontinent in the 6th century BC.
Question 2. Name two non-monarchical mahajanapadas.
Answer: Two non-monarchical mahajanapadas were Malla and Vajji or Vriji.
Question 3. Which one of the sixteen mahajanapadas had later developed into an empire?
Answer: Magadha was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas which later had developed into an empire.
Question 4. What was the capital of Vajjis?
Answer: The capital of Vajjis was Vaishali.
Question 5. What do you mean by janapada?
Answer: A region inhabited by common people is known as janapada.
Question 6. What do you mean by monarchical states?
Answer: The states where there was the rule of kings in known as monarchical states.
Question 7. Which was the only Mahajanapada of south India?
Answer: The only Mahajanapada of south India was Ashmaka.
Question 8. Who were known as the Lichhavis?
Answer: Lichhavis were the people who lived in Vaishali.
Question 9. Name two political centers of the Mallas.
Answer: Two political centers of the Mallas are Pawa and Kushinara.
Question 10. Who ruled Vajji?
Answer: A confederacy of clans ruled Vajji.
Question 11. Which was the principal site of political power in the Indian subcontinent during the 6th century BC.?
Answer: The Ganga-Yamuna Doab region was the principal site of political power in the Indian subcontinent during the 6th century BC.
Question 12. When did the rule of the Haryanka dynasty begin in Magadha?
Answer: The rule of the Haryanka dynasty began in 545 BC in Magadha.
Question 13. What is the importance of 324 BC in the history of ancient India?
Answer: In 324 BC the reign of Nanda dynasty came to an end.
Question 14. What was the capital of Magadha?
Answer: The capital of Magadha was Rajagriha.
Question 15. Where was the capital of Magadha transferred?
Answer: The capital of Magadha was transferred to Pataliputra.
Question 16. What do you mean by non-monarchical mahajanapadas?
Answer: Non-monarchical mahajanapadas were those mahajanapadas where there was no rule of king.
Question 17. Why did the non-monarchical maha- janapadas (gana or sangha or ganarajya) become weak?
Answer: The monarchical mahajanapadas became weak due to constant warfare with the monarchical mahajanapadas.
Question 18. Who was Ajatashatru?
Answer: Ajatashatru was the king of Magadha.
Question 19. Which two Mauryan emperors patronized the Ajivikas?
Answer: The two Mauryan emperors who patronized the Ajivikas were Bindusara and Ashoka.
Question 20. Name an important religion that emerged in the 6th century BC.
Answer: An important religion that emerged in the 6th century BC was Jainism.
Question 21. Who were called the Jains?
Answer: Followers of Jainism were called Jains.
Question 22. How many Tirthankaras were engaged in preaching Jainism?
Answer: Twenty-four Tirthankaras were engaged in preaching Jainism.
Question 23. Name the last two Jain Tirthankaras.
Answer: The last two Jain Tirthankaras were Parshvanath and Vardhhaman Mahavira.
Question 24. Who was the last Jain Tirthankara?
Answer: Vardhhaman Mahavira was the last Jain Tirthankara.
Question 25. Name the two groups into which Jainism came to be divided.
Answer: The two groups into which Jainism came to be divided were Digambara and Shwetambara.
Question 26. Name two religions which sought to substitute Brahmanism.
Answer: Two religions which sought to substitute Brahmanism were Jainism and Buddhism.
Question 27. Who was the twenty-third Jain Tirthankara?
Answer: Parshvanath was the twenty-third Jain Tirthankara.
Question 28. Why peasants did not agree to sacrifice animals?
Answer: The peasants did not agree to sacrifice animals because domesticated animals were required in works of agriculture.
Question 29. At what age Mahavira renounced the world and went to meditate?
Answer: Mahavira renounced the world and went to meditate at the age of thirty.
Question 30. In the ‘ganarajya’ who could not participate in discussions among the people about duties?
Answer: In the ‘ganarajya’ women and slaves could not participate in discussions among the people about duties.
Question 31. What is ‘Panchamahavrata’?
Answer: The five great vows of Jainism is called ‘Panchamahavrata’.
Question 32. What is ‘Chaturyama’?
Answer: The four great vows preached by Parshvanath is known as ‘Chaturyama’.
Question 33. What do you mean by ‘Anga’?
Answer: The basic principles of Jainism have been classified into twelve divisions and each of this division is called ‘Anga’.
Question 34. What is ‘Dwadash Anga’?
Answer: The basic principles of Jainism is classified into twelve sets or Angas which are collectively called ‘Dwadash Anga’.
Question 35. Which tenet was added to Chaturyama to constitute Panchamahavrata?
Answer: Mahavira added the tenet of Brahmacharya or celibacy to Chaturyama to constitute Panchamahavrata.
Question 36. Which Mauryan King embraced Jainism?
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya embraced Jainism.
Question 37. Name two states where Jainism was popular.
Answer: Jainism was popular in states like Magadha and Anga.
Chapter 5 Topic A Mahajanapadas And Jainism Select The Most Appropriate Option For The Following Statement
Question 1. In the 6th century BC large kingdoms were called Mahajanapadas.
1. Some of the small janapadas turned into big kingdoms.
2. The small janapadas merged with each other.
3. The population in the small janapadas increased.
Answer: 1. Some of the small janapadas turned into big kingdoms.
Question 2. In 6th century BC, the Gangetic valley region became the main political centre of the Indian subcontinent.
1. Fertile cultivable fields developed in this region.
2. Most of the Mahajanapadas grew up centering this region.
3. Factories were established in different parts of this region.
Answer: 2. Most of the Mahajanapadas grew up centering this region.
Question 3. Most of the Mahajanapadas were monarchical kingdoms.
1. The king was the supreme ruler and judge in these Mahajanapadas.
2. The Mahajanapadas were administered according to the king’s instructions.
3. All these Mahajanapadas were ruled by kings or monarchs.
Answer: 3. All these Mahajanapadas were ruled by kings or monarchs.
Question 4. Magadha was well safeguarded from external invasions.
1. Magadha was surrounded by rivers and hills.
2. The army of Magadha was very strong.
3. A high wall encircled the frontiers of Magadha.
Answer: 1. Magadha was surrounded by rivers and hills.
Question 5. In the 6th century BC the agri- cultural production increased very much.
1. Fertilisers began to be used in agricultural production.
2. Iron ploughs began to be used in agriculture.
3. Better quality seeds were sown.
Answer: 2. Iron ploughs began to be used in agriculture.
class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer
Question 6. The ritual of animal sacrifices in yajnas decreased in the 6th century BC.
1. Animal sacrifices became condemnable.
2. The clan leaders prohibited animal sacrifice.
3. The animals were used for drawing the ploughs.
Answer: 3. The animals were used for drawing the ploughs.
Question 7. The main tenets of Jainism are together called ‘Twelve Angas.’
1. Among the tenets of Jainism 12 of them were the most significant ones.
2. The tenets of Jainism were divided into 12 parts.
3. About 12 Tirthankaras had preached Jainism.
Answer: 2. The tenets of Jainism were divided into 12 parts.
Question 8. In the 6th century BC, the Kshatriyas demanded an equality of power with the Brahmins.
1. The weapons made of iron increased the power of the Kshatriyas.
2. The social status of the Kshatriyas had increased.
3. The Kshatriyas started participating in the administration.
Answer: 1. The weapons made of iron increased the power of the Kshatriyas.
Chapter 5 Topic A Mahajanapadas And Jainism Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1. Magadha was a
- Mahajanapada
- Sangha
- Janapada
- Temple
Answer: 1. Mahajanapada
Question 2. Most of the mahajanapadas were in the
- Ganga-Yamuna Doab
- Narmada Valley
- Godavari Valley
- Punjab region
Answer: 1. Ganga-Yamuna Doab
Question 3. The mahajanapadas emerged in
- 7th century BC
- 6th century BC
- 1st century BC
- 5th century BC
Answer: 2. 6th century BC
Question 4. The mahajanapada which became the most powerful was
- Kamboja
- Magadha
- Gandhara
- Vajji
Answer: 2. Magadha
Question 5. In the monarchies at the head of the 13. Food production increased with the use of administration stood the
- Administrator
- King
- Brahmans
- Queen
Answer: 2. King
class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer
Question 6. In the mahajanapadas the king was assisted in administration by
- Governor
- A Committee
- Mantri
- Prince
Answer: 2. A Committee
Question 7. In the kingdoms, land revenue which was collected was used for
- Administration
- Religious Purpose
- The King
- Warfare
Answer: 1. Administration
Question 8. The last ruling dynasty of Magadha mahajanapada was
- Haryanka dynasty
- Nanda dynasty
- Shaishunaaga dynasty
- Maurya dynasty
Answer: 2. Nanda dynasty
Question 9. The non-monarchical mahajanapadas were known as
- Ganarajya
- Janas
- Jangan
- Nagara
Answer: 1. Ganarajya
Question 10. A confederacy of clans used to rule
- Magadha
- Vajji
- Koshala
- Gandhara
Answer: 2. Vajji
Question 11. The king of Magadha who prepared to attack the Vajjis was
- Ajatashatru
- Bindusara
- Ashoka
- Bimbisara
Answer: 1. Ajatashatru
class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer
Question 12. The society, economy, and politics of the Indian subcontinent began to change around the
- 5th century BC
- 6th century BC
- 4th century BC
- 7th century BC
Answer: 2. 6th century BC
Question 13. Food production increased with the use of ploughs made of
- Copper
- Wood
- Iron
- Stone
Answer: 3. Iron
Question 14. The preachers of Jainism were known as
- Tirthankaras
- Hinayanas
- Mahayana
- Guruji
Answer: 1. Tirthankaras
Question 15. The influence of Jainism was on the rise during the rule of the
- Nandas
- Haryana
- Mauryas
- Kushanas
Answer: 3. Mauryas
Question 16. The Ajivika community was formed by
- Bhadrabahu
- Mankhliputta Gosal
- Sthulabhadra
- Siddhartha
Answer: 2. Mankhliputta Gosal
