6 Class.History.CW/HW.Chapter12.Janpadas and the Mahjanpadas.

Chapter 12 

Keywords 

gana : a group consisting of many members. 

matrimonial alliances : relations through marriages.

republic : a state where its head is elected by the people. 

sangha : organisation or association. 

 

Something To Know A. 

Tick () the correct option. 

1. What does the word Janapada literally mean? 

(a) the king 

(b) the group 

(c) the land 

(d) the law 

2.In which category the Sakyas of Kapilvastu can be placed? 

(a) Gansanghas 

(b) Janapadas 

(c) Mahajanapadas 

(d) Sabhas 

3. Ajatshatru shifted his capital from Rajgriha to- 

(a) Vaishali 

(b) Kausambi 

(c) Champa 

(d) Pataliputra 

4. The supreme head of the state chosen by the people was - 

(a) Raja 

(b) Mahamatras 

(c) Ayuktas 

(d) Gramini 

5. Which one of the following emerged as the most powerful Mahajanapada? 

(a) Anga  

(b) Vatsa 

(d) Magadha 

(c) Avanti 

B. Fill in the blanks. were the kingdoms where the kings were not hereditary. never tolerated any inefficient official, Sury z 

3. The capital of the Sakyas was crops in a year. 

4. The people of Magadha raised 

5. The head of artisans' association was known as

C. Write True or False for the following statements, 

1. The Vorna System was based on birth, 

2. Vaishyas were called Songrahitris. 

3. Gramini helped the king in his central administration. Magadha had a flourishing long distance trade. 

4. 5. There was no assembly in the Republics. 

D. Answer the following questions in brief. 

1. What were Mahajanapadas? Name any four of them. 

2. What was the status of Magadha under the Nandas? 

3. What made the people drift away from Brahamanism? 

4. Mention any two achievernents of Ajatshatru. 

5. What was a guild? What was its main purpose? 

E. Answer the following questions. 

1.How did Magadha emerge as the most powerful Mahojanapada? Explain. 

2. Highlight any four features of the Ganasanghas or Republics that existed in 600-100 BCE. 3. Explain the administrative system of Magadha rulers. 

4. What was the socio-economic condition of the people under the Magadha rulers? 

5. Describe the Varna system. How did it start? What is its present position in India today 

Value Based Question 

The Magadha emerged as the most powerful Mahajanapada as it conquered the territories of other Mahajanapadas. Matrimonial alliances with daughters of other rulers was also a step towards expanding power. 

All these Mahajanapadas later became parts of Magadha empire. 

How far do you agree that winning wars strenghens a nation and helps towards development? Explain

Map Skill On the outline map of India, locate the following Mahajanpadas and name them. 

(a) Magadha 

(b) Vatsa 

(c) Anga 

(d) Kuru 

(e) Panchala 

Something To Do 

1. Make a list of crafts which were in practice during the period of the Magadhan rulers and are still bein practised in India. 

2. Collect some pictures showing the crafts of Magadha period. 

3. In what ways are the present day coins better than the old ones? 

4. Browse through the internet and study the different coins. You can visit the National Museum in New Delhi to have a look at some very old coins.