Pre Mauryan Period

Ancient and Medival History

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Indian Economy - Understanding the basics of Indian economic system

Consider the following statements about ganas, during the period of Mahajanapadas:

1. Those Mahajanapadas which were oligarchies were called ganas.

2. Mahavira and the Buddha belonged to ganas.

3. Magadha, the most powerful mahajanapada, was an oligarchy.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 2 only

1 and 3 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Statement 1 and 2 are correct: While most mahajanapadas were ruled by kings, some, known as ganas or sanghas , were oligarchies, where power was shared by a number of men, often collectively called rajas . Both Mahavira and the Buddha belonged to such ganas. In some instances, as in the case of the Vajji sangha , the rajas probably controlled resources such as land collectively.
Statement 3 is not correct: Between the sixth and the fourth centuries BCE , Magadha (in present-day Bihar) became the most powerful mahajanapada. It was not an oligarchy as Buddhist and Jaina writers who wrote about Magadha attributed its power to the policies of individuals: ruthlessly ambitious kings of whom Bimbisara, Ajatasattu and Mahapadma Nanda are the best known, and their ministers, who helped implement their policies.