Questions Answers Class 11 Chapter 5 History Maharashtra Board

Janapadas and Republics

Q.1 (A) Choose the correct alternative and write the complete sentences.

(1) ‘A region occupied by the ‘janas’ was called as .
(a) Ganarajya (b) Ganasangha
(c) Janapada (d) Gotra

Answer: (c) Janapada

(2) The principal functionary of a ganasangha was known as .
(a) Senapati (b) Bhandagarika
(c) Raja (d) Uparaja

Answer: (c) Raja

(3) The author of the ‘Ashtadhyayi’, which mentions ‘janapadin’, was .
(a) Kautilya (b) Panini
(c) Chanakya (d) Vyas

Answer: (b) Panini

(4) The sense of territoriality and the ensuing awareness were the main factors responsible for the formation of ancient janapadas in India.
(a) of unity (b) of authority
(c) of autonomy (d) of public authority

Answer: (c) of autonomy

(B) Find the incorrect pair from set B mand write the correct ones.

Answer: (4) Aparanta – the coastal region of Konkan

Q.2 Choose the correct reason and complete the sentence.

The ganasangha of the Youdhey, Malav, Kshudraka were mentioned as Ayudhajivi. Because –

(a) it was in the northeast region of the Indian subcontinent.
(b) these people were skilled warriors and warfare was the means of their livelihood.
(c) they were skilled in trade and commerce.
(d) these were the ganasanghas dependednt on agriculture and animal husbandry.

Answer: (b) these people were skilled warriors and warfare was the means of their livelihood.

Q.3 Complete the concept chart.

Answer:

Q.4 Explain the concept with examples.

(1) Ganarajya and Sangharajya

Answer:

• Ganarajya refers to a state governed collectively by members of the same social status or kula (clan), without a monarch. It is a form of oligarchy or republic where decision-making is shared among equals. For example, the Malava and Shibi ganarajyas were formed by members of a single kula.
• Sangharajya is a federation of multiple kulas or janapadas that come together to form a larger state. It represents a collective governance structure involving several groups. For example, the Vajji Ganasangha was a sangharajya that included eight kulas, such as Vajji, Lichchhavi, Dnyatruk, and Videha, with Lichchhavi being the most influential. Another example is the Yaudheya-Kshudrak Sangh, formed by multiple ganarajyas uniting.

(2) Vartashastropajivi Ganasangh:

Answer: This refers to a type of ganasangha where the people earned their livelihood through trade and commerce (varta), agriculture, animal husbandry, and skills in warfare. These communities were versatile, combining economic activities with martial expertise. For example, the Kamboj and Surashtra ganasanghas were Vartashastropajivi, as their people were engaged in trade, farming, and warfare, making them economically and militarily self-sufficient.

(2) ‘Jana’ and ‘Janapada’:

Answer:

• Jana refers to a group of people united by a common kinship structure, often an extended family (kul). In Vedic times, a jana was associated with a settlement called a grama and a cattle pen (goshtha). Initially, the concept of jana did not include territoriality, meaning it lacked defined geographic boundaries. For example, the Bharata jana in the Rigveda was a kinship-based group.
• Janapada refers to a region occupied by a jana, which gradually developed a sense of territoriality and autonomy. Over time, janapadas evolved into independent states with formal administrative structures. For example, Matsya, Chedi, and Kashi were janapadas that emerged as territorial entities, some of which became powerful mahajanapadas.

Q.5 Answer the following question in detail. Describe the democratic and oligarchic states in ancient India.

Answer: In ancient India, the political landscape was diverse, with the emergence of various governance systems, particularly within the framework of ganasanghas (republics or oligarchies). These systems, distinct from monarchic states, are detailed in ancient texts such as Later Vedic literature, Buddhist and Jain texts, and works by scholars like Panini and Kautilya. The two prominent types of states within ganasanghas were democratic states and oligarchic states, each with unique structures and characteristics.

Democratic States:

Democratic states in ancient India were characterized by a system of collective governance where power was distributed among elected representatives rather than concentrated in a single ruler. This system reflected a participatory approach to administration, rooted in the concept of shared authority.

Structure and Functioning:

• These states were often divided into regional zones called khandas, each represented by an elected individual chosen for their capability.
• The elected representatives, known as Ganamukhyas, formed the Ganaparishada, which served as the highest decision-making body of the ganasangha. This assembly collectively managed administrative affairs, ensuring broad participation from different regions.
• The implementation of decisions was carried out by designated functionaries, including the Ganapramukha (also called Adhyaksha or Raja), who acted as the principal leader, along with the Uparaja (deputy), Senapati (military commander), and Bhandagarika (treasurer or storekeeper).
• This structure allowed for a democratic process where regional voices influenced governance, resembling early forms of representative government.

Examples and Context:

• Democratic ganasanghas were prevalent in northwestern regions such as Punjab and Sindh, notably during the time of Alexander’s invasion in the 4th century B.C.E. These states thrived on elected leadership and collective decision-making, showcasing a sophisticated administrative model.
• The system’s significance is highlighted by its association with historical figures; for instance, Gautama Buddha was born into the Shakya ganasangha, where his father, Shuddhodana, served as an elected president (Rajan) of the Shakya Ganaparishada.

Oligarchic States:

Oligarchic states, referred to as Rajshabdopajivi sanghs by Panini and Kautilya, were governed by a privileged elite class that monopolized decision-making and administrative powers. Unlike democratic states, these systems excluded broader societal participation, concentrating authority among a select group.

Structure and Functioning:

• Power rested with an elite class, often comprising influential families or clans, who controlled all aspects of governance.
• The administrative hierarchy included roles like the Raja or Adhyaksha, typically held by elite members, but the decision-making process was dominated by this group, limiting input from the general populace.
• The system prioritized the interests of the ruling elite, reflecting a hierarchical social order where the elite’s authority was unquestioned.

Examples and Context:

• Oligarchic ganasanghas were more common in eastern regions such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Notable examples include the Vajji, Andhaka, Vrishni, Yaudheya, Madrak, Kuru, and Panchala ganasanghas.
• The Vajji Ganasangha, a federation of eight kulas including Lichchhavi, Dnyatruk, and Videha, was dominated by the influential Lichchhavi clan, exemplifying oligarchic control. This federation’s prominence is also linked to its association with Gautama Buddha, who interacted with its leaders.

Key Differences:

• Participation: Democratic states allowed broader representation through elected Ganamukhyas from various khandas, while oligarchic states restricted power to an elite class, excluding the majority.
• Decision-Making: In democratic states, the Ganaparishada made collective decisions, whereas in oligarchic states, the elite class held unilateral authority.
• Geographical Prevalence: Democratic systems flourished in northwestern areas like Punjab and Sindh, while oligarchic systems were more prevalent in the east, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

The existence of democratic and oligarchic states marked a significant departure from the monarchic norm in ancient India, offering alternative governance models. These ganasanghas played a crucial role in the socio-political evolution of the region, contributing to the rise of powerful mahajanapadas by the 8th century B.C.E. The association of these states with Gautama Buddha’s life-born in the Shakya ganasangha and interacting with Vajji, Lichchhavi, and Malla-underscores their cultural and historical importance during the 6th century B.C.E.

In conclusion, democratic and oligarchic states in ancient India represented innovative governance systems within the ganasangha framework. Democratic states emphasized collective participation and regional representation, while oligarchic states concentrated power among elites. Together, they enriched the political diversity of ancient India, laying the groundwork for its complex state systems.