Political Condition of India During The Time of Six Century BCE: As Description of Sixteen Mahajanpadas

Abstract

Abstract

The History of Ancient India is very significant, not only for its historical and cultural parameters but also for its incredible political paradigm. The period of sixth century B.C. is like second elevation phase, which known as “the time of second urbanization in India”. At that time, many sovereign powers came in existence, which result we can see in the form of sixteen Mahajanpadas. Overabundance and use of iron, development of stable urbanization, agriculture, industries, trade engendered sixteen Mahajanpadas, in the history of Ancient India. In this way, sixth century B.C. is often regarded as a major turning point of ancient history. Mahajanpadas literally means “great kingdom”. Mahajanpadas refer to one of the sixteen monarchic and oligarchy republic that existed in Ancient India from sixth to fourth century B.C.Ancient Buddhism text Anguttra Nikaya and Jain Text Bhagavati Sutra make frequent reference about these sixteen Mahajanpadas. These mahajanapadas get evolved and flourished in the Indian sub continental, belt stretching from Gandhara region in the North to Assaka in the south and Anga in the East to Matasya in the west. Archaeologically, this period corresponds to the Northern Black Polished Ware Culture.