Introduction to Mahajanpadas

Brief Introduction to Mahajanpadas

1. About 2500 years ago, some janapadas became more important than others and were known as Mahajanapadas.
2. Some of these are shown on Map.
3. Most Mahajanapadas had a capital city, and many of these were fortified.
4. This means that huge walls of wood, brick, or stone were built around them.
5. Forts were probably built because people were afraid of attacks from other kings and needed protection.
6. It is also likely that some rulers wanted to show how rich and powerful they were by building really large, tall, and impressive walls around their cities.
7. Also in this way, the land and the people living inside the fortified area could be controlled more easily by the king.
8. Building such huge walls required a great deal of planning.
9. Thousands, if not lakhs of bricks or stones had to be prepared.
10. This, in turn, meant enormous labor, provided, possibly, by thousands of men, women, and children. And resources had to be found for all of this.