The Rise of Magadha Question and Answer | ICSE Class 6

CHAPTER 12

Answer the following questions:

Answer in Points

Question 1: State the reasons for the emergence of the Mahajanapadas.
Ans: The emergence of the Mahajanapadas was due to the following reasons:

1. Growth of agriculture and surplus food production.
2. Development of iron tools which improved farming and warfare.
3. Expansion of trade and commerce, leading to economic prosperity.
4. The rise of powerful rulers and armies that established control over large areas.
5. The decline of tribal societies, leading to the formation of organized kingdoms.

Question 2: How many Mahajanapadas are mentioned in the religious texts of the 6th century BCE?
Ans: The religious texts of the 6th century BCE, especially the Buddhist and Jain scriptures, mention 16 Mahajanapadas.

Question 3: How did the conquest of Anga benefit Magadha?
Ans: The conquest of Anga (modern-day Bihar and Bengal) benefited Magadha in the following ways:

1. Access to the rich trade routes through the Ganges delta.
2. Control over Champa, an important trading center for pearls and spices.
3. Increased wealth and economic prosperity of Magadha.
4. Strengthened Magadha’s position as the most powerful Mahajanapada.

Question 4: Why was Alexander unable to conquer Magadha?
Ans: Alexander was unable to conquer Magadha due to:

1. Exhausted troops – His soldiers were tired after years of war and refused to march further.
2. Fear of Magadha’s strong army, including a large number of war elephants.
3. Difficult geography, including dense forests and mighty rivers.
4. Resistance from local rulers like Chandragupta Maurya, who later founded the Maurya Empire.

Question 5: Mention briefly the effects of Alexander’s invasion.
Ans: The invasion of Alexander (326 BCE) had the following effects:

1. Exposure to Greek culture, which influenced Indian art, sculpture, and coins.
2. Trade contacts were established between India and the West.
3. Alexander’s retreat created a power vacuum, allowing Chandragupta Maurya to rise and establish the Maurya Empire.
4. Greek historians like Megasthenes recorded valuable information about Indian society.

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Answer in Paragraph Format

Question 1: State the reasons for the emergence of the Mahajanapadas.
Ans: The Mahajanapadas emerged due to several factors. The development of agriculture led to surplus food production, supporting larger populations and stronger kingdoms. The discovery and use of iron tools improved farming efficiency and strengthened weapons, helping rulers expand their territories. Trade and commerce flourished, making some regions more prosperous and politically powerful. The rise of organized armies and centralized rule contributed to the formation of stable and dominant kingdoms. Additionally, the decline of small tribal groups led to the establishment of large territorial states, known as the Mahajanapadas.

Question 2: How many Mahajanapadas are mentioned in the religious texts of the 6th century BCE?
Ans: According to Buddhist and Jain religious texts from the 6th century BCE, there were 16 Mahajanapadas. These were powerful kingdoms and republics that controlled vast areas of northern and central India. Some of the most prominent Mahajanapadas included Magadha, Kosala, Avanti, Vatsa, and Kuru. These states played a crucial role in shaping early Indian history.

Question 3: How did the conquest of Anga benefit Magadha?
Ans:The conquest of Anga was a significant achievement for Magadha, as it brought great economic and strategic advantages. Anga, located in modern-day Bihar and Bengal, had a rich trade network, especially through its capital, Champa, which was a major center for trade in pearls and spices. By controlling Anga, Magadha gained access to important water routes that boosted commerce and wealth. The annexation also strengthened Magadha’s military position, making it the most dominant Mahajanapada in North India.

Question 4: Why was Alexander unable to conquer Magadha?
Ans: Alexander, after his successful conquests in Persia and parts of India, was unable to proceed towards Magadha for several reasons. His army was exhausted and war-weary after years of continuous battles. Additionally, the Greek soldiers were fearful of Magadha’s powerful army, which included thousands of war elephants, a military force they had never encountered before. The dense forests, mighty rivers, and difficult terrain of eastern India also acted as natural obstacles. Lastly, growing resistance from local rulers, such as Chandragupta Maurya, further discouraged Alexander’s advance, leading him to retreat.

Question 5: Mention briefly the effects of Alexander’s invasion.
Ans: Alexander’s invasion of India in 326 BCE had several long-term effects. One of the most significant impacts was the cultural exchange between India and Greece, which influenced Indian art, sculpture, and coin-making techniques. His invasion also helped establish trade relations between India and the Western world, leading to the exchange of ideas and goods. After his retreat, a power vacuum was created in North India, which was later filled by Chandragupta Maurya, who founded the Maurya Empire. Furthermore, Greek historians like Megasthenes documented valuable information about India, providing insights into its society, governance, and economy during that period.