Janapadas and Mahajanapadas – Difference Between Janapadas and Mahajanapadas
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 14th, 2023
The difference between Janapadas and Mahajanapadas is that the Mahajanapadas existed between 600 BCE and 345 BCE, whereas Janapadas existed around 1500 BCE. Janapadas and Mahajanapadas were the two political units during the early period of the History of India. Another key Difference Between Janapadas and Mahajanapadas was that Janapadas were mainly Monachial in nature, and Mahajanapadas were Oligarchical in nature.
Difference Between Janapadas and Mahajanapadas
With the increased iron production in parts of North India, the Janapadas became more powerful and evolved as Mahajanapadas. Questions related to the difference between Janapadas and Mahajanapadas are frequently asked in the UPSC exam, and that’s why in this article, we are going to cover the major differences between Janapadas and Mahajanapadas in detail.
Table of content
Difference Between Janapadas and Mahajanapadas
Janapadas and Mahajanapadas were different as they existed during different times in Indian history, followed diverse administration systems, and experienced distinct historical events separately. Below are the key Difference Between Janapadas and Mahajanapadas.
Janapadas and Mahajanapadas
|
Janapada |
Mahajanapada |
|
The word Janapada is derived from the words Jana meaning people, and pada meaning feet. |
The word Mahajanapada is derived from the words Maha meaning great, and Janapada meaning feet of people. |
|
The difference between Janapadas and Mahajanapadas was that the Janapadas lasted from 1500 BC to the 6th century BC. |
The Mahajanapadas lasted between the 6th century BC to 345 BC. |
|
The transition from bronze to the iron age occurred during this period. |
The major historical event during the times of Mahajanapadas was the emergence of Buddhism and Jainism. |
|
Janapadas were situated in India’s eastern, western, and northern parts. |
Mahajanapadas were spread all over Northern India, including Bengal and Kashmir valleys. |
|
Major examples of Janapadas from 1500 BC to the 6th century BC: Alina, Anu, Gandhari, Kalinga, and Matsya. |
Major examples of Mahajanapadas during the 16th century BC: Chedi, Gandhara, Kosala, and Magadha. |
Janapadas and Mahajanapadas
There were about 1500 Janapadas in Ancient India. They were spread over the entire Indian subcontinent, with some being in the mountainous regions of northern India and others in the forested regions of central India.
- At least 16 Mahajanapadas are mentioned in the Buddhist literature, the Anguttara Nikaya, Jain literature, and Pannavana-Sutta.
- Mahajanpadas emerged around 600 BC and covered almost all parts of Ancient India, including Bihar, Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, based on archaeological evidence.
What is Janapada Meaning?
Janapadas were mainly agricultural communities. The term Janapada refers to a small territorial unit in Ancient India. The word Janapada meaning is a place where people live. Janapadas were smaller than the Mahajanapadas but larger than Ganas, Sanghas, and Pauris.
What is Mahajanapadas?
The term ‘Mahajanapada’ literally refers to ‘Great Kingdom’. It is the name of a country, kingdom, or state in ancient India. During the time of the Gautam Buddha, there were 16 Mahajanpadas.
- The capital of the Mahajanpadas was situated on river basins or in fertile valleys.
- Mahajanapadas were large territories inhabited by people during ancient times.
Conclusion:
Key Difference Between Janapadas and Mahajanapadas
The key Difference Between Janapadas and Mahajanapadas is that Janapadas prevailed from 1500 BC to the 6th century BC and experienced a shift from bronze to the iron age. In contrast, Mahajanapadas prevailed between the 6th century BC to 345 BC and experienced the emergence of Buddhism and Jainism.
