NCERT Class 6 History: Chapter 5 Kingdoms, Kings and An Early Republic

Summary: NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 5

NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 5 tells about the different Janapadas or regions that existed and how they were governed. Early societies were led by Rajas, who were kings ruling over small territories. These Rajas depended on their council of ministers to help make important decisions.

A significant development was the establishment of Mahajanapadas, larger and more organized states. They had strong armies, administered by the king’s trusted generals. Magadha, one of the most powerful Mahajanapadas, saw the rise of leaders like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru.

The emergence of cities marked another turning point. Cities like Rajgir and Vaishali became important centers of trade, culture, and administration. People organized themselves into assemblies known as Sanghas, where they discussed and made collective decisions. This system laid the foundation for democratic practices.

As we move forward, we learn about the evolution of the Maurya Empire under Chandragupta Maurya, who established a rule over a vast territory. His grandson, Ashoka, is famous for promoting Buddhism and advocating moral values.

This chapter provides an important insight into the early governance structures of ancient India, highlighting the shift from small kingdoms to more organized states and the origins of democratic practices. 

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Important Dates in NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 5

This will answer the important dates in class 6 History Chapter 5.

Event	Date
New kinds of rajas	About 3000 years ago
Mahajanapadas	About 2500 years ago
Alexander’s invasion, the composition of the Digha Nikaya	About 2300 years ago
End of the ganas or sanghas	About 1500 years ago

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Important Definitions in Chapter 5

• Raja: In ancient India, a Raja was a king or a ruler who governed a particular region or kingdom.
• Ashvamedha: An Ashvamedha was a significant Vedic ritual in ancient India where a horse was set free to wander for a specific period, and the territories it entered were claimed by the king performing the ritual.
• Varna: Varna refers to the system of social classification in ancient India, which divided society into four main groups – Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (labourers and service providers).
• Janapada: A Janapada was an ancient territorial unit or region in early India, often ruled by a Raja. These were the early forms of kingdoms.
• Mahajanapada: A Mahajanapada was a larger and more powerful kingdom in ancient India, which comprised several Janapadas.
• Fortification: Fortification refers to the process of strengthening or protecting a place by building walls, towers, and other structures to defend against attacks.
• Army: An Army is an organized group of trained soldiers led by a commander. They are responsible for protecting a kingdom or a country from external threats.
• Tax: A Tax is a compulsory payment imposed by the government on its citizens and businesses, which is used to fund public services and infrastructure.
• Transplantation: Transplantation involves the process of moving something, such as an organ, plant, or population, from one place to another.
• Gana or Sangha: “Gana” or “Sangha” refers to an early form of republic in ancient India, where decisions were made collectively by a council or assembly of people.

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Important Questions and Answers

.1. State whether true or false.

1. Rajas who led the Ashvamedha horse pass through their lands were invited to the sacrifice.
2. The charioteer sprinkled sacred water on the king.
3. Archaeologists have found palaces in the settlements of the Janapadas.
4. Pots to store grain were made out of Painted Grey Ware.
5. Many cities in Mahajanapadas were fortified.

Ans.  

1. True
2. False
3. False
4. False
5. True

2. Fill in the chart given below with the terms: hunter-gatherers, farmers, traders, craftspersons, herders.

Ans. The following people paid taxes to the Raja of Mahajanapada:

• Hunter-gatherers: People who relied on hunting animals and gathering wild plants for their food and resources. They moved from place to place in search of food.
• Farmers: People who cultivated crops and raised livestock. They settled in one place and practized agriculture to produce food.
• Traders: Those who engage in the exchange of goods and services with others. They facilitated the movement of resources between different regions or communities.
• Craftspersons: Skilled people who created various items like tools, pottery, and textiles. They played a vital role in producing goods for the community.
• Herders: People who focused on raising and taking care of animals, such as cattle, sheep, or goats. They were often nomadic and moved with their herds.

3. Who were the groups who could not participate in the assemblies of the ganas?

Ans. In the assemblies of the ganas, certain groups like women, slaves, and those who didn’t own property were not allowed to participate. This meant they couldn’t be a part of the decision-making process during the meetings. It was a time when these societies had specific rules about who could be part of these gatherings. So, women, slaves, and people without property had limited participation in these assemblies.

4. Why did the rajas of Mahajanapadas build forts?

Ans. The rajas of Mahajanapadas built forts for protection and safety. They wanted to protect their kingdoms from any attacks by enemies. These forts acted like strong walls around their cities, making it harder for invaders to enter. So, building forts was a smart way for the Rajas to keep their people and territory safe.

5. In what ways are present-day elections different from the ways in which rulers were chosen in janapadas?

Ans. Present-day elections are different from the ways in which rulers were chosen in janapadas because: 

• In present-day elections, people use a system called voting to choose their leaders. Each person casts a vote to support their preferred candidate. In janapadas, leaders were often chosen through various methods like birthright or by being appointed by a king.
• In present-day elections, every eligible person in the country has the right to vote, regardless of their background or social status. In janapadas, the common people didn’t have the right to choose their leaders. It was often determined by their birth or position in society.
• Nowadays, elections are held at different levels like local, state, and national levels. This means we choose leaders for our local areas, our states, and the whole country. In janapadas, the governance system was often local, with leaders chosen for specific regions.
• Present-day elections follow strict rules and regulations to ensure fairness and transparency. There are set procedures for voting, counting, and announcing results. In janapadas, the process might have been less formal and regulated, depending on the specific practices of that time.
• Nowadays, we have various ways to learn about the candidates and their policies through newspapers, TV, the Internet, and public debates. In janapadas, information about leaders may not have been as available, and decisions might have been based more on personal knowledge or local reputation.

Download Social Science Class 6 History Chapter 5 Important Questions and Answers PDF

Also Read:

Chapter 1: NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 1- “What, Where, How and When?”

Chapter 2: NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 2- “From Hunting-Gathering to Growing Food”

Chapter 3: NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 3- “In the Earliest Cities

Chapter 4: NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 4- “What Books and Burials Tell Us?”

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