Second Urbanisation in India
Short Questions
1. What led to the rise of mahajanapadas by 600 B.C.E.?
Answer: Territorial expansion and conquests among janapadas led to the formation of sixteen mahajanapadas.
2. What is the Second Urbanisation in ancient India?
Answer: It refers to the growth of prosperous cities due to trade and administration in the mahajanapada period.
3. Where was the Ashmak/Assak mahajanapada located?
Answer: It was located in Dakshinapatha, present-day Maharashtra, along the Godavari River.
4. What was the capital of Ashmak mahajanapada?
Answer: The capital was Potana/Podana, also known as Potali or Paudanya.
5. Which Buddhist text mentions Brahmadatta as the king of Assaka?
Answer: The Mahagovinda Suttanta mentions Brahmadatta as the king of Assaka.
6. Name the six prominent cities listed in the Mahaparinibbansutta.
Answer: Champa, Rajagriha, Shravasti, Saketa, Kushambi, and Varanasi.
7. What were punch-marked coins called in ancient Indian literature?
Answer: They were called Karshapana or Pana.
8. What was the capital of Kasi mahajanapada?
The capital of Kasi was Varanasi.
9. Who was the king of Kosala and a disciple of Gautama Buddha?
Answer: King Prasenjit (Pasenadi) was the king of Kosala.
10. What was the confederation of eight clans in Vrujji/Vajji called?
Answer: It was called Maha Aththkula.
11. Where did Gautama Buddha attain Mahaparinirvana?
Answer: He attained Mahaparinirvana in Kushinara/Kushinagara.
12. What divided Uttara Panchala and Dakshina Panchala?
Answer: The Bhagirathi River was the natural boundary.
13. What was the capital of Gandhara mahajanapada?
Answer: The capital was Taxila.
14. What is the Charvaka/Lokayat school known for?
Answer: It is a materialistic school rejecting Vedic authority and the existence of God.
15. What are the three principles of Jainism called?
Answer: They are called Triratna: Samyak Darshana, Samyak Dnyana, and Samyak Charitra.
Long Questions
1. Explain the process of the Second Urbanisation in ancient India.
Answer: The Second Urbanisation occurred around the 6th century B.C.E. when powerful mahajanapadas, driven by trade and conquests, developed prosperous capital cities like Champa and Varanasi. These cities became administrative and economic hubs, supported by hinterland villages, advanced trade routes, and monetary systems like punch-marked coins. This urban growth was marked by stable governance, legal systems, and increased use of iron tools, distinguishing it from the earlier Harappan urbanisation.
2. Why was Ashmak/Assak mahajanapada significant in the context of Dakshinapatha?
Answer: Ashmak/Assak, located in present-day Maharashtra, was the only mahajanapada in Dakshinapatha, making it unique among the sixteen northern mahajanapadas. Its strategic position along the Godavari River and a major trade route from Shravasti to Pratishthan facilitated economic prosperity. The region, including its capital Potana, was also culturally significant, as evidenced by Jaina texts linking it to Bahubali and Buddhist references to Sage Bavari’s ashram.
3. How did the administrative system of mahajanapadas function?
Answer: The mahajanapadas had a structured administrative system with kings (Raja) holding absolute authority over taxation and land, often legitimized through sacrifices like Rajasuya. Decision-making involved advisors like Purohita and Senani, and people’s assemblies allowed public participation, sometimes even deposing kings. Terms like Rajya and Saamrajya denoted varying levels of sovereignty, with power balanced by consultation and public influence.
4. What role did guilds (shrenis) play in the prosperity of mahajanapadas?
Answer: Guilds of merchants and artisans, led by Shreshthi and Jyeshthaka, were vital for economic growth, organizing production and trade in mahajanapadas. They maintained strict rules, trained young members, and funded social causes, while the state regulated their operations without interfering in internal traditions. Well-maintained roads, as noted in Ashokan edicts, supported their trade networks, enhancing the wealth of urban centers.
5. Describe the philosophical changes during the mahajanapada period.
Answer: The mahajanapada period saw a shift from Vedic ritualism to philosophical inquiries about life, death, and the soul, leading to the creation of Upanishads. Schools like Charvaka rejected Vedic authority, promoting materialism, while wandering parivrajakas sought ultimate truth. These changes reflected social and political transitions, paving the way for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism.
6. Why did Jainism and Buddhism attract large numbers of followers?
Answer: Jainism and Buddhism, founded by Vardhamana Mahavira and Gautama Buddha, rejected the Vedic caste system and rituals, appealing to diverse social strata. Their teachings in common languages (Ardhamagadhi and Pali) emphasized ethical living and liberation, addressing societal disparities. By offering practical paths to spiritual growth, they gained widespread acceptance across ancient India.
7. Explain the significance of Vardhamana Mahavira’s teachings in Jainism.
Answer: Vardhamana Mahavira’s teachings emphasized the Panchmahavratas (five vows) and Triratna (right faith, knowledge, and conduct), guiding followers toward liberation. His philosophy of Anekantavada (pluralism) promoted tolerance, viewing truth as multifaceted. Preaching in Ardhamagadhi, he made Jainism accessible, fostering a strong community that influenced figures like Chandragupta Maurya.
8. What are the core teachings of Gautama Buddha in Buddhism?
Answer: Gautama Buddha’s teachings focus on the Four Aryasatyas (Noble Truths), identifying sorrow, its cause (greed), and its cessation through the Ashtangika Marga (eightfold path). The eightfold path, preached in Pali, includes right understanding, speech, and concentration, guiding followers to overcome suffering. His establishment of the Bhikkhu Sangha and Trisaran emphasized community and devotion to Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.
9. How did Magadha emerge as a dominant mahajanapada?
Answer: Magadha’s rise was driven by strategic leadership under kings like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, who pursued aggressive territorial annexation. Its fortified capital, Girivraja (later Pataliputra), and fertile lands supported economic and military strength. By conquering mahajanapadas like Kasi, Kosala, and Vrujji, Magadha established dominance by the 4th century B.C.E.
10. What challenges do historians face in identifying the Ashmak/Assak mahajanapada?
Answer: Historians face challenges due to the name Assaka appearing in varied contexts, such as a king in Videha (Nimi Jataka) or Kasi (Assaka Jataka), causing confusion with its Dakshinapatha location. References in Panini’s Ashtadhyayi and Greek accounts (e.g., Assakenoi) suggest possible links to northern tribes, complicating identification. The Hathigumpha inscription’s mention of Asikanagara further blurs whether it refers to the same Assaka, requiring careful cross-referencing of sources.
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