UPSC Prelims · General Studies

Ancient, medieval & culture

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History of India: ancient and medieval / Mahajanapadas, Magadha and the Mauryas

Sixteen mahajanapadas and the rise of Magadha

The sixteen mahajanapadas of the Anguttara Nikaya, their capitals, regions and rivers
Monarchies (Kosala, Magadha, Avanti, Vatsa) versus gana-sanghas (Vajji, Shakya, Malla)
Kingdoms tied to the Buddha's life: Kosala, Magadha, Vajji and Malla; not Avanti or Gandhara
Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, Udayin, Shishunagas and Nandas; iron, rivers, elephants and forest resources
Vajji sangha assembly and the Licchavis of Vaishali as the early republic

Where to study

Theme 2 Kings, Farmers and Towns, pp. 1-25 (printed 28-52)
Theme 2 Kings, Farmers and Towns, 2. The Earliest States, pp. 2-3 (printed 29-30)
Theme 2 Kings, Farmers and Towns, 2. The Earliest States (first amongst the sixteen), pp. 3-4 (printed 30-31)

ch. 5 Kingdoms, Kings and an Early Republic, pp. 1-11 (printed 46-56)
ch. 5 Kingdoms, Kings and an Early Republic, Mahajanapadas, pp. 4-5 (printed 49-50)
ch. 5 Kingdoms, Kings and an Early Republic, A closer look: (a) Magadha, p. 7 (printed 52)
ch. 5 Kingdoms, Kings and an Early Republic, A closer look: (b) Vajji; Ajatasattu and the Vajjis, pp. 8-9 (printed 53-54)

Lesson 3 Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects, pp. 46-61 (printed 42-57)
Lesson 3 Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects, Sixteen Mahajanapadas, pp. 48-49 (printed 44-45)
Lesson 3 Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects, Sixteen Mahajanapadas (monarchies and republics), pp. 48-49 (printed 44-45)
Lesson 3 Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects, 3.2 Janapadas to Mahajanapadas (rise of Magadha, Bimbisara, Ajatasatru, Nandas), pp. 48-50 (printed 44-46)