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UPSC CDS 2022 (I)

Ancient Political Systems

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

From among the following Mahajanapadas, identify the gana/sangha (oligarchy):

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Ancient Indian states (Mahajanapadas) were divided into Monarchies (ruled by one king) and Gana-Sanghas (republics or oligarchies ruled by a council).

Explanation Vajji (or Vriji), with its capital at Vaishali, was a powerful confederation of eight clans, including the Lichchhavis. Decisions were made in a public assembly through voting and consensus.

Logical Breakup
Vajji (B): The premier example of a republic/oligarchy mentioned in Buddhist and Jain texts.
Magadha, Avanti, Kosala (A, C, D): Were powerful monarchies where absolute power resided in the King.

Active Recall

Question

How did the governance of Vajji differ from Magadha?

Answer

Vajji was ruled by a group of 'Rajas' in a Sangha, while Magadha was ruled by a single absolute monarch.

Core Insight

The existence of Gana-Sanghas like Vajji proves that democratic and collective governance models have deep prehistoric roots in the Indian subcontinent.

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