Ancient Political Systems
Identify the Gana-Sangha Mahajanapada | Vajji
Vajji was the Mahajanapada that functioned as a Gana-Sangha (republic or oligarchy), governed by a council of clan leaders.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class 12 - Themes in Indian History Part I
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2022
Evidence Source
Link ↗From among the following Mahajanapadas, identify the gana/sangha (oligarchy):
[UPSC CDS 2022 (I)]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
Ancient Indian states (Mahajanapadas) were divided into Monarchies (ruled by one king) and Gana-Sanghas (republics or oligarchies ruled by a council).
Authentic Source Evidence
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.
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"How did the governance of Vajji differ from Magadha?"
Vajji was ruled by a group of 'Rajas' in a Sangha, while Magadha was ruled by a single absolute monarch.
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"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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