Mahajanapadas- Social and Material Life

The rise of the territorial states or the mahajanapadas was the result of various kinds of social, religious, commercial, and political changes taking place. As urban activity shifted to the lower and middle Gangetic Valley from the Upper Valleys, more sophistication and advancement in tool-making technology were brought about. Increased urban activities supported by a settled and rapidly growing population meant increased trade and business. As different kinds of communities began to settle parts of these plains and an added emphasis was placed on commonalities and shared beliefs, things like occupation and religion became the central focus of identities. 

Mahajanapadas- Social and Material Life

Between 6-4 BC, there was the development of the Mahajanapadas. These were politically made territorial states or the beginnings of kingdom-states. The growing rigidity in the occupational identities and economic classes led to lesser social mobility. These complex processes make up the mahajanapadas- social and material life. Associated with this topic are the questions of why did the rajas of mahajanapadas build forts and how many mahajanapadas were there.  

Social Life

Social life falls under the scope of mahajanapadas- social and material life. The social life during this time was complex and highly segregated. The varna system was very prevalent and strict in its rules and adherence. The society was predominantly agriculture-based while trade and commerce also flourished in important urban centers. While social traditions and customs were not standardised to a large extent, there were some differences between the people migrating from the northern and northwestern regions and the people residing in eastern regions. The four castes of the varna system were:

• Brahmin (priests)
• Kshatriya (kings)
• Vaishyas (businessmen)
• Shudras (The lowest economic and occupational classes)

While marriages within the same caste were popular, inter-caste marriages had not yet come to be strongly frowned upon. The relationship between the kings or nobles and the priests was slowly becoming synonymous with autocracy which reached its peak in the Nanda Dynasty after the era of the Mahajanapadas was over. 

Material Life

The material life during the Mahajanapadas was flourishing. It is also a part of the mahajanapadas- social and material life. The land revenue amounted to 1/10. The agricultural produce was farmed on several smaller plots. The irrigation system was developed on several factors and a cooperative system was followed. Animal husbandry was a key occupation. Associated craft and art industries like pottery, ivory, and gold ornaments, sculptures, and mural paintings. Embroidery was a highly specialised occupation that was gradually developing. Copper, as well as silver, were the mediums of transactions. A special feature of the numismatics in this age was the punched-mark coins. They were known as pana, Karshapana, or Puranas. The urban centers that emerged during this time are:

• Taxila
• Ujjain
• Shravasti
• Champa
• Vaishali
• Kasi
• Rajagriha 
• Kausambi

Political Life

The political life forms the context for the mahajanapadas- social and material life. Most of the mahajanapadas were monarchical but some like the Vajjis were Republican or Oligarchic and were called Sangha or Gana. The political organisation would soon involve absorption of neighbouring Mahajanapada for their political, economic, or religious importance. The idea of territorial expansion would be strengthened. Kingship ideals would be created over time. 

Conclusion

The specialisation in craft and diversification of occupations along with the propagation of heterodox religious beliefs, the varna system, or the caste system in the Indian subcontinent was further complicated. This resulted in further specialisations in craftsmanship and workstations. Certain caste identities were strongly stigmatized while some were lauded. This would be further complex in the later ages.