THE EMERGENCE OF MAHAJANAPADAS & MAGADH

The literal meaning of the Mahajanapadas is the great foothold of cities. The Mahajanapadas flourished in the North-Western part of India before the rise of Buddhism. Magadha emerged as a powerful Mahajanapada and became a powerful kingdom under the rule of Bimbisara. At that time 16 Janapadas emerged and took the name Mahajanapadas. Through material development, Magadha led 16 Mahajanapadas to emerge together. The Magadha Kingdom has come into prominence under the ownership and leadership of Bimbisara.

Why did the Mahajanapadas emerge?

By the 6th century BCE, there were twelve different Janapadas. All Janapadas tried to dominate as well as subjugate other Janapadas due to this reason they have become Mahajanapadas. Due to the developments of social-economic, agricultural, and military along with the religious as well as political aspect the 16 Janapadas led them to rise as Mahajanapadas from the Janapadas. Then Magadha emerged as the most powerful state as well as acquired the Majesty in the political domain of the country India.

What were the 16 Mahajanapadas? 

The 16 Majajanapadas are Kosala, Kasi, Magadha, Anga, Malla, Vajji, Chedi, Panchala, Vasta, Machcha, Kuru, Assaka, Surasena, Avanati, Komboja and Gandhara. Among the 16 Mahajanapadas, Kasi had a predominant position in the region that has been settled around Varanasi.

What was the social background of the Mahajanapadas?

The social system of the Mahajanapadas was described as a tribal community that was clearly divided into four different classes. The first class of these tribals considers Brahmins who were the teachers and priests. Kshatriyas was the warrior and ruler of the kingdom. Vaishyas were the taxpayers and peasants and lastly Shudras, who served all the other classes. The salient features of the Mahajanapadas are that the Mahajanapadas were ruled by powerful kings within a kingdom. Thereby Mahajanapadas had their own capital which was the most important aspect in ancient India. Due to their strong economy, Magadha was one of the most prosperous and prominent Janapada among other Janapadas

Factors responsible for the rise of Magadha

There are several factors that have contributed to the rise of the Magadha. The strategic locations of two capitals are Pataliputra and Rajagirdha. These two capitals were very rich due to the alluvial soil contribution that has led them to be strong in the agricultural aspect and the surplus production of the agricultural product. The availability of the minerals was also the result that contributed to the rise of Magadha. Thereby the introduction of the iron tools for welfare had made them special among the 16 Mahajanapadas. 

• The Magadha had large deposits of iron and copper thereby the iron was used in order to make the weapons as well as the implements for agriculture that has made them special among the Mahajanapadas. 
• The Magadha had a flourishing trade every Janapadas and the profits from the trade helped the Magadha in order to maintain a large army within their Kingdom.
• Magadha enjoyed a search of a favorable geographical location surrounded by the side and hills of the tree which has provided them a more beautiful view surrounding its Kingdom than the other Janapadas. 
• Their new capital Pataliputra was situated on the bank of the Ganga (river) which significantly provided them a barrier against any kind of attack on their Kingdom.
• The land of Magadha was fertile and they were given a good harvest thereby their land revenue was significantly high and provided them a huge income than the other Janapadas.
• Magadha was the supplier of Forest Timber as well as elephants. Timber was used in the construction of the houses in the city while the elephants were used in the army.

Due to the above reason, Magadha was considered one of the strongest and most developed kingdoms among the other Janapadas. Though it has been found that among the 16 Mahajanapadas, Magadha, Vasta, Avanthi, Koshala seemed the most powerful kingdoms. However, in the fight for supremacy and dominance, Magadha has emerged as the most powerful Kingdom thereafter.

Conclusion 

The empire of Magadha is regarded as the first empire of India during the age of Budha. The Magadha Rose was prominent under the rule of the Bimbisara. His greatest achievement in this Mahajanapada emergence was the establishment of the Magadha Empire in terms of Imperial expansion. Under the rule of the Bimbisara, it has been ensured that Magadha is going to capture other Janapada in order to increase and expand their kingdoms. There are several reasons that have also been demonstrated which have made Magadha the most powerful Mahajanapada in India.