Page 45 - SST Class 06

speak highly of Kashi which was one of the most
prosperous kingdoms during its heyday. Hence,
Kashi was in constant conflict with kingdoms of
Kosala, Magadha and Anga, which were trying to
annex Kashi. Though Kosala was once defeated
by Kashi, it was later annexed by Kosala under
the rule of King Kansa who ruled at the time of
Buddha.

Buddha and Mahavira both belonged to ganas or
sanghas. The ganas or sanghas continued to rule
Bhoganagara
India until about 1,500 years ago. The Magadha,
Vajji from Malla and Kosala as well. Apart from
after Ajatasattu, faced many weak rulers. The last
Vaishali, which was its capital city, Vajji also
dynasty was that of Nandas whose founder was
housed popular ancient cities like Hatthigama,
Mahapadma Nanda. During Nanda rule a
Bhoganagara and Kundapura.
number of cities and towns had come up in the
Kashi Ganga Valley and central India. These included
Ancient Kashi was bound by river Varuna in the Champa,Vaishali, Rajgir, Ayodhya and
north and river Assi in the south. The Kingdom of Kaushambi, Vijjayaniand Brigukacha.
Kashi which had its capital at Varanasi, was the The sanghas or ganas, who ruled 1,500 years
most powerful among ‘mahajanapadas’ before ago, were, in essence, democracies. They are
the time of the Buddha. Several ancient texts called direct democracies.

Terminology

Territories : an area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state
Charioteer : a chariot driver
Cremations : the disposal of a dead body by burning it to ashes
Rendered : melted in order to separate out the impurities
Heyday : the period of a person’s or thing’s greatest success

Inside Story
Inside Story
g During early civilization, the people or Jana chose the kings or Rajas.
g Varna is a fundamental concept underlying the Hindu society.

g During the later Vedic period, the people had settled in the region, drained by Ganga,
Yamuna and their tributaries.

g Early stages of settlement of the tribes happened before the time of the Buddha.
g Magadha was one of the most prosperous kingdoms of ancient India and one of the most
prominent ‘mahajanapadas.’
g Ancient Kashi was bound by river Varuna in the north and river Assi in the south.

g Buddha and Mahavira both belonged to ganas or sanghas.

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