16 Mahajanapadas And Their Capitals

Exam-Oriented Q&A

Q1: What does “Mahajanapada” mean?
Answer: It means “great realm” or “great kingdom.”

Q2: Name four Mahajanapadas located in the Gangetic plains.
Answer: Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, Anga.

Q3: Which Mahajanapadas were republics governed by assemblies?
Answer: Vajji (Vrijji) and Malla.

Q4: What was the capital of Avanti?
Answer: Ujjaini (modern Ujjain).

Q5: In which river basin did Gandhara lie?
Answer: The Indus tributaries, especially the Kabul River basin.