#Mahajanapada

[vivechan]

Magadha Empire | The kingdom of Magadha

Magadha Empire | The kingdom of Magadha Magadha Empire | The kingdom of Magadha Magadha Was The Most Powerful Mahajanapada Among The Sixteen Mahajanapadas Of BC.  Means To Know The History Of Maurya Dynasty (A) Indica By The Greek Ambassador Megasthenes (B) Economics Of Kautilya (C) Ashoka’s Inscriptions (D) Buddhist Texts Deepvansh And Mahavansh (E) Mudrarakshas Natak Of…

[miusmusings]

Reading history always makes me wanna turn it into a pit babe au....

what if invader!kim lay siege and plundered a rich temple-city, drawn by the wealth of the shrines and slaves to capture... only to meet the illegitimate son slash a young priest Kenta, of the corrupt head priest slash city ruler Tony after slicing his head off his torso... what then...

[batmanbeyondrocks]

Exploring the Mahajanapadas and Great nations attire (600BCE - 300BCE)

Credit: Rohit Bose@boseoninsta

Art By: ArsalanActual@arsalanactual

[echoesoftime-heritagechronicles]

Mystery of Karnagarh and Medieval History of Bhagalpur

It has been a long time since the post on ‘Ancient History of Bhagalpur’ was published and succumbing to my procrastinating qualities I had no plans in sight to continue the story of this remarkable city. Eventually I had to come out of this reverie because a narrative as powerful as of this city’s needs to be heard Before that, a quick little recap – the previous post talked about the foundation…

[sambhavami]

Women in Mahabharata - Jaanapadi

She is noted as the mother of the twins Kripa and Kripi.

A king [noted as Indra] is threatened by the military [archery] proficiency of Sharadvana, a rishi belonging to the Panchala-Maudgalya sect, and sends an 'apsara' [Jaanapadi] to distract him.

It works temporarily, but one day, Sharadvana freaks out about his life choices and runs away, leaving even his ajina dress and archery kit without even knowing that he has children.

Once the twins are born, fearing societal backlash without their father present to shield them, Jaanapadi abandons them in a forest where they are found and informally adopted by King Shantanu.

Interestingly, the word Jaanapadi is loosely a synonym of the mahajanapada-era term 'nagara-vadhu', or the much closer 'jana-pada-kalyani', and this term clarifies the identity/position of this woman within that particular kingdom where the rishi had been residing at the time.

[whencyclopedia]

Shishunaga Dynasty

The Shishunaga Dynasty (also Sishunaga/Shaishunaga Dynasty) ruled the Magadha Kingdom in ancient India from c. 413 BCE to c. 345 BCE (in some sources from 421 BCE). It is said to be the third imperial dynasty of Magadha after the Brihadratha and the Haryanka, though the Brihadratha Dynasty is considered as mythical now. The first ruler of the dynasty was Shishunaga himself after whom it has been named, who came to power when the people revolted against the earlier Haryanka Dynasty in the 5th century BCE. The Shishunaga Dynasty had a very short reign before it was succeeded by the Nandas and then the Mauryas, but it too contributed to the solid foundation of the Magadhan Empire which was to dominate the Indian subcontinent for the upcoming centuries.

India Before the Shishunagas

After the Vedic civilization took its roots in the Indian subcontinent from around 1500 BCE, various political units rose in northern and northwestern India. This changed from the 6th century BCE onwards when some kingdoms rose to the east in the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains. During this time, the Indian subcontinent formed mainly into two political units – the Janapadas (which roughly means foothold of the common people) and the Mahajanapadas (the greater foothold of the people). There were 16 Mahajanapadas, and in the 6th century BCE, four out of them became very powerful – Kosala, Avanti, Vatsa, and finally Magadha. The ancient kingdom of Kosala falls roughly to some parts of the present-day Uttar Pradesh state in India. Avanti was Central India and now the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, and Vatsa was also another part of modern Uttar Pradesh state.

The most powerful of them was Magadha, which would go on to dominate the entire subcontinent during the time of the Mauryas. All the polities close to Magadha except Avanti were defeated in battle and gradually annexed by the warrior king of Ajatashatru (r. c. 493/492 BCE - c. 462/460 BCE) of the Haryanka Dynasty. He also defeated the powerful confederation of the Vrijjis to the immediate north with their capital at Vaishali after 16 years of ancient Indian warfare from c. 484 BCE to c. 468 BCE. By the time Shishunaga ascended to the throne, Magadha, roughly corresponding to the present-day provinces of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and the countries of Bangladesh and Nepal, had a very effective system of administration and government, a powerful army and a flourishing trade network.

Continue reading...

[zeherili-ankhein]

I'm so sad dude, we don't have any Indian aesthetics at all. I saw many and it's like "desi coquette" and "desi mermaidcore" like it's js the desi version of some western aesthetic. Why can't we have our own aesthetics? I have seen some religion/region based aesthetics, but idk, it js feels weird.

We do have desi core, but it's like...the Indian aesthetic as a whole. That's it.

LET'S JUST MAKE INDIAN AESTHETICS DAMMIT WE HAVE SO MUCH VARIETY ON JEWELRY AND FASHION-

Ok first I'm sorry but I'll disagree on desi core being the Indian aesthetic as a whole cuz what IS India as a whole?? Or what is desi??

But frrrr dude like we need some cool cool ACTUAL aesthetic that are native to India

Ngl I like all the aesthetics we have buuuttt let's think of something else amiright???

Again religion based aesthetics are also kinda wonky cuz everything practices the same religion differently in different regions.

I think we can swap dark academia for idk.... Gurukul aesthetic?? It would be minimalist and pretty cute ngl

Cause making dark academia in a desi version makes no fucking sense because we never had that type of high society academias here

Ig we should focus more on the folktales than on religion... Like imagine an aesthetic dedicated to Nale Baa or someone... Won't that be SO cool???

We can go historical too... Ancient Indian? Mahajanapadas? Mughal era? Pre colonization? Post colonization? But those are pretty inconvenience for day to day life tbh... Like some random people in the street would stare at you weird

Also there is something called balletcore I think maybe we can have Kathakcore or something....?

And and bollywood core is so weird too cuz that's just some selected Karan Johar movies and some other movies that were romantic hits at that times...

India is already so diverse like pick something and make aesthetics lol

[stxrrynxghts]

History of the Matsya Kingdom

Idk if y'all are interested or not, But I am compiling the facts I found out about Matsya or not, but I am still doing this post, haha-

So basically there was this King of Chedi called Uparichara Vasu. He was a friend of Indra's, and he was so special for Indra that he was gifted a flying chariot.

Uparichara was married to this lady named Girika, with whom he had many sons, as was normal.

Now comes the creepy part. One day he was roaming around, thought of his wife and well, ejaculated out of a sudden. He scooped his semen as he felt that "it was wrong to waste the semen in a fertile time".

So he scooped it into a leaf (ew) and gave it to a bird, to give it to his wife. IDK what she was supposed to do with it, but yeah-

so the bird dropped the leaf into the water, and this fish, who was actually an Apsara cursed to be a fish, swallowed it.

Now some fishermen caught it, and they opened her stomach to see two living human babies inside. They took the kids to the King, who took the boy, and gave the girl to the chief fisherman.

This girl grows up to become Satyavati. And the boy? He is named Matsya, and is later on given a part of Chedi, where he forms his own kingdom, named after him, aka Matsya.

Now, Uparichara is Chandravanshi King, who is descended from both Yadu and Puru, like most Kings of that time.

Historically, Matsya was one of the 16 Mahajanapadas. Geographically, it is to the south of Kurujangala and Shurasena Kingdom, hence, in present day Rajasthan. Some parts might have been part of MP and UP.

Pali Literature shows Matsya Kings as descendants of the Shurasena Kingdom.

The Matsya King featured in the Mahabharata is Virat, and it is in this kingdom, that the incognito year of the story takes place. Virat has many brothers and relatives as per the story.

He is married to Sudeshna, who is referred as Kaikeyi, so she is probably from Kekaya. Her brother is Kichaka, who is one of the most powerful dudes of the time. He is the commander-in-chief of Matsya.

Virat has four children, as per the Mahabharata, three sons Shweta, Shankha and Uttar, and one daughter Uttara. The order of these children is not specified, though.

Uttar is a very important character during the Virat War, when he and Arjun go and face the Kaurava army. Dude very naturally chickens out, but doesn't take Arjuna's credit at all.

As a token of credit, Virat requests Arjun to marry his daughter, which he (thankfully) refuses. Arjun instead sets up his student with his son, and the marriage takes place.

This marriage is described in very detail, with an assortment of gifts exchanged on both sides, and such a long list of gifts. Matsya is definitely rolling in gold.

Haha, how funny, how many sites call Virat an idiot and incompetent king, when he is called just so many times. FYI, despite so many allies, the Panchala and Matsya forces form the major part of the Pandava army.

Virat is a very crucial person in the war as well, seeing how he is one of the only Maharathis from their side, apart from Drupada, Arjuna and Abhimanyu.

Uttar dies on the 1st day of the war, after a fight with Shalya. He has defeated Shalya, but instead waits to taunt him, and Shalya kills him in the meanwhile.

Angered at his brother's death, Shweta goes berserk, attacking whoever comes in his way. Bhishma kills him with the Brahmastra, and unlike his would-be nephew, Shweta does NOT survive. The Pandava army "mourn" the loss of their "hero".

Shankha dies on the fifth day, at Drona's hands, then Virat follows him in the same manner on the 15th day. The rest of the Matsyas are either killed by Drona on the 14th and 15th days, or by Ashwatthama on the night of the 18th day.

Uttara is the only surviving Matsya kid left, and her son Parikshit and his descendants, the only ones carrying the blood of the Matsyas.

BTW, by this logic, aren't Uttara and Abhimanyu cousins? Like, very distantly yes, being Chandravanshis with Puru and Yadu's blood but see-

Uparichara Vasu-> Satyavati-> Vichitraveerya->Pandu->Arjun->Abhimanyu and

Uparichara Vasu-> Matsya->Son->Son->Virat->Uttara unless Virat isn't of Arjun's generation, but Pandu's? He is mentioned as aged so much, and he and Drupada are always mentioned together-

It is possible that Virat was closer to Karna in age than the Pandavas, and Uttara can still marry Abhimanyu, as she is the youngest kid (until one of her brothers is younger than her?)

BTW, they ain't direct cousins, even by the logic I specified above, since all the human blood in Arjuna is from Kunti, not Pandu. So Abhimanyu is what....1/4 god, 3/4 Yadava(?) technically?

[emmanuelstar70]

India's Rich Historical Tapestry

History of India: A Journey Through Time Prehistoric and Ancient India

India's history begins in the prehistoric era, with early human settlements dating back over 200,000 years. The Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2500–1900 BCE), one of the world's earliest urban cultures, thrived in what is now northwest India and Pakistan. Cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro had planned streets, drainage systems, and granaries.

After the decline of the Indus cities, the Vedic period (c. 1500–500 BCE) followed, marked by the arrival of Indo-Aryans and the composition of the Vedas, the foundational texts of Hinduism. This era saw the development of varna (social classes) and early kingdoms, known as Mahajanapadas.

[piyalibhoir]

Tourism in Vaishali: Exploring Ancient Relics and Buddhist Heritage

Vaishali, an ancient city located in the Vaishali District of Bihar, India, is rich in history and cultural significance, particularly in the realms of Buddhism and Jainism. Named after the Indian epic Mahabharata, Vaishali was recognized as one of the Sixteen Mahajanapadas and is considered the world’s first republic, established by the 6th century BCE, prior to the birth of Gautama Buddha.

[vivechan]

indian history map » ancient, medieval & modern history

indian history map » ancient history | medieval history | modern history RigVedic period Map mahajanapada period Map 16 Mahajanapadas »  Kashi, Kosala, Anga, Vats, Kuru, Panchal, Avanti, Gandhar 16 mahajanapadas Map Mahajanapadas map | 16 Mahajanapadas History, Capital & Location 16 mahajanapadas Map in English vijaynagar empire Map harsha empire map muhammad bin tughluq empire Map sher…

[timeywobblyshit]

If you all ever get the chance, look up janapadas and mahajanapadas in vedic times. thats when caste was institutionalised, and apparently they even had the world's first republic in vaishali

I'm always criticizing eurocentric fantasy worldbuilding, but one thing I think it's underused are city-states and trade republics and leagues. Not that they don't exist, but they're often in the background, the fantasy genre is so focused on monarchies and dynasties and noble drama, while those systems have so much room for intrigue and stuff without getting into "who's the TRUE heir of the super magical monarch" (yes, I know they had aristocratic families that ruled almost as monarchs, but trust me, Medici drama is another beast from regular feudal stuff)

Venice with its stupidly complex election system and their eternal rivals in Genoa, Florence home of the Rennaissance, the Hanseatic League, and lesser known examples like Novgorod, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Taifa of Córdoba, the Consolat de Mar (technically not a republic but kind of an Iberian Hansa) and if we go farther back, the leagues of city states of antiquity... you know what, I'm bored of feudalism. Next time I do a fantasy setting, it will all be city states and republics. Fuck feudalism.

[echoesoftime-heritagechronicles]

Tamralipta: An Ancient Gateway to India

In the previous posts, I have mentioned about some places in Bihar which were centres of trade & commerce, mostly from the period of Mahajanapadas. While the information is enough to establish the significance of these ancient cities, it is not helpful in portraying the role that these places played in the regional, national, and international trade. So, through a series of two posts, I have…

[sambhavami]

I always wanted to ask you this question.

Why would rishi write Mbh with so many fairy tale elements?

What could be the reason?

Could it be entirely his imagination? Or the events did really happen?

If so, its time period?

People love fairy tales. Many difficult stories become easily digestible with fairy tales. Think about Puloma, or Mamata. Most people would not like to hear about those topics or the nitty-gritty details of the ab*se going on in these societies, without a layer of magic to sort of alienate/protect them.

On a more positive note, we should not consider 'imagination' to be 'bad', even in this context. Without imagination, we wouldn't have so many inventions after all!

Personally, I am a bit miffed when people cite the pushpaka vimana, or the manner of the Kauravas' birth as the hard-line proof of the existence of either airplanes or test-tube babies. Maybe there was, maybe there wasn't, we won't know unless someone figures out the time-machine first, but the vilification of 'imagination' in these circuits is a little bit scary.

Vyasa and Valmiki were thinkers first and foremost, their prowess eons ahead of their peers- is it not an insult to say 'he can't imagine' [and therefore whatever is written but have happened exactly as written]...won't we even give them credit for a 'dramatic reconstruction' of a story which may very well be real yet non-magical?

Mahabharat is a 'historical document', but, in saying so, we must define what we mean by 'history' in this context.

MB is a real, on-the-ground snapshot of the immediate post-Vedic society [may have some overlap with the mahajanapada-era as well]- their rules, their sorrows, their celebrations, biases, and achievements and shortcomings all lain out bare for us to watch and learn from.

The characters, however, some of them are verifiably real [through educated guesses and archaeological discoveries of many elite researchers], for others we can hope and trust and believe, but there is no concrete proof. The maximum we can do is use the consensus method, and believe in something only when for eg. 7 out of 11 scriptures say that they existed/that happened.

We can't really do much else, except enjoy whatever we've got, without another breakthrough discovery in any of the adjacent fields.

[novaae]

and what if i start dressing like a man from the early mauryan period. what if i start dressing like im from a mahajanapada. what then.

[bihartour3]

Rajgir Unveiled: Bihartour's Journey in Showcasing the Hidden Gem of Bihar

Introduction

Rajgir, an ancient city nestled in the Indian state of Bihar, is a place that resonates with history and spirituality. This city, known for its scenic beauty and historical significance, attracts tourists from all over the world. Bihartour, a local business based in Rajgir, has played a crucial role in showcasing the city's charm to tourists and making their visits memorable. In this article, we will delve into the significance of Rajgir and how Bihartour has contributed to the growth of tourism in the region.

Rajgir: A Glimpse into the Past

Rajgir is a city with a rich history dating back to the time of Lord Buddha. It served as the first capital of the Magadh Mahajanapada, a major ancient kingdom. The city is mentioned in various Buddhist and Jain scriptures and is closely associated with Lord Buddha's life, including the Gridhakuta Hill, where he delivered many important sermons.

The city is also home to several hot springs, which are believed to have therapeutic properties, and a cable car ride to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa at the Ratnagiri Hills offers breathtaking panoramic views of Rajgir's natural beauty.

Bihartour: Showcasing Rajgir's Beauty

Bihartour is a business venture that focuses on providing tourists with a comprehensive experience of Rajgir. They offer various tour packages and services to help visitors explore the city's historical and natural beauty.

1.  Guided Tours: Bihartour provides guided tours to the major historical and religious sites in Rajgir, ensuring that tourists gain a deeper understanding of the city's heritage. Their knowledgeable guides share stories and insights, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

2.  Accommodation: Bihartour offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly stays. This makes it convenient for travelers with diverse preferences and budgets to enjoy their time in Rajgir.

3.  Transportation: The business also takes care of transportation needs, providing comfortable vehicles for travel within and around Rajgir. This eliminates the hassle of finding suitable transportation for tourists.

4.  Cultural Experiences: Bihartour organizes cultural experiences, including dance performances, traditional music, and local cuisine, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Rajgir.

5.  Wellness Packages: As Rajgir is famous for its hot springs, Bihartour offers wellness packages that include visits to these rejuvenating natural springs. Tourists can unwind and rejuvenate amidst the therapeutic waters, adding a unique dimension to their trip.

Bihartour's Impact on Rajgir's Tourism

The growth of Bihartour has had a significant impact on the tourism industry in Rajgir. By providing comprehensive packages and services, the business has made the city more accessible and appealing to tourists. This, in turn, has boosted the local economy and provided employment opportunities for residents of Rajgir.

Furthermore, the promotion of Rajgir through Bihartour has attracted a diverse range of travelers, contributing to the cultural exchange in the region. It has also helped preserve and promote the historical and religious significance of the city.

Conclusion

Rajgir, with its historical and spiritual importance, has been a hidden gem for far too long. Bihartour, through its dedicated services, has played a pivotal role in bringing Rajgir into the limelight and making it a must-visit destination. As the business continues to grow and expand its services, Rajgir's rich heritage and natural beauty will continue to captivate the hearts of travelers from around the world.