Question

"The sixth century BCE was a period of emergence of early states, empires and diverse thoughts in the early Indian history." Justify the statement.

Answer 1

In early Indian history, the sixth century BCE saw the rise of early states, empires, and a variety of ideas.

1. Early States and Empires: Early states, cities, settlements, trade, coinage development, and a broader usage of iron all emerged in the sixth century BCE. 16 Mahajanpadas rose to power at this time, and they were governed by oligarchies called ganas or sanghas." The Mahajanpadas include Vajji, Magadha, Koshala, Kuru, Panchala, Gandhara, Vajji, and Avant. Each Mahajanpada had its own army, bureaucracy, and fortified capital towns. These nations maintained standing armies and regular administrations over time, and they considered expanding into other areas.
   Between the sixth and fourth century BCE, Magadha, the most powerful of the Mahajanpadas, governed. Rich mineral wealth, fertile terrain, thriving agriculture, and ambitious monarchs like Bimbisara, Ajatasattu, and Mahapadma Nanda, together with their ministers, were all credited with Magadha's lengthy rule.
   The Mauryan Empire emerged after the fall of the Magadha, and Ashoka, the most powerful monarch of ancient India, was a member of this dynasty. By conquest, Ashoka brought the Mauryan empire to control a sizable portion of India. Powerful dynasties such as the Guptas and Kushanas in North and Central India, as well as the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas in Deccan, succeeded the Mauryan empire over the Indian subcontinent.
2. Diverse thoughts: In ancient India, a variety of ideas also began to emerge in the sixth century BCE. The Upanishads' Vedic customs and principles, which date back to the sixth century BCE, were under threat. Buddhist literature list sixty-four sects. In an effort to persuade people of their beliefs and attract followers, teachers traveled widely and questioned the vedas, giving rise to other ideologies. By protesting against the caste and varna systems, as well as the limitations of gender in society, teachers such as Mahavira and Buddha questioned the legitimacy of the Vedas and Brahamnical viewpoints.
   Twenty-three tirthankaras who came before Mahavira promoted five vows: refraining from murder, stealing, and lying; maintaining celibacy; and refraining from owning property. In order to break away from the circle of karma, Jainism promoted the path of penance and asceticism.
   Buddha's ideas gave rise to Buddhist philosophy, which held that sadness is an inherent part of life and that the world is fleeting, ever-changing, and soulless. According to Buddhist philosophy, self-realization and the cessation of the cycle of birth and rebirth can be achieved by conquering one's ego and desire.