Consider the following statements regarding the armies of the Mahajanapadas: 1. Soldiers were paid regular salaries and maintained throughout the year. 2. Payments were sometimes made using punch-marked coins. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c) Both 1 and 2. Explanation The Mahajanapada period (c. 600–300 BCE) marked a significant shift in political organization, transitioning from tribal chiefdoms to large territorial states. A defining feature of this transition was the establishment of centralized authority, supported by a standing army and a monetized economy. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: Unlike the earlier Vedic period, where armies consisted of tribal militias mobilized only during wars, the rulers of the Mahajanapadas maintained large, permanent standing armies. These soldiers were recruited, trained, and maintained by the state throughout the year to ensure constant military readiness and territorial expansion. - Statement 2 is Correct: The Mahajanapada period coincided with the "Second Urbanization" and the introduction of metallic currency. Archaeological evidence and literary sources (such as Buddhist texts) confirm the use of punch-marked coins (mostly silver and copper) during this era. Soldiers and officials were often paid in cash using these coins, replacing the earlier barter system or payment in kind (cattle/grain). Key Takeaway: The emergence of the Mahajanapadas was characterized by the institutionalization of military power through standing armies and the facilitation of state transactions through the introduction of punch-marked coins.

NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 5: Kingdoms, kings and an early republic

mcqeasy

Consider the following statements regarding the armies of the Mahajanapadas:

Soldiers were paid regular salaries and maintained throughout the year.
Payments were sometimes made using punch-marked coins.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) Both 1 and 2.

Explanation

The Mahajanapada period (c. 600–300 BCE) marked a significant shift in political organization, transitioning from tribal chiefdoms to large territorial states. A defining feature of this transition was the establishment of centralized authority, supported by a standing army and a monetized economy.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Unlike the earlier Vedic period, where armies consisted of tribal militias mobilized only during wars, the rulers of the Mahajanapadas maintained large, permanent standing armies. These soldiers were recruited, trained, and maintained by the state throughout the year to ensure constant military readiness and territorial expansion.
Statement 2 is Correct: The Mahajanapada period coincided with the "Second Urbanization" and the introduction of metallic currency. Archaeological evidence and literary sources (such as Buddhist texts) confirm the use of punch-marked coins (mostly silver and copper) during this era. Soldiers and officials were often paid in cash using these coins, replacing the earlier barter system or payment in kind (cattle/grain).

Key Takeaway: The emergence of the Mahajanapadas was characterized by the institutionalization of military power through standing armies and the facilitation of state transactions through the introduction of punch-marked coins.

Your note

More from Chapter 5: Kingdoms, kings and an early republic

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Consider the following statements regarding the Varna system described by the priests in the Later Vedic books: 1. The Kshatriyas and Vaishyas were both eligible to perform sacrifices. 2. The Shudras were the only group explicitly excluded from studying the Vedas. 3. The classification of Varnas was strictly based on the occupation chosen by an individual in adulthood. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the taxation system in the Mahajanapadas: 1. The tax on crops was the most important source of revenue and was fixed at one-sixth of the produce. 2. Herders were exempted from taxation as they did not own land. 3. Hunters and gatherers provided forest produce as a form of tax to the raja. 4. Craftspersons paid taxes in the form of labor, such as working for the king for a day every month. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the agricultural changes around 2500 years ago, consider the following statements: 1. The use of iron ploughshares allowed heavy, clayey soil to be turned over better than wooden ploughshares. 2. The technique of transplanting paddy was introduced to increase production. 3. The agricultural labor for these new methods was primarily provided by the Kshatriya landowners themselves. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The term ‘Bhaga’ in the context of the Mahajanapadas refers to:

easy

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The correct option is (c) Both 1 and 2.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Unlike the earlier Vedic period, where armies consisted of tribal militias mobilized only during wars, the rulers of the Mahajanapadas maintained large, permanent standing armies. These soldiers were recruited, trained, and maintained by the state throughout the year to ensure constant military readiness and territorial expansion.
Statement 2 is Correct: The Mahajanapada period coincided with the "Second Urbanization" and the introduction of metallic currency. Archaeological evidence and literary sources (such as Buddhist texts) confirm the use of punch-marked coins (mostly silver and copper) during this era. Soldiers and officials were often paid in cash using these coins, replacing the earlier barter system or payment in kind (cattle/grain).