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?

The correct option is (a). Explanation During the Mahajanapada period (c. 600 BCE), the emergence of large territorial states necessitated the maintenance of standing armies and fortified capitals. To finance these requirements, rulers transitioned from receiving occasional gifts to enforcing a regular system of taxation collected by appointed officials. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: Since agriculture was the primary occupation, the tax on crops was the most substantial source of state revenue. This tax was known as bhaga (share) and was standardized at one-sixth of the agricultural produce. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Herders were not exempted from the taxation system. They were required to pay taxes to the king, typically in the form of animals or animal produce. - Statement 3 is Correct: Hunters and gatherers were integrated into the state economy and were expected to provide forest produce (such as elephants, timber, wax, or honey) as their contribution to the raja. - Statement 4 is Correct: Craftspersons, including weavers, blacksmiths, and carpenters, paid taxes in the form of labor. The standard norm was for them to work for the king for one day every month. Key Takeaway: The taxation system of the Mahajanapadas was diverse, relying on Bhaga (crop tax), labor services from artisans, and in-kind contributions from herders and traders to sustain the state administration and military.

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

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Consider the following statements regarding the taxation system in the Mahajanapadas:

The tax on crops was the most important source of revenue and was fixed at one-sixth of the produce.
Herders were exempted from taxation as they did not own land.
Hunters and gatherers provided forest produce as a form of tax to the raja.
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?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 3 and 4 only
B2, 3 and 4 only
C1 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

During the Mahajanapada period (c. 600 BCE), the emergence of large territorial states necessitated the maintenance of standing armies and fortified capitals. To finance these requirements, rulers transitioned from receiving occasional gifts to enforcing a regular system of taxation collected by appointed officials.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Since agriculture was the primary occupation, the tax on crops was the most substantial source of state revenue. This tax was known as bhaga (share) and was standardized at one-sixth of the agricultural produce.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Herders were not exempted from the taxation system. They were required to pay taxes to the king, typically in the form of animals or animal produce.
Statement 3 is Correct: Hunters and gatherers were integrated into the state economy and were expected to provide forest produce (such as elephants, timber, wax, or honey) as their contribution to the raja.
Statement 4 is Correct: Craftspersons, including weavers, blacksmiths, and carpenters, paid taxes in the form of labor. The standard norm was for them to work for the king for one day every month.

Key Takeaway:
The taxation system of the Mahajanapadas was diverse, relying on Bhaga (crop tax), labor services from artisans, and in-kind contributions from herders and traders to sustain the state administration and military.

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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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:

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Consider the following statements regarding the rise of Magadha as a powerful Mahajanapada: 1. The rivers Ganga and Son provided water supplies and transport. 2. The region had iron ore mines which helped in making strong tools and weapons. 3. The forests in the region provided horses which were essential for the cavalry. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Since agriculture was the primary occupation, the tax on crops was the most substantial source of state revenue. This tax was known as bhaga (share) and was standardized at one-sixth of the agricultural produce.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Herders were not exempted from the taxation system. They were required to pay taxes to the king, typically in the form of animals or animal produce.
Statement 3 is Correct: Hunters and gatherers were integrated into the state economy and were expected to provide forest produce (such as elephants, timber, wax, or honey) as their contribution to the raja.
Statement 4 is Correct: Craftspersons, including weavers, blacksmiths, and carpenters, paid taxes in the form of labor. The standard norm was for them to work for the king for one day every month.