With reference to the administration of Mahajanapadas, consider the following statements about resource collection: 1. Rulers depended solely on occasional gifts brought by people. 2. Officials were appointed to collect regular taxes. 3. Weavers and smiths might have worked for the king for a day every month as tax. 4. Goods bought and sold through trade were taxed. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (b) 2, 3 and 4 only. Explanation The transition from Janapadas to Mahajanapadas was characterized by the consolidation of territorial states, the construction of large forts, and the maintenance of standing armies. These developments required substantial resources, necessitating a shift from voluntary tributes to a system of mandatory, regular taxation. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Unlike the earlier Vedic period where rajas depended on occasional gifts (bali) brought by the people, the rulers of Mahajanapadas could not rely solely on irregular contributions. To sustain the state infrastructure and military, they instituted a system of regular tax collection. - Statement 2 is Correct: To manage the collection of resources, the rulers appointed dedicated officials. These officials were responsible for assessing and collecting taxes from various sections of society. - Statement 3 is Correct: Taxes on craftspersons were typically levied in the form of labor. For instance, a weaver or a smith would be required to work for the king for one day every month without wages. - Statement 4 is Correct: Trade and commerce were significant sources of revenue. Taxes were imposed on goods that were bought and sold through trade. Additionally, herders were taxed in the form of animals or animal produce, and hunters/gatherers had to provide forest produce. Key Takeaway: The administration of Mahajanapadas is distinguished by the institutionalization of regular taxation (Bhaga/Kara) and the appointment of officials to collect it, replacing the reliance on voluntary gifts.

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

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With reference to the administration of Mahajanapadas, consider the following statements about resource collection:

Rulers depended solely on occasional gifts brought by people.
Officials were appointed to collect regular taxes.
Weavers and smiths might have worked for the king for a day every month as tax.
Goods bought and sold through trade were taxed.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3 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 (b) 2, 3 and 4 only.

Explanation

The transition from Janapadas to Mahajanapadas was characterized by the consolidation of territorial states, the construction of large forts, and the maintenance of standing armies. These developments required substantial resources, necessitating a shift from voluntary tributes to a system of mandatory, regular taxation.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Unlike the earlier Vedic period where rajas depended on occasional gifts (bali) brought by the people, the rulers of Mahajanapadas could not rely solely on irregular contributions. To sustain the state infrastructure and military, they instituted a system of regular tax collection.
Statement 2 is Correct: To manage the collection of resources, the rulers appointed dedicated officials. These officials were responsible for assessing and collecting taxes from various sections of society.
Statement 3 is Correct: Taxes on craftspersons were typically levied in the form of labor. For instance, a weaver or a smith would be required to work for the king for one day every month without wages.
Statement 4 is Correct: Trade and commerce were significant sources of revenue. Taxes were imposed on goods that were bought and sold through trade. Additionally, herders were taxed in the form of animals or animal produce, and hunters/gatherers had to provide forest produce.

Key Takeaway: The administration of Mahajanapadas is distinguished by the institutionalization of regular taxation (Bhaga/Kara) and the appointment of officials to collect it, replacing the reliance on voluntary gifts.

Your note

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

With reference to the political changes around 3000 years ago in the Indian subcontinent, consider the following statements regarding the Ashvamedha sacrifice: 1. The horse let loose was guarded by the raja’s men and allowed to wander freely. 2. If a rival king allowed the horse to pass, it signified his challenge to the authority of the raja performing the sacrifice. 3. Ordinary people, known as the vish or vaishya, were strictly prohibited from bringing gifts to the sacrifice. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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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:

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The correct option is (b) 2, 3 and 4 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Unlike the earlier Vedic period where rajas depended on occasional gifts (bali) brought by the people, the rulers of Mahajanapadas could not rely solely on irregular contributions. To sustain the state infrastructure and military, they instituted a system of regular tax collection.
Statement 2 is Correct: To manage the collection of resources, the rulers appointed dedicated officials. These officials were responsible for assessing and collecting taxes from various sections of society.
Statement 3 is Correct: Taxes on craftspersons were typically levied in the form of labor. For instance, a weaver or a smith would be required to work for the king for one day every month without wages.
Statement 4 is Correct: Trade and commerce were significant sources of revenue. Taxes were imposed on goods that were bought and sold through trade. Additionally, herders were taxed in the form of animals or animal produce, and hunters/gatherers had to provide forest produce.