With reference to the taxation on herders in the Mahajanapadas, consider the following statements: 1. They paid taxes in the form of animals. 2. They paid taxes in the form of animal produce. 3. They were exempt from taxes if they lived in forests. 4. They paid taxes in gold coins. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (a). Explanation During the period of the Mahajanapadas (c. 600 BCE onwards), rulers (Rajas) began maintaining large armies and building fortified cities. To sustain these expenses, they transitioned from receiving occasional gifts to collecting regular taxes. The taxation system was structured according to the occupation of the subjects. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statements 1 and 2 are Correct: Herders were required to pay taxes to the state. Since the economy was largely agrarian and pastoral, taxes for herders were levied in kind. They paid taxes in the form of animals and animal produce (such as milk, ghee, or wool). - Statement 3 is Incorrect: There is no historical evidence to suggest that herders were exempt from taxes based on their location (forests). Even forest dwellers, such as hunters and gatherers, were required to provide forest produce (e.g., elephants, timber, wax) as tribute to the Raja. - Statement 4 is Incorrect: While the Mahajanapada period saw the introduction of metallic currency (punch-marked coins, primarily of silver and copper), the taxation on herders was not typically collected in gold coins. Payment in kind was the standard norm for this occupational group. Gold coins became a common medium of exchange much later in Indian history. Key Takeaway: In the Mahajanapada administration, taxation was specific to the profession: farmers paid a share of crops (Bhaga), craftspersons paid in labor, and herders paid in animals or animal produce.

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

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With reference to the taxation on herders in the Mahajanapadas, consider the following statements:

They paid taxes in the form of animals.
They paid taxes in the form of animal produce.
They were exempt from taxes if they lived in forests.
They paid taxes in gold coins.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 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 period of the Mahajanapadas (c. 600 BCE onwards), rulers (Rajas) began maintaining large armies and building fortified cities. To sustain these expenses, they transitioned from receiving occasional gifts to collecting regular taxes. The taxation system was structured according to the occupation of the subjects.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statements 1 and 2 are Correct: Herders were required to pay taxes to the state. Since the economy was largely agrarian and pastoral, taxes for herders were levied in kind. They paid taxes in the form of animals and animal produce (such as milk, ghee, or wool).
Statement 3 is Incorrect: There is no historical evidence to suggest that herders were exempt from taxes based on their location (forests). Even forest dwellers, such as hunters and gatherers, were required to provide forest produce (e.g., elephants, timber, wax) as tribute to the Raja.
Statement 4 is Incorrect: While the Mahajanapada period saw the introduction of metallic currency (punch-marked coins, primarily of silver and copper), the taxation on herders was not typically collected in gold coins. Payment in kind was the standard norm for this occupational group. Gold coins became a common medium of exchange much later in Indian history.

Key Takeaway:
In the Mahajanapada administration, taxation was specific to the profession: farmers paid a share of crops (Bhaga), craftspersons paid in labor, and herders paid in animals or animal produce.

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 (a).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statements 1 and 2 are Correct: Herders were required to pay taxes to the state. Since the economy was largely agrarian and pastoral, taxes for herders were levied in kind. They paid taxes in the form of animals and animal produce (such as milk, ghee, or wool).
Statement 3 is Incorrect: There is no historical evidence to suggest that herders were exempt from taxes based on their location (forests). Even forest dwellers, such as hunters and gatherers, were required to provide forest produce (e.g., elephants, timber, wax) as tribute to the Raja.
Statement 4 is Incorrect: While the Mahajanapada period saw the introduction of metallic currency (punch-marked coins, primarily of silver and copper), the taxation on herders was not typically collected in gold coins. Payment in kind was the standard norm for this occupational group. Gold coins became a common medium of exchange much later in Indian history.