Kingdoms, Kings and an Early Republic Class 6 important questions with answers PDF download
FAQs on CBSE Important Questions for Class 6 Social Science Kingdoms, Kings and an Early Republic - 2025-26
1. What are some important short-answer questions from Class 6 History Chapter 5, 'Kingdoms, Kings and an Early Republic'?
For the 2025-26 exams, important questions from this chapter focus on how rulers gained power, the rise of Mahajanapadas, new tax systems, and agricultural advancements. Key expected questions cover the definition of Janapadas and Mahajanapadas, the significance of the ashvamedha sacrifice, the new taxation system (bhaga), and the unique governance of the Vajji sangha.
2. How did a 'raja' in a Mahajanapada differ from a 'raja' of the earlier Janapadas?
A 'raja' of a Mahajanapada was significantly more powerful. The key differences important for exams are:
- Army: Mahajanapada rulers maintained standing armies and paid regular salaries, unlike Janapada rajas who depended on occasional militias.
- Fortification: They built massive forts around their capital cities for protection and to display power.
- Taxation: They collected regular taxes from the public, instead of relying on the occasional gifts (bali) that Janapada rulers received.
3. What were the main sources of taxes for the rulers of the Mahajanapadas?
Rulers of Mahajanapadas introduced a formal taxation system to maintain their armies and forts. The main sources were:
- Taxes on crops, called bhaga, typically fixed at 1/6th of the produce.
- Taxes on craftspersons, often in the form of one day's free labour per month.
- Taxes on herders, paid in animals or animal produce.
- Taxes on goods bought and sold through trade.
- Taxes on hunters and gatherers, who provided forest produce.
4. Why is Magadha considered the most powerful Mahajanapada in Class 6 Social Science?
Magadha's rise to become the most powerful Mahajanapada was due to several key advantages. Important factors for exams include:
- Fertile Land: Rivers like the Ganga and Son made the region extremely fertile for agriculture.
- Natural Resources: Forests provided timber and elephants for the army, while local mines provided iron ore for strong weapons and tools.
- Strategic Location: The rivers also served as a means of transport and a natural barrier.
- Powerful Rulers: Ambitious kings like Bimbisara and Ajatasattu expanded the kingdom through conquest.
5. How was the system of governance in the Vajji sangha different from the Magadha kingdom?
This is a frequent comparison question. The key difference was their form of government:
- Magadha: Was a monarchy, ruled by a single, powerful king who held absolute authority and the throne was hereditary.
- Vajji: Was a gana or sangha (a republic), governed by an assembly of many rulers, known as 'rajas'. They made decisions collectively through discussion and debate in assemblies.
6. What two major changes in agriculture helped the Mahajanapadas to flourish?
Two crucial agricultural innovations led to increased food production, which was essential for supporting the large cities and armies of the Mahajanapadas:
- The Iron Ploughshare: The widespread use of the iron ploughshare allowed farmers to cultivate heavy, clayey soil more efficiently, boosting grain production.
- Transplantation of Paddy: Farmers mastered transplanting paddy saplings instead of scattering seeds. This technique increased survival rates and led to significantly higher yields.
7. For a 3-mark question, how should you explain the *varna* system as described in this chapter?
To score full marks, you should first state that priests divided people into four groups called varnas based on their occupation, which was determined by birth. The four varnas were:
- Brahmins: Priests and scholars who studied and taught the Vedas.
- Kshatriyas: Rulers and warriors who fought battles and protected people.
- Vaishyas: Farmers, herders, and merchants.
- Shudras: Served the other three groups and were excluded from many rituals.
8. What were the important functions of forts in a Mahajanapada?
The rulers of Mahajanapadas built huge forts around their capital cities for three main reasons:
- Protection: The primary function was to defend the city from attacks by rival kingdoms.
- Control: Fortified cities made it easier for the king to control the population and trade within the capital.
- Symbol of Power: A massive fort was a clear display of the king's wealth, strength, and status.











