Q. Which of the following mahajanapada/s is/are gana sanghas?
1.Kosala
2.Vajji
3.Malla
Choose the correct answer from below given codes:

[A] 1 only

[B] 1 and 2 only

[C] 2 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B
Notes:

Explanation: It should be noted that the most powerful states in the 6th century were Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, and Avanti and two of the Mahajanapads, the Vajji and Malla were Gana-Sanghas.

  • The Gana-Sanghas (literally meaning an assembly of Gana, those who claim to be of equal status) were an alternative polity to the kingdoms.
  • Unlike kingdoms where they had a single hereditary monarch, the Gana-Sanghas had a government by assembly and within this assembly too, they had an oligarchy.
  • Some of the Ganas were of one clan, e.g., the Shakyas and the Mallas; while the others were confederation of several clans, e.g., Vajjis.

Source: Tamil Nadu NCERT

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