Buddhist and Jain religious texts show that the 6th century BC India was divided into many small states. At that time, there was the existence of sixteen Mahajanapada (the Sixteen Mahajanapada) which means big states in northern India.
These states were called big states because their size was larger than the Vedic age tribal states. Mahajanapadas (or state of state) became the place of tribal states because warrior and agriculturists could achieve more success in their respective areas due to the use of iron. The brief description of their units, indicating the major states' capitals, has been given below.
Sixteen Mahajanapadas and their capital
Anga
This Mahajanapadha was located in the east of Magadha State. Its capital was Champa. The area of modern Bhagalpur and Munger was included in this district. In the time of Gautam Buddha, this state continued to struggle with Magadha. Probably in the beginning, the organ had defeated Magadha for some time and included itself.
But soon the power of this district became weak and the ruler, Bimbisar, not only made Magadha separate from the organ, but also subjected the organ to its own. In time, the state became part of the kingdom of Magadha.
Magadh
In Buddhist literature, detailed information about the capital of this state (Girivraj or Rajgir) and residents is received. The areas of present-day Patna and Gaya districts were its limbs. This state is also mentioned in Atharvaveda.
Kashi
Its capital was Varanasi (Banaras). Kashi's Kausal, Magadha and limbs did not have good relations with the states and they often had to remain struggling. During the time of Gautama Buddha Kashi became the political fall of the state
Vargy
This Mahajanapadas was situated in the north of Magadha. This union was made of eight clans and four of them (Videha, Jataka, Vajji and Lichchavi) were more prominent. The huge was the capital of this union.
Kosala
The boundaries of these districts were in the east, the river Sadanir (Gandak), in the west, Panchal, Sarpika or Syndika river (Sai river) in the south and Nepal in the north was the underwater. Saryu river divides it (Kotal district) into two parts. A North Kosala whose capital was Shravasti and the other was Southern Kosala, whose capital was Kushavati.
Mall
This district was a hill state situated in the north of Vajji Union. It had two parts, one of which was capital of Kushinagar (where Mahatma Buddha received Nirvana) and the second part was Pava (where Vardhaman Mahavir got Nirvana).
Chadhi
This Mahajanapada was situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It was spread in the eastern part of modern Bundelkhand and its adjacent plots. According to the Mahabharata, "Shuktmati" was its capital, but according to "Chetiyyatak" the "Sathvivithi" was its capital. According to Mahabharata, Shishu Pulak was the ruler of this place.
Vatsya
In the western part of Kashi this district was located in the vicinity of Prayag. Kaushambi was its capital. In the time of Buddha, its ruler was Udayan.
Kuru
In North Vedic literature, there are adequate details of this district. Its area was in Thaneswar (in the state of Haryana), Delhi and Meerut. Its capital was Indraprastha (Hastinapur).
Panchal
This district was famous only in the North Vedic period. There were presently Rubelkand and some districts adjacent to it. There were two parts - Northern Panchal and Southern Panchal. The capital of the Northern Panchal was Ahikshitra and the capital of the Southern Panchal was Kampili. Basically this district was a monarchy, but possibly in the era of Kautilya, there was a Republican rule.
Matsya
In this district, Jaipur and Alwar districts of the modern Rajasthan state were included. The city of Virat was probably its capital. Probably this district was once under the state of Cheyedi.
Shoresen
Mathura and the surrounding areas were included in this district. The modern Mathura town was its capital. Buddhist texts get mention of the state of Ayuntiputra Shurasen. He was a follower and patron of Buddhism.
Ask or asmak
This state was situated on the banks of river Godavari. Patan or Potan was its capital. According to the Puranas, the ruler of this Mahajanapadas belonged to Ikshvaku dynasty. In the Jataka tales, the names of many kings of this district are also known.
Avanti
Avanti Rajputas were almost Ujjain districts and surrounding areas. According to the Puranas, the commander of Punik, killed a ruler named Yaduvanshi Vitihotra and placed his son Pradyoth on the throne of Avanti. Nandvardhan, the last ruler of Magadha, defeated the ruler of Magadha, Shishunag and made it a part of his empire. This Mahajanapada was divided into two parts. Ujjaini, the capital of the northern part and the capital of the southern part was Bhishmathiya.
Kamboj
This state was in the neighborhood of Gandhara. Some parts of Kashmir such as Rajori and Thousand districts were included in it. Probably Rajpur or Hattak was its capital.
Gandhara
In this district the present Peshawar, Rawalpindi and part of Kashmir were also included. Taxila was its capital. King of Gandhara Punkusati was contemporary of Gautama Buddha and Bimbisar. He fought several battles with the Avanti king Pradyoth and defeated him. Its capital was the center of lore. Students from abroad and abroad came here to get education
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