Question

Why did the rajas of mahajanapadas build forts ?

Answer 1

Hint: The Mahajanapadas were 16 kingdoms or republics that existed in northern ancient India from sixth to fourth centuries BCE during the second urbanisation period.

Complete Step by Step answer: The Mahajanapadas are a result of long term socio- economic transition which we called the second urbanisation period. Increasing trade with other communities led to urbanisation and new cities were formed . People abandoned rural life and started living in newly formed cities based on a trading economy. All of this led to the formation of city states ,republics,and kingdoms. These republic states are known as Mahajanapadas.
Rajas of mahajanapadas build forts because mahajanapadas were important capitals where rulers used to have their headquarters or castles ;usually common people would live around these forts and a whole city was formed around it .For their safety ,big walls were built around the city . These walls were strategically placed and the entrances were guarded by the king's army personnel and officers. This form of fortification used to safeguard the city from outside invaders so that they could not infiltrate and attack the city without passing through these guard entrances.
The building of these huge walls would signify the king's power, glory and his ability to protect his kingdom ,these mahajanapadas demonstrated the king’s prosperity and power .The administration of the region also became easier for the king and his officials ,as it concentrated over a specific region because of the construction of the big walls .Thus due to safety, administrative and prosperity purposes the rajas of mahajanapadas built forts .

Note: Mahajanapadas became very prominent because agriculture was productive,iron mines were accessible and provided resources and tools which were very significant.