The Sixteen Mahajanpadas The History of Sixteen Mahajanapadas: In 6th century BC, ancient India had a number of kingdoms which emerged during the Vedic Age. This period saw socio-economic development along with religious and political developments across the Indo-Gangetic plain. These permanent settlements led the evolution from janapadas to mahajanpadas. By sixth century BC, the center of major political activity shifted from western part of Gangetic plain to the eastern part, comprising the present day Bihar and eastern UP. The major reason for this shift was, the fertile lands of this area with better rainfall and rivers, their closeness to iron production centers also played a key role. In fact, it was the increased use of iron tools and weapons that enabled small states to become kingdoms, known as Mahajanapadas. There were 16 mahajanapadas / kingdoms which are mentioned in the ancient literature and scriptures. It must be noted here that these sixteen mahajana
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