Which one among the following mahajanapadas in ancient India was an oligarchy ?

The correct answer is Vajji.

Key Points

• Vajji was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas in ancient India and was known for its unique form of governance, which was an oligarchy.
• It was governed by a group of rulers or chiefs known as the Vajjian Confederacy, comprising eight clans (Atthakula), with the Lichchhavis being the most prominent.
• The Vajji Mahajanapada had its capital at Vaishali, located in present-day Bihar, India.
• Unlike monarchies, where a single ruler held power, Vajji's oligarchic system allowed collective decision-making by the assembly of chiefs.
• The governance structure of Vajji is considered an early example of a republican system in Indian history.

Additional Information

• Mahajanapadas: These were the sixteen prominent kingdoms or republics that existed in ancient India during the 6th-4th century BCE. Examples include Magadha, Kosala, and Gandhara.
• Oligarchy: A form of governance where a small group of people, often elites or chiefs, hold power and make decisions collectively. This system was prevalent in Vajji.
• Vaishali: The capital city of Vajji, it is historically significant for being the birthplace of Lord Mahavira and an important center for Buddhism and Jainism.
• Lichchhavis: A prominent clan of the Vajji Confederacy, they played a central role in the administration and decision-making processes of the Mahajanapada.
• Republican Tradition in India: Vajji, along with other republics like the Shakyas and Mallas, exemplified a form of non-monarchical governance, which was rare in ancient civilizations globally.