what are janapas

As per the vedic texts Aryan tribes were known as Janas, which were the largest social units.The term Janapada composed of janas means ‘people’ or ‘subject’ and pada means ‘foot’. Janapada’s were the earliest gathering places of men, merchants, artisans and craftsmen akin to marketplace or town surrounded by hamlets and villages.Later,Janapadas became major realms or Kingdoms of Vedic India.

A Janapadin was the ruler of a janapada. Ancient texts like Ashtadhyayi, Ramayana, Mahabharatha, and numerous puranas refer to many Janapadas of ancient times.The Indian Subcontinent was divided into the Janapadas with clear demarcated boundaries.The Vedic literature describes the 9 Janapadas besides with the people as the Andhras, Pulindas, Sabaras and Purandas. However, by the Time of 6th century B.C.Panini mentions as many as 22 different Janapadas out of which Magadha, Avanti, Kosala and Vatsa were considered very important.