Kingdoms, Kings and an Early Republic

Around 600 B.C two major changes occurred in the agriculture. One was an increase in the use of iron ploughshare. By using iron ploughshare heavy, clayey soil could be turned over better than with a wooden ploughshare. This led to an increase in production of grains. Secondly, transplantation of paddy began during this time. In this process, instead of scattering seed on the ground, saplings were grown and then planted in the fields. This led to increased production, as many more plants survived. As a result of these two changes, the agriculture flourished in the Mahajanapadas.

The use of iron ploughshare helped to turn over the heavy ,clayey soil which was not possible with a wooden ploughshare.This increased the production. Second, people began transplanting paddy. This meant that instead of scattering seeds on the ground, from which plants would germinate, saplings were grown and then planted in the fields. This led to increased production, as more plants survived.This however was back breaking work.