By 500 BCE, the Indo-Aryan kingdoms, known as Mahajanapadas, had developed predominantly in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. These kingdoms emerged in the regions that are now parts of modern-day India, specifically in the Gangetic plains and adjacent areas. Key areas included:
- The Ganges River Valley: This area was vital for agriculture and trade, leading to the rise of several significant kingdoms.
- Modern-Day Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: Many of the prominent Mahajanapadas were located in these states, including kingdoms like Kosala, Magadha, and Vatsa.
- Eastern India: Some Indo-Aryan kingdoms also extended into modern-day Bengal and parts of Assam.
These kingdoms were characterized by their political, economic, and cultural developments, including the establishment of trade routes, urban centers, and early forms of political organization. The emergence of Buddhism and Jainism during this period also plays a crucial role in the cultural history of these Indo-Aryan kingdoms.