What kind of system of governance did they evolve?
They evolved two main systems of governance.
Monarchies were one system where the rājā was the supreme authority and the position was hereditary.
Ganas or sanghas (republics) were the other system, where assemblies like sabhā or samiti held power and made decisions, sometimes even selecting the ruler.
Explanation
The chapter describes that while most mahājanapadas were monarchies with hereditary rulers, some like Vajji and Malla were ganas or sanghas. In these 'early republics', the assembly had more power and took decisions through discussion and voting.
Solution Steps
Two main systems of governance were evolved: monarchies and ganas/sanghas
In monarchies, the rājā was the supreme authority and the position was hereditary
In ganas or sanghas (republics), assemblies (sabhā or samiti) held power
In republics, decisions were made collectively and rulers were sometimes selected by the assembly