Sixteen Mahajanapada (600B.C – 325 B.C)
Between 600 BCE and 325 BCE, there were sixteen Mahajanapadas in the Indian subcontinent. During this period, many kingdoms and democracies emerged in the Indian subcontinent. This means great kingdom.
1. The list of sixteen Mahajanpada is available in –
Ans: Anguttar Nikaya. [46th BPSC, 2004]
2. By whom the first republic of the world was established in Vaishali?
Ans: Lichhavi. [48th & 52nd BPSC, 2008]
3. In ancient India, the earliest capital of Magadha kingdom was at –
Ans: Rajgir. [NDA, 2001]
4. Who founded Patliputra? Or By which ruler Patliputra was chosen for the first time as a capital?
Ans: Udayin. [46th BPSC, 2004]
5. Which early ruler of Magadha murdered his father to ascend the throne and, in turn, was murdered by his own son?
Ans: Ajatasatru. [UP PCS (P), 2007]
6. Kings and kingdoms are written below:
Ans:
|
King |
Kingdom |
|
i) Pradyota |
Avanti |
|
ii) Udayana |
Vatsa |
|
iii) Prasanjita |
Kosala |
|
iv) Ajatsatru |
Magadha |
7. Arrange the Magadhan dynasties in chronological order –
Ans: Haryanks – Nandas – Mauryan – Sungas. [CPSC, 2008]
8. The Indian king who opposed Alexander was –
Ans: Porus. [Indraprasth Univ, 2007]
9. The ancient name of North Bihar was –
Ans: Vajji. [NDA, 2001]
10. Between which rivers was the ancient town of Takshasila located?
Ans: Indus and Jhelum. [UPSC, 2006]
11. Mahajanapada situated on the bank of river Godawari was –
Ans: Assaka. [RAS/RTS, 2008]
12. Which was the first capital of Magadha?
Ans: Girivarja (Rajgriha). [47th BPSC, 2004]
13. Who was the founder of the Nanda dynasty?
Ans: Mahapadmananda. [WB PCS (P), 2008]
14. When Alexander invaded India, who were the rulers of Magadha? Or Which one of the dynasties was ruling over North India at the time of Alexander’s invasion?
Ans: Nanda. [CDS, 2003; UPSC, 2000]
15. Which ruler of Magadha was the contemporary of Alexander the Great?
Ans: Dhanananda. [44th BPSC, 2001]
16. Who came to India with Alexander?
Ans: Nearchus, Onesicritus, Aristobulus.