Q1. With reference to the 16 Mahajanapadas mentioned in the Anguttara Nikaya, consider the following statements:
- Kamboja and Gandhara were located in the north-western region of the Indian subcontinent.
- Avanti was divided into northern and southern parts with separate capitals.
- The Vajji confederacy was ruled by a single hereditary monarch.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
A) One Only
B) Two Only
C) All Three
D) None
Q1. (B)
Explanation:
Statement 1 : Correct
- Kamboja and Gandhara were located in the north-western frontier zone (present Afghanistan–NW Pakistan).
- Gandhara capital: Taxila (major trade–learning centre).
- Strategic position on trans-regional routes linking India–Central Asia.
Statement 2 : Correct
- Avanti was geographically divided:
- Northern Avanti – Capital: Ujjaini
- Southern Avanti – Capital: Mahishmati
- Indicates administrative bifurcation within a single Mahajanapada.
Statement 3: Incorrect
- Vajji was a gana-sangha (oligarchic republic).
- Power vested in clan chiefs (Lichchhavis prominent).
- Decision-making through assemblies, not hereditary monarchy.
Q2.Which of the following Mahajanapadas were republican (gana-sangha) in nature?
- Vajji
- Malla
- Kosala
- Kuru
How many of the statements given above are correct?
A) One Only
B) Two Only
C) Three Only
D) All Four
Q2. (B)
Explanation:
Vajji – Republican
- Confederacy of clans (Lichchhavis, Videhas etc.).
- Assembly-based governance.
Malla – Republican
- Divided into two branches (Kusinara & Pava).
- Gana structure.
Kosala – Monarchy
- Ruled by kings like Prasenajit.
Kuru – Monarchy
- Earlier Vedic lineage kingdom; not republican in Mahajanapada phase.
Correct count: 2 (Vajji, Malla)
Q3.Consider the following pairs:
| Mahajanapada | Capital |
| 1. Magadha | Rajagriha |
| 2. Vatsa | Kaushambi |
| 3. Kosala | Ujjaini |
| 4. Avanti | Mahishmati |
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
A) Only one
B) Only two
C) Only three
D) All four
Q3. (C)
Explanation:
1. Magadha – Rajagriha : Correct
- Early capital before shift to Pataliputra.
2. Vatsa – Kaushambi : Correct
- Important commercial city on Yamuna.
3. Kosala – Ujjaini : Incorrect
- Kosala capital: Shravasti.
- Ujjaini belonged to Avanti.
4. Avanti – Mahishmati : Correct
- Southern capital of Avanti.
Correct pairs: 1, 2, 4.
Q4. With reference to the Second Urbanisation (c. 600 BCE), consider the following statements:
- It was geographically concentrated in the Middle Ganga Valley.
- It was characterised by Northern Black Polished Ware culture.
- It immediately followed the decline of the Painted Grey Ware culture without overlap.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Q4. (A)
Explanation:
Statement 1 : Correct
- Core zone: Eastern UP and Bihar (Middle Ganga Valley).
- Dense urban cluster: Rajgir, Vaishali, Kaushambi.
Statement 2 : Correct
- Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) linked to early historic urban phase.
- Indicates craft specialization and trade expansion.
Statement 3 : Incorrect
- PGW (c. 1200–600 BCE) and NBPW (c. 700–200 BCE) overlapped.
- No abrupt replacement.
Q5. Which of the following factors most decisively strengthened Magadha among the Mahajanapadas?
- Control over Copper ore deposits near Rajgir
- Access to riverine transport via the Ganga and its tributaries
- Strategic matrimonial alliances
- Immediate access to Arabian Sea trade routes
Select the correct answer:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 2 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q5. (B)
Explanation:
1. Copper near Rajgir – Incorrect
- Magadha’s strength was due to iron ore, not copper.
2. Ganga riverine transport – Correct
- Strategic location in Middle Ganga Valley
- Trade, troop movement, administrative control
3. Matrimonial alliances – Correct
- Bimbisara’s alliances with Kosala, Lichchhavis etc.
4. Arabian Sea access – Incorrect
- Magadha was landlocked; no western maritime access
