1. With reference to the Mahajanapadas, consider the following statements:
- Both Kuru and Panchala were republican states.
- The Mahajanapadas were first mentioned in the Anguttara Nikaya.
- Kosala and Avanti were among the sixteen Mahajanapadas.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Incorrect. Kuru and Panchala were monarchies, not republics.
- Statement 2: Correct. The Anguttara Nikaya (a Buddhist text) mentions the 16 Mahajanapadas.
- Statement 3: Correct. Kosala and Avanti were indeed among the sixteen Mahajanapadas.
2. Consider the following pairs:
| Mahajanapada | Capital |
| 1. Magadha | Rajagriha |
| 2. Avanti | Ujjayini |
| 3. Kosala | Vaishali |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- 1. Correct. Rajagriha was the early capital of Magadha.
- 2. Correct. Ujjayini was the capital of Avanti.
- 3. Incorrect. Kosala’s capital was Shravasti. Vaishali was the capital of Vajji.
3. Which of the following best explains why Magadha emerged as a powerful kingdom among the Mahajanapadas?
(a) It had a strong navy and maritime trade.
(b) Its kings promoted Buddhism from the very beginning.
(c) It had fertile Gangetic plains, iron ores, and strategic rivers.
(d) It remained neutral in inter-state wars.
Correct Answer: (c)
Explanation: Magadha rose to power due to its geographic advantages—fertile land, access to iron in Chotanagpur, and rivers like Ganga and Son for transport and defense.
4. Consider the following statements about the Vajji Confederacy:
- It was a Gana-sangha (republic) with multiple clan chiefs.
- The capital was Vaishali.
- The Buddha praised its constitution and democratic practices.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (c)
Explanation:
- All statements are correct. The Vajji Sangha was a confederacy of clans, with Vaishali as its capital, and Buddha admired its governance system.
5. Match the following rulers with the dynasties they belonged to:
| Ruler | Dynasty |
| 1. Bimbisara | A. Haryanka |
| 2. Ajatashatru | B. Haryanka |
| 3. Mahapadma Nanda | C. Nanda |
Select the correct code:
(a) 1-A, 2-B, 3-C
(b) 1-B, 2-A, 3-C
(c) 1-C, 2-A, 3-B
(d) 1-A, 2-C, 3-B
Correct Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Bimbisara and Ajatashatru belonged to the Haryanka dynasty.
- Mahapadma Nanda was the founder of the Nanda dynasty.
