1. Which among the following factors contributed to the fall of the Licchavi republic?
- Aggression by Magadha
- Lack of a centralized authority
- Internal dissent among clan leaders
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (c)
Explanation:
- Magadha’s kings like Ajatashatru waged war against Vajji.
- Republican system made it difficult to respond quickly.
- Factionalism weakened them internally.
2. Assertion (A): The rise of Magadha is considered a turning point in ancient Indian political history.
Reason (R): It was the first state to expand via naval conquests.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Correct Answer: (c)
Explanation:
- A is true: Magadha became a powerful imperial state.
- R is false: Magadha expanded through land-based warfare, not naval power.
3. Arrange the following rulers in chronological order of their reigns:
- Ajatashatru
- Bimbisara
- Mahapadma Nanda
- Dhanananda
Select the correct code:
(a) 2-1-3-4
(b) 1-2-3-4
(c) 2-3-1-4
(d) 3-2-1-4
Correct Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Bimbisara → Ajatashatru → Mahapadma Nanda → Dhanananda.
4. Which of the following correctly distinguishes a Gana-sangha (republic) from a monarchy during the Mahajanapada period?
(a) Gana-sanghas were ruled by priests, not kings.
(b) Gana-sanghas had no military or territorial ambitions.
(c) Gana-sanghas were governed by collective decisions of clan heads.
(d) Gana-sanghas did not collect taxes from the people.
Correct Answer: (c)
Explanation:
- Republics like Vajji were ruled by a council of elders or clan chiefs, not a single monarch.
5. Which of the following was the most significant contribution of Ajatashatru to Magadhan expansion?
(a) Introduction of Buddhism as state religion
(b) Defeat of the Greek invaders
(c) Use of war engines like catapults and rathamusala
(d) Conquest of Kalinga through naval power
Correct Answer: (c)
Explanation:
- Ajatashatru used war machines like rathamusala (chariots with blades) and catapults to defeat the Vajji confederacy, expanding Magadha’s power.
