GK Questions and Answers on the First ancient Indian Territorial States
The Mahajanapadas were the major kingdoms of Vedic India duirng the 6th century BC. Aryans were the most influential tribes and were called as ‘janas’. This gave rise to the term Janapada where Jana means ‘people’ and Pada means ‘foot’.
1. What does the term Mahajanpadas symbolises?
A. Amalgamation of a large number of rural and urban settlements
B. Separation of a large number of rural and urban settlements
C. Single state with single ruler
D. None of the above
Ans: A
Explanation: Mahajanapadas represents the state system that emerged in the 16th century BC. It symbolises the amalgamation of a large number of rural and urban settlements. Hence, A is the correct option.
2. How many states were in Mahajanpadas?
A. 15
B. 16
C. 17
D. 18
Ans: B
Explanation: There were sixteen such Mahajanapadas during 600 B.C. to 325 B.C. in Indian Sub-continent. Hence, B is the correct option.
3. Which of the following Buddhist text provides the names of 16 Mahajanpadas?
A. Jatakas
B. Bhagga of Sumsumgiri
C. Anguttara Nikaya
D. Malvikagnimitran
Ans: C
Explanation: The Buddhist text Anguttara Nikaya, provides the names of 16 Mahajanpadas at the time of Buddha. Hence, C is the correct option.
GK Questions and Answers on the Vedic Literature
4. Who among the following was the founder of Magadha?
A. Haryankas and Brihadratha
B. Ajatshatru and Jarasandha
C. Udayin nad Ajashatru
D. Jarasandha and Brihadratha
Ans: D
Explanation: Jarasandha and Brihadratha was the founder of Magadha but the growth started under the Haryankas. Hence, D is the correct option.
5. Which of the following Mahajanpada was not republican state?
A. Magadha
B. Vajji
C. Kamboja
D. Kuru
Ans: A
Explanation: There were two types of states in Mahajanpadas: Monarchical and Republican.Malla, Vajji, Kamboja and Kuru were Republican states. Hence, A is the correct option.
6. Which of the following Mahajanpad was monarchical state?
A. Magadha
B. Kosala
C. Vatsa
D. All of the above
Ans: D
Explanation: Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, Aanti, Anga, Kashi, Gandhara, Shursena, Chedi and Matsya were monarchical in nature.Hence D is the correct option.
6. Which of the following region was associated with Anga Mahajanpadas?
A. Modern districts of Monghyr and Bhagalpur in Bihar
B. Modern districts of Patna, Gaya, and parts of Shahabad
c. modern districts of Deoria, Basti, Gorakhpur and Siddarthnagar in eastern UP
D. All of the above
Ans: A
Explanation: The modern districts of Monghyr and Bhagalpur in Bihar were associated with Anga Mahajanpadas. Hence, A is the correct option.
GK Questions and Answers on the Drama written during Gupta period
7. Which of the following Mahajanpadas situated on the north of the river Ganga in Bihar?
A. Chedi
B. Vajji
C. Vatsa
D. Matsya
Ans: B
Explanation: Vajji Mahajanapadas was situated on the north of the river Ganga in Bihar. Hence, B is the correct option.
8. Match the following
Set I (Mahajanapadas)
a. Anga
b. Magadha
c. Malla
d. Vajji
Set II (Capital)
1. Champa
2. Rajgir and Patliputra
3. Kusinara and Pawa
4. Vaishali
Code:
a b c d
A. 1 2 3 4
B. 4 3 2 1
C. 3 2 1 4
D. 4 1 3 2
Ans: A
Explanation: The match is given below-
Anga-Champa
Magadha-Rajgir and Patliputra
Malla- Kusinara and Pawa
Vajji-Vaishali
Hence, A is the correct option.
9. Match the following
Set I (Mahajanapadas)
a. Ashmaka
b. Avanti
c. Panchala
d. Vatsa
Set II (Capital)
1. Ujjaini and Mahismati
2. Kaushambi
3. Ahichhatra(Uttara Panchala) and Kampilya( Dakshina Panchala)
4. Potana
Code:
a b c d
A. 1 2 3 4
B. 4 3 2 1
C. 3 2 1 4
D. 4 1 3 2
Ans: D
Explanation: The match is given below-
Ashmaka-Potana
Avanti-Ujjaini and Mahismati
Panchala-Ahichhatra(Uttara Panchala) and Kampilya( Dakshina Panchala)
Vatsa-Kaushambi
Hence, D is the correct option.
10. Which of the following Mahajanpadas emerged as the most powerful kingdom?
A. Maghadha
B. Vatsa
C. Kosala
D. Avanti
Ans: A
Explanation: The Magadha, Vatsa, Avanti and Kosala were the most prominent ones. Out of these four, Magadha emerged as the most powerful kingdom. The causes of Magadha’s success were as following:
1. Availability of rich iron deposits which were used in making weapons
2. Its location at the rich and fertile Gangetic plain
3. Use of elephants in military warfare against its neighbours
Hence, A is the correct option.