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 16^th 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.

1000+ GK Questions & Answers on Indian History