Mahajanapadas MCQ: 45+ Objective Questions With Answers
Welcome! Ever wondered about the ancient kingdoms of India called Mahajanapadas? In this blog post, we'll explore them together using a bunch of over 45 simple questions and answers. These multiple choice questions(MCQ) will take us back in time to discover places like Kasi, Magadha, and Vatsa — helping us understand how they were ruled, their culture, and why they were important in olden times.
Whether you're learning about these kingdoms for the first time or refreshing your memory, these easy questions are here to make history fun and informative. Let's dive into the past and learn all about the fascinating world of Mahajanapadas!
Important era, people, sites of Mahajanapadas:
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Era | Around the 6th century BCE marked the rise of Mahajanapadas, large territorial states in ancient Indian history. |
| Rise of Mahajanapadas |
Characteristics
|
| Sixteen Mahajanapadas |
Anga, Magadha, Kasi, Kosala, Vajji, Malla, Chhedi, Yamsa, Kuru, Pancala, Maccha, Surasena, Assaka, Avanti, Gandhara, Kamboja Monarchies and Republics |
| Prominent Mahajanapadas | Kashi, Kosala, Magadha, Vatsa, Avanti, Gandhara Republics: Vajji, Mallas |
| Geographical Areas | Regions covering present-day Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of modern Pakistan |
| Characteristics |
|
1. Which technological advancement was crucial for the rise of larger territorial states in ancient India?
[A] Copper tools
[B] Iron tools
[C] Stone tools
[D] Wooden tools
Answer: [B] Iron tools
Explanation: Iron tools facilitated increased agricultural productivity, empowering the warrior class and enabling territorial expansion.
2. What characterized the transition from Janapadas to Mahajanapadas?
[A] Economic downturns
[B] Agricultural innovations
[C] Political fragmentation
[D] Territorial consolidation
Answer: [D] Territorial consolidation
Explanation: The transition from Janapadas to Mahajanapadas marked the consolidation of territories and the rise of larger states.
3. Which region primarily witnessed the evolution of Mahajanapadas?
[A] Himalayan foothills
[B] Deccan Plateau
[C] Indo-Gangetic plains
[D] Western Ghats
Answer: [C] Indo-Gangetic plains
Explanation: The Indo-Gangetic plains served as the cradle for the evolution of Mahajanapadas in ancient India.
4. Which Mahajanapada was synonymous with a center of Krishna worship during Megasthenes' time?
[A] Saurasena
[B] Kasi
[C] Matsya
[D] Kosala
Answer: [A] Saurasena
Explanation: Saurasena, particularly Mathura, held significance in Krishna worship during Megasthenes' era.
5. Which Mahajanapada witnessed the transition from monarchy to republic governance?
[A] Panchala
[B] Kuru
[C] Vatsa
[D] Anga
Answer: [A] Panchala
Explanation: Panchala shifted from a monarchical system to adopt a republican form of governance.
6. Which Mahajanapada was closely linked with Taxila, a renowned center of learning?
[A] Gandhara
[B] Avanti
[C] Vajji
[D] Kamboja
Answer: [A] Gandhara
Explanation: Gandhara was closely associated with Taxila, a significant seat of learning in ancient times.
7. What caused the transition from Janapadas to Mahajanapadas?
[A] Decline in agriculture
[B] Growth in population
[C] Adoption of barter system
[D] Use of iron tools
Answer: [D] Use of iron tools
Explanation: Iron tools facilitated agricultural growth, leading to increased population and the rise of larger states.
8. What was the primary reason behind the rise of territorial states in ancient India?
[A] Development of copper weapons
[B] Increased trade with neighboring regions
[C] Agricultural surplus due to iron tools
[D] Introduction of new political ideologies
Answer: [C] Agricultural surplus due to iron tools
Explanation: The use of iron tools led to increased agricultural output, generating surplus resources pivotal for the rise of territorial states.
9. Which Mahajanapada had Ujjaini or Mahismati as its capital?
[A] Avanti
[B] Gandhara
[C] Kosala
[D] Vatsa
Answer: [A] Avanti
Explanation: Avanti's capital was situated at Ujjaini or Mahismati.
10. Which Mahajanapada was annexed to Magadha during the reign of Ajatasatru?
[A] Kasi
[B] Kosala
[C] Anga
[D] Kashi
Answer: [D] Kashi
Explanation: Kashi was annexed by Ajatasatru during his rule in Magadha.
11. In which region were the republics predominantly situated among the Mahajanapadas?
[A] Gangetic Plains
[B] Foothills of Himalayas
[C] Western India
[D] Deccan Plateau
Answer: [B] Foothills of Himalayas
Explanation: The republics were largely located in the foothills of the Himalayas among the Mahajanapadas.
12. What was the distinguishing factor between the monarchies and republics among the Mahajanapadas?
[A] Religious practices
[B] Economic structure
[C] Political organization
[D] Social hierarchy
Answer: [C] Political organization
Explanation: Monarchies and republics varied in their political organization within the Mahajanapadas.
13. Which Mahajanapada was known for its connection with the Buddha's last days?
[A] Malla
[B] Vatsa
[C] Kashi
[D] Kosala (Correct Answer)
Answer: [D] Kosala
Explanation: Buddha spent his last days in Kosala.
14. What geographical features were crucial for the rise of Mahajanapadas in India?
[A] Plateaus and mountain ranges
[B] Plains and fertile lands
[C] Coastal regions
[D] Desert areas
Answer: [B] Plains and fertile lands
Explanation: The plains and fertile lands of the Indo-Gangetic region were pivotal for the emergence of Mahajanapadas.
15. Which Mahajanapada was associated with the ancient city of Mathura?
[A] Vatsa
[B] Surasena
[C] Matsya
[D] Panchala
Answer: [B] Surasena
Explanation: Surasena had its capital at Mathura in ancient times.
16. Among the Mahajanapadas, which was known for its significant center of learning?
[A] Kashi
[B] Avanti
[C] Gandhara (Correct Answer)
[D] Kamboja
Answer: [C] Gandhara
Explanation: Gandhara, with its capital at Taxila, was renowned as a notable seat of learning attracting scholars from various parts of the world.
17. Which Mahajanapada was primarily located in the modern-day Malwa and Madhya Pradesh region?
[A] Avanti
[B] Chedi
[C] Vatsa
[D] Matsya
Answer: [A] Avanti
Explanation: Avanti's territory corresponds roughly to present-day Malwa and Madhya Pradesh.
18. Which Mahajanapada was predominantly associated with the area around the river Godavari?
[A] Vajji
[B] Assaka (Correct Answer)
[C] Vatsa
[D] Surasena
Answer: [B] Assaka
Explanation: Assaka, with its capital at Pratisthan or Paithan, was situated near the banks of the river Godavari.
19. Which Mahajanapada experienced a transformation from monarchy to a republic during Kautilya's time?
[A] Kamboja
[B] Matsya
[C] Vatsa
[D] Kamboja
Answer: [D] Kamboja
Explanation: Kamboja changed from a monarchy to a republic during Kautilya's era.
20. Which Mahajanapada was known for its association with the birthplace of Gautam Buddha?
[A] Anga
[B] Kosala
[C] Magadha
[D] Kapilvastu
Answer: [D] Kapilvastu
Explanation: Kapilvastu, a territory within Kosala, is widely regarded as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.
21. Among the Mahajanapadas, which kingdom is known for its connection with the last breath of Gautam Buddha?
[A] Kosala
[B] Malla
[C] Kashi
[D] Kusinara
Answer: [D] Kusinara
Explanation: Gautam Buddha took his last breath at Kusinara, associated with the Malla Mahajanapada.
22. Which Mahajanapada had its territory split into two regions, northern and southern, each with its own capital?
[A] Vatsa
[B] Matsya
[C] Panchala
[D] Chedi
Answer: [C] Panchala
Explanation: Panchala had northern Panchala with Ahichchatra as its capital and southern Panchala with Kampilya as its capital.
23. Which Mahajanapada was situated in the modern districts of Munger and Bhagalpur?
[A] Avanti
[B] Anga
[C] Surasena
[D] Assaka
Answer: [B] Anga
Explanation: Anga was located in the modern districts of Munger and Bhagalpur.
24. Which Mahajanapada had its capital protected by five hills?
[A] Magadha
[B] Vatsa
[C] Chedi
[D] Magadha
Answer: [D] Magadha
Explanation: Giribbaja, the ancient capital of Magadha, was surrounded by five famous hills.
25. Which Mahajanapada was predominantly located in the regions of Uttar Pradesh, with its capital near Allahabad?
[A] Kosala
[B] Vatsa
[C] Avanti
[D] Matsya
Answer: [B] Vatsa
Explanation: Vatsa, with its capital at Kaushambi near Allahabad, occupied significant parts of Uttar Pradesh.
26. Which Mahajanapada was associated with the present-day areas of Rajasthan and Alwar?
[A] Kuru
[B] Matsya (Correct Answer)
[C] Kamboja
[D] Surasena
Answer: [B] Matsya
Explanation: Matsya encompassed territories that are now recognized as parts of Rajasthan and Alwar.
27. Among the Mahajanapadas, which was linked to the modern-day region of Kashmir and the Kabul Valley?
[A] Avanti
[B] Kosala
[C] Gandhara
[D] Kamboja
Answer: [C] Gandhara
Explanation: Gandhara had its territories spanning modern Kashmir and extending towards the Kabul Valley.
28. Which Mahajanapada had its territory annexed to the Magadhan Empire by Sishunaga?
[A] Avanti
[B] Vatsa
[C] Gandhara
[D] Chedi
Answer: [A] Avanti
Explanation: Avanti's kingdom was eventually annexed to the Magadhan Empire under the rule of Sishunaga.
29. Which Mahajanapada had its capital divided into two cities, Kushinara and Pava, both of historical significance?
[A] Vajji
[B] Malla (Correct Answer)
[C] Kashi
[D] Kosala
Answer: [B] Malla
Explanation: The Malla Mahajanapada had its capital divided between Kushinara and Pava, both historically notable cities.
30. Which Mahajanapada had Udayana as one of its rulers, who initially opposed Buddhism but later embraced it?
[A] Vatsa
[B] Kosala
[C] Kamboja
[D] Vatsa
Answer: [D] Vatsa
Explanation: Udayana, the ruler of Vatsa, initially opposed Buddhism but later became a follower and made it the state religion.
31. Which Mahajanapada was located near the river Yamuna and had its capital at Mathura?
[A] Avanti
[B] Surasena
[C] Kosala
[D] Vatsa
Answer: [B] Surasena
Explanation: Surasena had its capital situated at Mathura, along the banks of the river Yamuna.
32. Among the Mahajanapadas, which was associated with the territories near the river Gomati and Sarpika?
[A] Avanti
[B] Kosala
[C] Chedi
[D] Kosala
Answer: [D] Kosala
Explanation: Kosala's boundaries were defined by the river Gomati and Sarpika on its west and south sides, respectively.
33. Which Mahajanapada saw a conflict between Ajatasatru and Prasenjit, leading to the confiscation of Kashi?
[A] Vatsa
[B] Kosala
[C] Malla
[D] Chedi
Answer: [B] Kosala
Explanation: Kosala witnessed a dispute between Ajatasatru and Prasenjit, resulting in the seizure of Kashi.
34. Which Mahajanapada was closely associated with the river Godavari, positioning its capital at Patali or Potna?
[A] Assaka
[B] Vatsa
[C] Vajji
[D] Anga
Answer: [A] Assaka
Explanation: Assaka had its capital situated near the river Godavari at Patali or Potna.
35. Which Mahajanapada had its territory corresponding to modern-day Jaipur, Alwar, and a part of Bhagalpur?
[A] Matsya
[B] Surasena
[C] Vatsa
[D] Matsya
Answer: [D] Matsya
Explanation: Matsya's kingdom encompassed territories that align with modern-day Jaipur, Alwar, and a part of Bhagalpur.
36. Which Mahajanapada had an association with the Kurus and had its capital at Hastinapur?
[A] Malla
[B] Vajji
[C] Kurus
[D] Vatsa
Answer: [C] Kurus
Explanation: The Kurus were associated with the Mahajanapada and had their capital at Hastinapur.
37. Which Mahajanapada saw a transformation from a monarchy to a republic and is associated with frontier provinces in Asoka's edicts?
[A] Kamboja
[B] Assaka
[C] Vajji
[D] Surasena
Answer: [C] Vajji
Explanation: Vajji underwent a change from a monarchy to a republic and is referred to as a frontier province in Asoka's edicts.
38. Among the Mahajanapadas, which kingdom had its capital at Varanasi and was known for its market for horses?
[A] Avanti
[B] Magadha
[C] Kashi
[D] Vatsa
Answer: [C] Kashi
Explanation: Kashi had its capital situated at Varanasi and was famed for its horse market.
39. Which Mahajanapada had its capital protected by five hills - Isigili, Vepulla, Yebhara, Pandava, and Gijjhakuta?
[A] Vatsa
[B] Magadha
[C] Chedi
[D] Magadha
Answer: [D] Magadha
Explanation: Magadha's ancient city, Giribbaja, was safeguarded by these five prominent hills.
40. Among the Mahajanapadas, which was primarily located in the Rohilkhand and parts of the Central Doab region?
[A] Panchala
[B] Malla
[C] Panchala (Correct Answer)
[D] Kurus
Answer: [C] Panchala
Explanation: The Panchala Mahajanapada was situated in the Rohilkhand and Central Doab regions.
41. Which Mahajanapada's kingdom encompassed the territory from Uttarapatha to Daksinapatha and had its capital at Ujjayini?
[A] Avanti
[B] Gandhara
[C] Kashi
[D] Malla
Answer: [A] Avanti
Explanation: Avanti's kingdom extended from Uttarapatha to Daksinapatha, with its capital situated at Ujjayini.
42. Among the Mahajanapadas, which was associated with the territories of modern Malwa and initially had Ujjayini as its capital?
[A] Vatsa
[B] Avanti (Correct Answer)
[C] Malla
[D] Vajji
Answer: [B] Avanti
Explanation: Avanti was linked to the modern-day Malwa territories and initially had Ujjayini as its capital.
43. Which Mahajanapada had its territories spanning the regions around the rivers Ravi and Chenab in modern-day Pakistan?
[A] Gandhara
[B] Malla
[C] Kamboja
[D] Gandhara
Answer: [C] Kamboja
Explanation: Kamboja's territories extended across the rivers Ravi and Chenab in present-day Pakistan.
44. Which Mahajanapada had its capital positioned at Girivraja and was associated with the Nanda Dynasty's rise?
[A] Magadha
[B] Vatsa
[C] Kosala
[D] Magadha
Answer: [D] Magadha
Explanation: Girivraja, the capital of Magadha, played a significant role in the ascension of the Nanda Dynasty.
45. Which Mahajanapada had its territory located around the rivers Kosi and Ganges, with its capital at Champa?
[A] Gandhara
[B] Vatsa
[C] Vajji
[D] Kosala
Answer: [D] Kosala
Explanation: Kosala's dominion extended around the rivers Kosi and Ganges, and its capital was at Champa.
46. Which Mahajanapada was situated in the modern-day districts of Bhojpur and Patna and had its capital at Rajagriha?
[A] Magadha
[B] Vatsa
[C] Chedi
[D] Assaka
Answer: [A] Magadh
Explanation: Magadha's territory encompassed the districts of Bhojpur and Patna, with Rajagriha as its capital.
47. Among the Mahajanapadas, which kingdom was closely associated with the area around the river Saryu and had its capital at Ayodhya?
[A] Kashi
[B] Kosala
[C] Vatsa
[D] Vajji
Answer: [B] Kosala
Explanation: Kosala was closely linked to the river Saryu and had Ayodhya as its capital city.
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