Q1. Which Mahajanapada was famous for its fine cotton textiles?
- Anga
- Vatsa
- Kuru
- Panchala
Correct Option: 2. Vatsa
Explanation:The Vatsa kingdom, located south of the Ganga, was renowned for its cotton textile industry. Its capital, Kaushambi, was an important commercial hub, benefiting from its proximity to the Yamuna River and trade routes.
Q2. Which king shifted the capital of Magadha from Rajagriha to Pataliputra?
- Bimbisara
- Ajatashatru
- Udayin
- Pradyota
Correct Option: 3. Udayin
Explanation: Udayin, the son of Ajatashatru, strategically moved the Magadhan capital from Rajagriha to Pataliputra, located at the confluence of the Ganga and Son rivers. This move allowed for better control over trade routes and easier military mobilization—contributing to Magadha’s rise as a dominant power.
Q3. Which of the following Mahajanapadas had its capital at Mathura?
- Shurasena
- Vatsa
- Panchala
- Chedi
Correct Option: 1. Shurasena
Explanation: The Shurasena kingdom was centered around Mathura, on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was a culturally and religiously significant region. Buddhist texts mention King Avantiputra of Shurasena as a disciple of the Buddha.
Q4. Who was the ruler of Gandhara in the mid-6th century BCE?
- Pukkusati
- Pradyota
- Udayana
- Avantiputra
Correct Option: 1. Pukkusati
Explanation: Pukkusati (also spelled Pushkarasarin) was the king of Gandhara, ruling from Taxila. He was one of the prominent rulers in the 6th century BCE and is mentioned in Buddhist sources. His reign marked Gandhara’s political prominence and cultural development.
Q5. Why were the Gana-Sanghas more receptive to Buddhism and Jainism?
- They were ruled by Brahmins
- They were militarily weak
- They were more tolerant and open
- They were geographically isolated
Correct Option: 3. They were more tolerant and open
Explanation: The Gana-Sanghas (such as Vajji and Malla) followed a collective form of governance where decisions were made through debates and consensus in public assemblies like the Santhagara. This structure encouraged freedom of thought and open dialogue, making it easier for reformist religious movements like Buddhism and Jainism to spread.
For instance:
• Mahavira (Jainism) belonged to the Vajji confederacy.
• Buddha (Buddhism) belonged to the Shakya clan, another Gana-Sangha.
These regions allowed greater social and religious flexibility, unlike monarchies that were dominated by Brahmanical orthodoxy, priestly rituals, and rigid caste structures.