1. How many Mahajanapadas are mentioned in the Buddhist text Anguttara Nikaya?
A) 12
B) 14
C) 16
D) 18
Answer: C) 16
Explanation: The Anguttara Nikaya lists 16 Mahajanapadas as the main kingdoms of 6th century BCE India.
2. The capital of Magadha Mahajanapada was:
A) Rajagriha (Rajgir)
B) Pataliputra
C) Champa
D) Vaishali
Answer: A) Rajagriha
Explanation: Initially, the capital was Rajagriha; later it shifted to Pataliputra under later rulers.
3. Which Mahajanapada was located in the present-day western Uttar Pradesh region?
A) Vatsa
B) Panchala
C) Matsya
D) Anga
Answer: B) Panchala
Explanation: Panchala occupied the region between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in modern western UP.
4. Kashi, one of the Mahajanapadas, had its capital at:
A) Sravasti
B) Varanasi
C) Kaushambi
D) Champa
Answer: B) Varanasi
Explanation: The Kashi kingdom was centered on the prosperous city of Varanasi.
5. Which among the following was a republican (gana-sangha) Mahajanapada?
A) Magadha
B) Kosala
C) Vajji
D) Kashi
Answer: C) Vajji
Explanation: Vajji (with Vaishali as its capital) was ruled by a confederacy of clans – a republican system.
6. The Vatsa Mahajanapada was situated around which modern state?
A) Bihar
B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Rajasthan
Answer: C) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Vatsa was centered on Kaushambi near modern Prayagraj (Allahabad).
7. Who was the famous ruler of Avanti Mahajanapada?
A) Pradyota
B) Bimbisara
C) Ajatashatru
D) Udayin
Answer: A) Pradyota
Explanation: Pradyota dynasty ruled Avanti, which was a powerful kingdom with Ujjain as capital.
8. Which Mahajanapada is associated with the early career of Lord Buddha?
A) Magadha
B) Kosala
C) Vajji
D) Anga
Answer: A) Magadha
Explanation: Buddha spent much time in Magadha and delivered many sermons there.
9. The capital of Kosala Mahajanapada was:
A) Vaishali
B) Shravasti
C) Rajgir
D) Champa
Answer: B) Shravasti
Explanation: Kosala had Shravasti as capital, though Ayodhya was also an important city.
10. Which Mahajanapada was destroyed by Magadha under Bimbisara and Ajatashatru?
A) Anga
B) Vatsa
C) Matsya
D) Kuru
Answer: A) Anga
Explanation: Anga with its capital at Champa was annexed by Magadha.
11.Which Mahajanapada’s territory included modern Delhi and Haryana?
A) Kuru
B) Matsya
C) Panchala
D) Surasena
Answer: A) Kuru
Explanation: The Kurus ruled in the area of modern Haryana and Delhi.
12.The republican Mahajanapada Vajji was ruled by:
A) Lichchhavis and Mallas
B) Nandas
C) Pradyota dynasty
D) Shakyas alone
Answer: A) Lichchhavis and Mallas
Explanation: Vajji was a confederation led by the Lichchhavis, along with Mallas and others.
13.The Shakyas, among whom Buddha was born, were part of which Mahajanapada?
A) Vajji
B) Kosala
C) Magadha
D) Vatsa
Answer: B) Kosala
Explanation: Shakyas were a republican clan under the suzerainty of Kosala.
14.The Matsya Mahajanapada was located in the region of:
A) Gujarat
B) Rajasthan
C) Bihar
D) Bengal
Answer: B) Rajasthan
Explanation: Matsya occupied eastern Rajasthan, with Viratnagar (modern Jaipur/Alwar region).
15.Which Mahajanapada had Taxila as its capital?
A) Gandhara
B) Kamboja
C) Avanti
D) Surasena
Answer: A) Gandhara
Explanation: Gandhara (modern NW Pakistan) had Taxila, an important center of learning.
16.The Mahajanapada Surasena was situated around which modern city?
A) Ayodhya
B) Ujjain
C) Mathura
D) Champa
Answer: C) Mathura
Explanation: Surasena kingdom was centered on Mathura.
17.Kamboja Mahajanapada was famous for:
A) Cotton cultivation
B) Horses and cavalry
C) Buddhist monasteries
D) Iron production
Answer: B) Horses and cavalry
Explanation: Kamboja, located in Afghanistan region, was known for horses and cavalry.
18.Which Mahajanapada was located in modern Bengal region?
A) Anga
B) Magadha
C) Kashi
D) Vanga
Answer: D) Vanga
Explanation: Vanga was in southern Bengal and was known for sea trade.
19.Which Mahajanapada had Kaushambi as its capital?
A) Vatsa
B) Surasena
C) Kosala
D) Matsya
Answer: A) Vatsa
Explanation: Vatsa, ruled by Udayana, had Kaushambi as its capital.
20.Which Mahajanapada was a great center of trade and commerce due to its location on the Ganga delta?
A) Vanga
B) Anga
C) Magadha
D) Gandhara
Answer: B) Anga
Explanation: Anga’s capital Champa was a major trade center on the Ganga delta.
21.Ashvamedha sacrifice was performed by rulers of which Mahajanapada to show their supremacy?
A) Kosala
B) Magadha
C) Vajji
D) Kuru
Answer: D) Kuru
Explanation: Kuru kings were famous for performing Vedic rituals like Ashvamedha.
22.Which Mahajanapada was located between Avanti and Kosala?
A) Vatsa
B) Matsya
C) Kashi
D) Chedi
Answer: D) Chedi
Explanation: Chedi was located between Avanti and Kosala, in Bundelkhand region.
23.Which Mahajanapada’s territory corresponds to modern Afghanistan?
A) Gandhara and Kamboja
B) Matsya and Kuru
C) Vatsa and Kosala
D) Anga and Vanga
Answer: A) Gandhara and Kamboja
Explanation: Both were located in north-western areas (Afghanistan-Pakistan).
24.The Mahajanapada that controlled the fertile land of Ganga valley was:
A) Surasena
B) Magadha
C) Gandhara
D) Kamboja
Answer: B) Magadha
Explanation: Magadha controlled the middle Ganga valley which gave it economic power.
25.The rise of Magadha as the most powerful Mahajanapada was mainly due to:
A) Republican system
B) Location and natural resources
C) Foreign alliances
D) Strong navy
Answer: B) Location and natural resources
Explanation: Its fertile land, iron ores, elephants, and strategic location made Magadha powerful.
26.Which Buddhist text provides the most detailed list of 16 Mahajanapadas?
A) Mahaparinibbana Sutta
B) Anguttara Nikaya
C) Digha Nikaya
D) Vinaya Pitaka
Answer: B) Anguttara Nikaya
Explanation: The Anguttara Nikaya clearly enumerates the 16 Mahajanapadas.
27.The Vajji confederacy had its political center at:
A) Kaushambi
B) Vaishali
C) Rajagriha
D) Sravasti
Answer: B) Vaishali
Explanation: Vaishali was the capital of Vajji republic, ruled by the Lichchhavis.
28.Which Mahajanapada was annexed by Bimbisara to strengthen Magadha’s position?
A) Kosala
B) Anga
C) Avanti
D) Surasena
Answer: B) Anga
Explanation: Bimbisara annexed Anga and made Champa an important commercial hub.
29.Which Mahajanapada had Ujjain as its capital?
A) Vatsa
B) Surasena
C) Avanti
D) Matsya
Answer: C) Avanti
Explanation: Avanti was one of the most powerful Mahajanapadas with Ujjain as capital.
30.The Vajji confederacy consisted of how many clans?
A) 4
B) 7
C) 8
D) 16
Answer: C) 8
Explanation: Vajji was a confederacy of 8 clans, the most important being the Lichchhavis.
31.Which Mahajanapada is mentioned as a center of learning and trade in northwest India?
A) Surasena
B) Gandhara
C) Matsya
D) Vanga
Answer: B) Gandhara
Explanation: Gandhara, with Taxila, was famous for trade and education.
32.Who was the contemporary ruler of Kosala during Buddha’s time?
A) Bimbisara
B) Ajatashatru
C) Prasenajit (Pasenadi)
D) Udayin
Answer: C) Prasenajit (Pasenadi)
Explanation: King Prasenajit of Kosala was a close associate of Buddha.
33.Which Mahajanapada was located in Bundelkhand region?
A) Chedi
B) Surasena
C) Vatsa
D) Matsya
Answer: A) Chedi
Explanation: Chedi was situated between Yamuna and Narmada, i.e., Bundelkhand.
34.The Shakyas, Koliyas, and Mallas were examples of:
A) Monarchical states
B) Republican states
C) Slave states
D) Tribal kingdoms
Answer: B) Republican states
Explanation: They followed gana-sangha republican form of governance.
35.Which Mahajanapada had a close cultural link with South-East Asia due to its coastal position?
A) Anga
B) Vanga
C) Surasena
D) Gandhara
Answer: B) Vanga
Explanation: Vanga in Bengal had maritime contacts with SE Asia.
36.Which Mahajanapada was associated with King Udayana, who was a patron of Buddhism?
A) Vatsa
B) Magadha
C) Surasena
D) Avanti
Answer: A) Vatsa
Explanation: King Udayana of Vatsa ruled from Kaushambi and supported Buddhism.
37.Which Mahajanapada lay in the region corresponding to modern Nepal and north Bihar?
A) Vajji
B) Gandhara
C) Anga
D) Kuru
Answer: A) Vajji
Explanation: Vajji confederacy included Mithila and extended into Nepal region.
38.Which Mahajanapada’s king was defeated by Ajatashatru of Magadha?
A) Pradyota of Avanti
B) Prasenajit of Kosala
C) Udayana of Vatsa
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Ajatashatru fought wars against Kosala, Avanti, and Vatsa to expand Magadha.
39.The capital of Matsya Mahajanapada was:
A) Mathura
B) Viratnagar
C) Indraprastha
D) Rajgir
Answer: B) Viratnagar
Explanation: Matsya was centered at Viratnagar (modern Alwar/Jaipur region).
40.Which Mahajanapada had Mathura as its capital?
A) Surasena
B) Panchala
C) Matsya
D) Kashi
Answer: A) Surasena
Explanation: Surasena kingdom’s capital was Mathura.
41.Which Mahajanapada was often in rivalry with Kosala and Kashi?
A) Magadha
B) Vajji
C) Vatsa
D) Avanti
Answer: A) Magadha
Explanation: Magadha’s expansion often clashed with Kosala and Kashi.
42.Who was the ruler of Anga defeated by Bimbisara?
A) Dadhivahana
B) Udayana
C) Pradyota
D) Pasenadi
Answer: A) Dadhivahana
Explanation: Bimbisara defeated Dadhivahana and annexed Anga.
43.Which Mahajanapada lay in the modern Haryana-Delhi region and was important in later Mahabharata traditions?
A) Surasena
B) Panchala
C) Kuru
D) Matsya
Answer: C) Kuru
Explanation: Kuru territory lay in Haryana-Delhi and had strong Vedic traditions.
44.Which Mahajanapada had its territory around modern Kanpur and Bareilly?
A) Panchala
B) Vatsa
C) Kashi
D) Kosala
Answer: A) Panchala
Explanation: Panchala was situated in western UP between the Ganga and Himalayas.
45.The capital city Indraprastha is associated with which Mahajanapada?
A) Matsya
B) Kuru
C) Kosala
D) Chedi
Answer: B) Kuru
Explanation: Indraprastha (Delhi) was linked with the Kuru Mahajanapada.
46.Which Mahajanapada was ruled by the famous dynasty of Pradyotas?
A) Anga
B) Avanti
C) Vatsa
D) Kashi
Answer: B) Avanti
Explanation: The Pradyota dynasty ruled Avanti with Ujjain as capital.
47.Which Mahajanapada’s capital was Sravasti, where Buddha spent many rainy seasons?
A) Magadha
B) Kosala
C) Anga
D) Vatsa
Answer: B) Kosala
Explanation: Buddha spent 25 rainy seasons in Sravasti (Kosala capital).
48.Which Mahajanapada’s location gave it strategic importance in northwest trade routes?
A) Kamboja
B) Gandhara
C) Avanti
D) Vanga
Answer: B) Gandhara
Explanation: Gandhara, with Taxila, was on trade routes connecting India, Central Asia, and Persia.
49.The Mallas of Kushinagar and Pava were part of which Mahajanapada?
A) Vajji
B) Anga
C) Gandhara
D) Magadha
Answer: A) Vajji
Explanation: The Mallas were republican clans within the Vajji confederacy.
50.Which Mahajanapada gave rise to the powerful Nanda and Maurya dynasties later?
A) Kosala
B) Anga
C) Magadha
D) Vatsa
Answer: C) Magadha
Explanation: Magadha’s rise paved the way for the Nanda and Maurya empires.
51.Who was the Magadhan king who fought a prolonged war with the Vajji confederacy?
A) Bimbisara
B) Ajatashatru
C) Udayin
D) Shishunaga
Answer: B) Ajatashatru
Explanation: Ajatashatru waged a 16-year war against the Vajjis and finally annexed their territory.
52.Which weapon did Ajatashatru famously use against Vajji republic?
A) War elephants
B) Chariots
C) Catapults and covered chariots
D) Fire arrows
Answer: C) Catapults and covered chariots
Explanation: Buddhist texts mention Ajatashatru using catapults (mahashilakantaka) and covered chariots (rathamusala).
53.The rivalry between Kosala and Magadha was resolved by:
A) Marriage alliance
B) Battle of Rajagriha
C) Buddha’s mediation
D) Division of territory
Answer: A) Marriage alliance
Explanation: Bimbisara married the sister of Kosala king Prasenajit, resolving their rivalry.
54.Which Mahajanapada was closely associated with Jainism, as Mahavira attained nirvana there?
A) Magadha
B) Vajji (Malla region)
C) Kosala
D) Avanti
Answer: B) Vajji (Malla region)
Explanation: Mahavira attained nirvana at Pava, in the Malla territory of Vajji.
55.Buddha attained Parinirvana at:
A) Rajagriha
B) Kushinagar
C) Vaishali
D) Sravasti
Answer: B) Kushinagar
Explanation: Buddha died at Kushinagar, the capital of the Malla republic.
56.The First Buddhist Council after Buddha’s death was held at:
A) Vaishali
B) Rajagriha
C) Kushinagar
D) Kaushambi
Answer: B) Rajagriha
Explanation: The council was held at Rajagriha under Ajatashatru’s patronage.
57.Which Mahajanapada became the cradle of both Buddhism and Jainism?
A) Kosala
B) Magadha
C) Kashi
D) Gandhara
Answer: B) Magadha
Explanation: Both Mahavira and Buddha spent much of their lives spreading their teachings in Magadha.
58.Which Mahajanapada’s king Pradyota is said to have persecuted Jain monks initially but later became a patron?
A) Anga
B) Avanti
C) Vatsa
D) Kosala
Answer: B) Avanti
Explanation: Pradyota of Avanti first opposed Jainism but later accepted its teachings.
59.The rivalry between Avanti and Magadha was finally ended when:
A) Avanti annexed Magadha
B) Magadha annexed Avanti
C) A marriage alliance was made
D) Both signed a peace treaty
Answer: B) Magadha annexed Avanti
Explanation: Avanti was finally incorporated into Magadha, ending their long rivalry.
60.Which Mahajanapada had its capital at Rajagriha before shifting it to Pataliputra?
A) Vatsa
B) Anga
C) Magadha
D) Surasena
Answer: C) Magadha
Explanation: Magadha’s capital was Rajagriha under Bimbisara and shifted to Pataliputra later.
61.The Niganthas (early Jains) were mainly active in which Mahajanapada?
A) Vajji
B) Magadha
C) Surasena
D) Matsya
Answer: B) Magadha
Explanation: Mahavira and his Jain disciples traveled widely across Magadha.
62.Which Mahajanapada’s republican system inspired later Buddhist monastic organization?
A) Vajji
B) Kashi
C) Anga
D) Kosala
Answer: A) Vajji
Explanation: The Vajji’s gana-sangha influenced the sangha system in Buddhism.
63.The capital Kaushambi of Vatsa was an important center for:
A) Cotton and textile trade
B) Salt trade
C) Buddhist monastic centers
D) Shipbuilding
Answer: A) Cotton and textile trade
Explanation: Kaushambi was known for cotton textile production and trade.
64.Which Mahajanapada’s king Udayana was a contemporary of Buddha and a patron of Buddhism?
A) Anga
B) Vatsa
C) Avanti
D) Kosala
Answer: B) Vatsa
Explanation: Udayana of Vatsa is remembered as a friend and patron of Buddhism.
65.The famous university of Taxila was located in which Mahajanapada?
A) Kamboja
B) Gandhara
C) Matsya
D) Vanga
Answer: B) Gandhara
Explanation: Taxila was in Gandhara, renowned as a global center of learning.
66.The Vajji republic followed a system of government which was:
A) Monarchical
B) Federal republic
C) Oligarchic republic
D) Tribal chiefdom
Answer: C) Oligarchic republic
Explanation: Vajji was governed by assemblies of clan leaders (oligarchic).
67.Which Mahajanapada is associated with the legendary figure King Janaka, a philosopher-king?
A) Kashi
B) Vajji (Mithila region)
C) Kosala
D) Kuru
Answer: B) Vajji (Mithila region)
Explanation: Mithila (part of Vajji) was ruled by King Janaka, known from Upanishads.
68.Which Mahajanapada was most directly threatened by Persian invasions in the 6th century BCE?
A) Magadha
B) Gandhara
C) Anga
D) Kosala
Answer: B) Gandhara
Explanation: Gandhara fell under Persian Achaemenid control during Darius I’s rule.
69.Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, which was part of which Mahajanapada?
A) Magadha
B) Kashi
C) Kosala
D) Vatsa
Answer: B) Kashi
Explanation: Sarnath (near Varanasi) was in the Kashi territory.
70.Which Mahajanapada was absorbed into Magadha after Ajatashatru’s wars and later remained a cultural center?
A) Vajji
B) Gandhara
C) Surasena
D) Panchala
Answer: A) Vajji
Explanation: Ajatashatru destroyed Vajji, though Vaishali remained a center of Buddhism and Jainism.
71.The republican Mahajanapada of the Mallas is significant because:
A) Buddha was born there
B) Mahavira attained Nirvana there
C) Buddha attained Parinirvana there
D) Both B and C
Answer: D) Both B and C
Explanation: Mahavira attained Nirvana at Pava, and Buddha at Kushinagar—both in Malla republic.
72.The rise of Magadha over other Mahajanapadas was due to:
A) Fertile soil and iron mines
B) Strategic rivers and elephants
C) Strong rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: All these factors gave Magadha an edge over rivals.
73.Which Mahajanapada had close trade links with Sri Lanka through seaports?
A) Kashi
B) Anga
C) Vanga
D) Kosala
Answer: C) Vanga
Explanation: Vanga’s coastal location facilitated maritime trade with Sri Lanka.
74.The second Buddhist council (c. 383 BCE) was held in which Mahajanapada?
A) Magadha
B) Vajji (Vaishali)
C) Kosala
D) Anga
Answer: B) Vajji (Vaishali)
Explanation: The Second Buddhist Council was held at Vaishali, highlighting Vajji’s Buddhist connection.
75.Which Mahajanapada was weakened by internal republican rivalries, allowing Magadha to dominate?
A) Vajji
B) Avanti
C) Gandhara
D) Surasena
Answer: A) Vajji
Explanation: Vajji’s confederacy lacked unity, making it vulnerable to Magadhan conquest.
76.Which Mahajanapada finally emerged dominant and laid the foundation for the Mauryan Empire?
A) Kosala
B) Magadha
C) Avanti
D) Kashi
Answer: B) Magadha
Explanation: Magadha absorbed most Mahajanapadas and became the nucleus of the Mauryan Empire.
77.The decline of smaller republican Mahajanapadas was mainly due to:
A) Foreign invasions
B) Lack of strong armies and unity
C) Harsh geography
D) Economic backwardness
Answer: B) Lack of strong armies and unity
Explanation: Republics like Vajji and Malla couldn’t resist the militarized monarchies.
78.Which Mahajanapada acted as a bridge between north and south India, facilitating cultural exchange?
A) Magadha
B) Avanti
C) Vatsa
D) Surasena
Answer: B) Avanti
Explanation: Avanti, with Ujjain, connected northern plains with Deccan.
79.The decline of Gandhara was largely caused by:
A) Invasion of Alexander
B) Persian conquest and later foreign invasions
C) Annexation by Magadha
D) Internal revolts
Answer: B) Persian conquest and later foreign invasions
Explanation: Gandhara fell to Persians, then Greeks, weakening its independence.
80.Which Mahajanapada maintained maritime contacts with Southeast Asia, influencing early Indianization there?
A) Vanga
B) Kashi
C) Magadha
D) Panchala
Answer: A) Vanga
Explanation: Vanga’s sailors and merchants had ties with Burma, Thailand, and Java.
81.The republican system of Vajji is considered a precursor to:
A) Feudal monarchy
B) Early parliamentary system
C) Buddhist sangha organization
D) Village panchayats
Answer: C) Buddhist sangha organization
Explanation: The sangha adopted democratic methods inspired by Vajji’s republican assembly.
82.The Mahajanapada period is generally placed in which century BCE?
A) 10th–8th BCE
B) 9th–7th BCE
C) 6th–4th BCE
D) 3rd–2nd BCE
Answer: C) 6th–4th BCE
Explanation: This period (c. 600–300 BCE) saw emergence of 16 Mahajanapadas.
83.What was a common feature of Mahajanapadas that gave rise to urban centers?
A) Abundance of iron tools
B) Expansion of agriculture
C) Growth of trade routes
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: These factors together fueled second urbanization in India.
84.Which Mahajanapada’s decline strengthened Magadha’s hold on the middle Ganga plains?
A) Anga and Vajji
B) Gandhara and Kamboja
C) Panchala and Kuru
D) Matsya and Surasena
Answer: A) Anga and Vajji
Explanation: Their annexation gave Magadha control over fertile plains and trade routes.
85.Why did Magadha surpass Avanti in power despite both being strong?
A) Better cavalry
B) More fertile land and resources
C) Stronger republican traditions
D) Foreign alliances
Answer: B) More fertile land and resources
Explanation: Magadha had iron mines, elephants, and fertile Ganga plains.
86.The rise of urban centers like Rajagriha, Kaushambi, and Varanasi during Mahajanapada age is termed:
A) First Urbanization
B) Second Urbanization
C) Early Feudalism
D) Industrial growth
Answer: B) Second Urbanization
Explanation: After Harappan cities, India saw a second urbanization in 6th century BCE.
87.Which Mahajanapada is often linked with the epic Ramayana (as the kingdom of Rama)?
A) Kosala
B) Vatsa
C) Kashi
D) Surasena
Answer: A) Kosala
Explanation: Ayodhya in Kosala was the legendary capital of Rama.
88.Which Mahajanapada provided elephants to strengthen Magadha’s army?
A) Vajji
B) Kalinga
C) Anga
D) Vanga
Answer: B) Kalinga
Explanation: Kalinga was not one of the 16 listed, but nearby; elephants were also found in Magadha’s forests.
89.The republican Mahajanapadas (like Vajji, Malla, Shakya) were finally absorbed by:
A) Kosala
B) Magadha
C) Avanti
D) Vatsa
Answer: B) Magadha
Explanation: Monarchic Magadha systematically eliminated republics.
90.Which Mahajanapada had its influence extending into the Himalayan foothills?
A) Kuru
B) Panchala
C) Kosala
D) Vajji
Answer: C) Kosala
Explanation: Kosala extended from Himalayan foothills to Ganga plains.
91.The sixteen Mahajanapadas are often associated with which historical context?
A) Vedic age wars
B) Buddha and Mahavira’s times
C) Mauryan expansion
D) Gupta age
Answer: B) Buddha and Mahavira’s times
Explanation: Both Buddha and Mahavira lived during the Mahajanapada period.
92.Which Mahajanapada’s annexation gave Magadha access to rich trade routes to the sea?
A) Vatsa
B) Anga
C) Kosala
D) Kashi
Answer: B) Anga
Explanation: Anga’s port city Champa linked Magadha to overseas trade.
93.What was the main cause of frequent wars among Mahajanapadas?
A) Religious conflicts
B) Control of trade routes and fertile land
C) Foreign invasions
D) Succession disputes
Answer: B) Control of trade routes and fertile land
Explanation: Ganga plains and trade centers were most contested.
94.Which Mahajanapada played the most important role in the spread of Buddhism outside India?
A) Gandhara
B) Vajji
C) Kosala
D) Vanga
Answer: A) Gandhara
Explanation: Gandhara became a Buddhist hub and spread Buddhism to Central Asia.
95.The decline of Mahajanapadas marks the transition from:
A) Tribal states to empires
B) Stone Age to Iron Age
C) Buddhist to Gupta period
D) Feudalism to capitalism
Answer: A) Tribal states to empires
Explanation: Small kingdoms gave way to centralized imperial states like Maurya.
96.Which Mahajanapada corresponds to today’s Mithila region in Bihar?
A) Anga
B) Vajji
C) Kosala
D) Vatsa
Answer: B) Vajji
Explanation: Mithila was the cultural core of Vajji confederacy.
97.Who is regarded as the most powerful ruler of Magadha among the Mahajanapadas?
A) Bimbisara
B) Ajatashatru
C) Udayin
D) Shishunaga
Answer: B) Ajatashatru
Explanation: Ajatashatru expanded Magadha and defeated Kosala, Vajji, and Vatsa.
98.Why were iron mines in south Bihar crucial for Magadha’s rise?
A) Helped in weapon-making and agriculture
B) Used for temple construction
C) Exported as trade commodity
D) Symbol of wealth only
Answer: A) Helped in weapon-making and agriculture
Explanation: Iron tools boosted farming and military strength.
99.Which Mahajanapada was known as a hub of cotton textiles and artisan guilds?
A) Vatsa
B) Kashi
C) Magadha
D) Anga
Answer: A) Vatsa
Explanation: Kaushambi (Vatsa capital) was famous for cotton textiles.
100.The concept of “Sixteen Mahajanapadas” is most significant for:
A) Tracing India’s first empire
B) Understanding early republics and monarchies
C) Knowing the socio-economic base of Buddhism & Jainism
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: The Mahajanapada age shows transition to empire, roots of republics, and the socio-economic backdrop for new religions.