Ancient History MCQs – 8 ( Magadh Dynasty )

Ans - B ( Dhana Nanda ).

• Dhana Nanda became unpopular with his subjects owing to an oppressive way of extorting taxes. Also, his Sudra origins and an anti-Kshatriya policy led to a large number of enemies.

• Finally, he was overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya along with Chanakya, who took advantage of the public resentment and established the Mauryan Empire in Magadha.

Ans - B ( Dhana Nanda ).

• In 327 B.C. Alexander crossed the Hindu Kush Mountains and defeated Porus in the Battle of Hydaspes.

• Alexander continued his march as far as the river Beas encountering opposition from the local tribes.
• He wanted to proceed still further eastwards towards the Gangetic valley. 
• However, he could not proceed towards the Gangetic plains because of his army’s refusal. Hardships of prolonged warfare made them tired and they wanted to return home. Alexander could not persuade them and hence decided to return.

• During this time Magadh was ruled by Dhana Nanda.

Ans - A ( Jhelum ).

• The Battle of Hydaspes was fought between Alexander and Porus on the banks of river Hydaspes (Jhelum).

• It was a well-contested battle. Although Porus had a strong army, he lost the battle

Ans - B ( Dhana Nanda ).

• Dhana Nanda was the last Nanda ruler.

• Dhana Nanda inherited a huge empire from his father and possessed a huge standing army.

Ans - A ( Mahapadma Nanda ).

• The Nanda Dynasty was the first non-Kshatriya dynasty and it lasted from 345 BCE to 321 BCE.
• The first ruler was Mahapadma Nanda who usurped the throne of Kalasoka.

Ans - D ( Kalasoka  ).

• Kalasoka was the son of Sisunaga.
• He conducted the Second Buddhist Council at Vaishali.
• Kalasoka was killed by the founder of the Nanda dynasty. 

Ans - A ( Sisunaga Dynasty  ).

• Sisunaga was the founder of the Sisunaga Dynasty. He defeated the last Haryanka ruler and became king of Magadh. 
• Saisunaga defeated the king of Avanti which was made part of the Magadha Empire. The dynasty lasted from 413 BCE to 345 BCE.

Ans - C ( Udayin  ).

• Udayin was the son and successor of the Haryanka king Ajatashatru.

• Udayin laid the foundation of the city of Pataliputra at the confluence of two rivers, the Son and the Ganges. He shifted his capital from Rajgriha to Patliputra.

  
  

Ans - D ( Ajatasatru ).

• Ajatasatru (492 BC – 460 BC) was son of Bimbisara and Chellana(daughter of the Lichchavi chief of Vaishali). 
• He embraced Buddhism and convened the First Buddhist Council at Rajagriha just after the death of Buddha in 483 BCE.

Ans - B ( Bimbisara  ).

• According to Buddhist chronicles, Bimbisara ruled for 52 years (544 BCE – 492 BCE).

• He was the first king to have a standing army. Magadha came into prominence under his leadership.
• He was a contemporary and follower of the Buddha. Was also said to be an admirer of Mahavira, who was also his contemporary.
• He started the practice of using matrimonial alliances to strengthen his political position. He had three wives: Kosala Devi (King of Kosala’s daughter and the sister of Prasenjit), Chellana (daughter of the Lichchavi chief of Vaishali) and Khema (daughter of the king of Madra, Punjab).

   

• He Had his capital at Girivraja/Rajagriha (Rajgir). It was surrounded by 5 hills, the openings of which were closed by stone walls on all sides. This made Rajagriha impregnable.