The Magadha Empire, a pivotal ancient Indian kingdom, played a crucial role in shaping the subcontinent’s political landscape. Aspirants preparing for government job comparative exams will find this set of 10 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with detailed answers and explanations enlightening, covering key aspects of the Magadha Empire.
MCQs with Answers and Explanations:
1. Who was the physician sent by Bimbisara to treat Avanti King Pradyota?
- Jivaka
- Udayin
- Kalashoka
- Both a & b
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Correct Answer: Jivaka
The royal physician, Jivaka, was sent by Bimbisara to treat Avanti King Pradyota, who was suffering from Jaundice.
2. What was another name for Bimbisara?
- Shrenika
- Ekarat
- Sarvakshatrantaka
- Shalimal
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Correct Answer: Shrenika
Bimbisara, the founder of the Haryanka dynasty, was also known as Shrenika according to Jain literature.
3. Who was the last ruler of the Shisunaga dynasty?
- Kalashoka
- Nandivardhan
- Naga-Dasak
- Udayin
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Correct Answer: Nandivardhan
Nandivardhan was the last ruler of the Shisunaga dynasty, which succeeded the Haryanka dynasty.
4. Which ruler is often described as “the first empire builder of Indian History”?
- Dhanananda
- Mahapadmananda
- Bimbisara
- Chandragupta Maurya
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Correct Answer: Mahapadmananda
Mahapadmananda, the founder of the Nanda dynasty, is often referred to as “the first empire builder of Indian History.”
5. Who was the founder of the Nanda dynasty?
- Mahapadmananda
- Shisunaga
- Dhanananda
- Nandivardhan
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Correct Answer: Mahapadmananda
Mahapadmananda, also known as Ekarat and Sarvakshatrantaka, was the founder of the Nanda dynasty.
6. Which king was a contemporary of both Mahavira and Buddha?
- Ajatshatru
- Nandivardhana
- Bimbisara
- Ashoka
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Correct Answer: Bimbisara
Bimbisara was a contemporary of both Mahavira and Buddha. He was a patron of Buddha and is mentioned in both Jain and Buddhist texts.
7. Which statement is correct about Bhaddasala?
- He was a poet in the court of Chandragupta Maurya.
- He was the general of the Nanda Army.
- He was an ambassador of the Ceylon King sent to Ashoka’s court.
- He was a playwright in the Gupta Era.
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Correct Answer: He was an ambassador of the Ceylon King sent to Ashoka’s court.
Bhaddasala was an ambassador from the Ceylon (Sri Lanka) King who visited the court of Emperor Ashoka.
8. Who among the following was a contemporary of both Buddha and Mahavira?
- Bimbisara
- Ashoka
- Chandragupta Maurya
- Bindusara
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Correct Answer: Bimbisara
Bimbisara was a contemporary of both Buddha and Mahavira. He was a ruler of the Magadha kingdom and showed respect to both spiritual leaders.
9. Which of the following was part of the three-pronged policy of Bimbisara to expand his empire?
- Matrimonial alliances
- Friendship with strong rulers
- Conquest of weak neighbours
- All of the above
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Correct Answer: All of the above
Bimbisara’s three-pronged policy to expand his empire included matrimonial alliances, friendship with strong rulers, and the conquest of weak neighbors.
10. What was the capital of Magadh?
- Ujjain
- Patlipura
- Rajgriha
- Taxila
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Correct Answer: Rajgriha
The capital of the Magadh empire was Rajgriha or Girivraja. It was located in present-day Bihar and was surrounded by five hills.
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