Magadha Empire GK Questions and Answers

1. Kalasoka
2. Mahapadma Nanda
3. Dhanananda
4. Chandragupta Maurya

Answer: Mahapadma Nanda

Mahapadma Nanda was known for his systematic tax collection and extensive irrigation work. He built canals and conducted significant irrigation projects.

1. Maurya
2. Magadha
3. Satavahanas
4. Kanvas

Answer: Magadha

Magadha was the first empire to employ elephants on a large scale in warfare against its neighboring kingdoms. Elephants proved to be effective in storming fortresses and navigating challenging terrains.

1. Ajatashatru
2. Bimbisara
3. Shishunagas
4. Dhananada

Answer: Bimbisara

1. Shishunagas
2. Mahapadma Nand
3. Kalashoka
4. Dhananada

Answer: Dhananada

1. Ajatshatru
2. Nandivardhana
3. Bimbisara
4. Ashoka

Answer: Bimbisara

Bimbisara was the ruler whose reign witnessed the preachings of both Buddhism and Jainism. This is the correct answer.

1. Matrimonial alliances
2. Friendship with strong rulers
3. Conquest of weak neighbours
4. All of the above

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.

1. Kalasoka
2. Shishunaga
3. Udayin
4. Ajatashatru

Answer: Kalasoka

Explanation: Kalasoka, the son and successor of Shishunaga, was also known as Kakarvarna according to the Puranas. The Second Buddhist Council was held in Vaishali during his reign.

1. Mahapadma Nanda
2. Dhanananda
3. Kautilya
4. None of the above

Answer: Mahapadma Nanda

Explanation: Mahapadma Nanda, the first empire builder of India, was known as ekarat, signifying his dominance over other ruling princes, and sarva-kshatrantaka, symbolizing his conquest over Kshatriyas.

1. Ajatashatru
2. Bimbisara
3. Shishunagas
4. None of the above

Answer: Ajatashatru

1. Kalashoka
2. Nandivardhan
3. Naga-Dasak
4. Udayin

Answer: Nandivardhan

Explanation: Nandivardhan was the last ruler of the Shisunaga dynasty, which succeeded the Haryanka dynasty.

1. Shrenika
2. Ekarat
3. Sarvakshatrantaka
4. Shalimal

Answer: Shrenika

Explanation: Bimbisara, the founder of the Haryanka dynasty, was also known as Shrenika according to Jain literature.

1. Shishunaga
2. Kalasoka
3. Mahapadma Nanda
4. Dhanananda

Answer: Mahapadma Nanda

Explanation: Mahapadma Nanda acquired the kingdom of Kalinga and brought back an image of Jina (an enlightened being) as a victory trophy. He also expanded the empire to include Kosala.

1. Magadha enjoyed an advantageous geographical position.

2. Proximity to the richest iron deposits.

3. Rajgriha and Patliputra were situated at strategic points.

Choose the right option:

1. Only 1 and 2
2. Only 2 and 3
3. Only 1 and 3
4. All 1, 2, and 3

Answer: All 1, 2, and 3

Explanation: Several factors contributed to Magadha’s dominance: Magadha enjoyed an advantageous geographical position. Proximity to the richest iron deposits facilitated the development of a strong army. The strategic locations of Rajgriha and Patliputra played a significant role in governance and defense.

1. Bindusara
2. Bimbisara
3. Mahapadma Nand
4. Kalashoka

Answer: Bimbisara

1. Jivaka
2. Udayin
3. Kalashoka
4. Both a & b

Answer: Jivaka

The royal physician, Jivaka, was sent by Bimbisara to treat Avanti King Pradyota, who was suffering from Jaundice.

1. Mauryan
2. Nandas
3. Shishunaga
4. None of the above

Answer: Nandas

The Nanda Dynasty, including Mahapadma Nanda, was considered adharmika, meaning they did not adhere to the norms of Dharma due to Mahapadma Nanda’s non-Kshatriya lineage.

1. 40
2. 42
3. 50
4. 52

Answer: 52

Bimbisara, belonging to the Haryanka dynasty, ruled for approximately 52 years, from 544 to 492 BCE. According to the Mahavamsa, he ascended the throne at the age of 15, following the anointment by his father.

1. Kathasaritasagara
2. Brihadkatha Manjari
3. Mudrarakshasa
4. Rajatrangini

Answer: Mudrarakshasa

1. Haryanka Dynasty
2. Shishunaga Dynasty
3. Nanda Dynasty
4. Maurya Dynasty

Answer: Nanda Dynasty

The Nanda Dynasty, led by Mahapadma Nanda, was the first non-Kshatriya dynasty in ancient India. Mahapadma Nanda, also known as Ugrasena, expanded the empire with a powerful army.

1. Ujjain
2. Patlipura
3. Rajgriha
4. Taxila

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.

1. Shishunagas
2. Dhananada
3. Kalashoka
4. Ajatshatru

Answer: Kalashoka

1. Bimbisara
2. Ajatashatru
3. Udayin
4. Shishunaga

Answer: Udayin

Udayin, also known as Udayabhadra, founded the new capital at Patliputra around 460 BCE to establish a strategic location at the confluence of the Ganga and Son rivers.

1. Shishunaga
2. Kalasoka
3. Mahapadma Nanda
4. Dhanananda

Answer: Dhanananda

Dhanananda, the last major king of the Nanda dynasty, is credited with the invention of Nandopakramani, a specific measuring standard. He is also identified with the Agrammes or Xandrames mentioned in Greek classical writings.

1. Mahapadmananda
2. Shisunaga
3. Dhanananda
4. Nandivardhan

Answer: Mahapadmananda

Mahapadmananda, also known as Ekarat and Sarvakshatrantaka, was the founder of the Nanda dynasty.

1. Shishunaga
2. Kalasoka
3. Mahapadma Nanda
4. Dhanananda

Answer: Dhanananda

Dhanananda, an oppressive and arrogant ruler who imposed heavy taxes on the common people, was uprooted by Chandragupta Maurya under the guidance of Kautilya (Chanakya). This led to the establishment of the Maurya empire.

1. Dhanananda
2. Mahapadmananda
3. Bimbisara
4. Chandragupta Maurya

Answer: Mahapadmananda

Mahapadmananda, the founder of the Nanda dynasty, is often referred to as “the first empire builder of Indian History.”

1. Udayin
2. Shishunaga
3. Kalasoka
4. Mahapadma Nanda

Answer: Shishunaga

Shishunaga, after defeating Avanti (Pradyota Dynasty), temporarily shifted the capital of Magadh to Vaishali. This move ended the longstanding rivalry between Magadh and Avanti.

1. Haryankas
2. Shishunagas
3. Nandas
4. Mauryas

Answer: Shishunaga

Shishunaga, after defeating Avanti (Pradyota Dynasty), temporarily shifted the capital of Magadh to Vaishali. This move ended the longstanding rivalry between Magadh and Avanti.

1. He was a poet in the court of Chandragupta Maurya.
2. He was the general of the Nanda Army.
3. He was an ambassador of the Ceylon King sent to Ashoka’s court.
4. He was a playwright in the Gupta Era.

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.

1. Bimbisara
2. Ashoka
3. Chandragupta Maurya
4. Bindusara

Answer: Bindusara

Bimbisara was a contemporary of both Buddha and Mahavira. He was a ruler of the Magadha kingdom and showed respect to both spiritual leaders.

1. Kalashoka
2. Chandragupta Maurya
3. Bindusara
4. Ashoka

Answer: Chandragupta Maurya

1. Bimbisara
2. Shishunagas
3. Bindusara
4. Ashoka

Answer: Ashoka

1. Kalashoka
2. Chandragupta Maurya
3. Bindusara
4. Ashoka

Answer: Ashoka