Tag: emergence of kingdoms and republics

Questions Related to emergence of kingdoms and republics

Janapadas which gradually became stronger and expanded their geographical boundaries were known as?

  1. Mahajanapadas

  2. Gana-parishad

  3. Santhagar

  4. None of these


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Some janapadas which gradually became stronger and expanded their geographical boundaries were known as mahajanapadas. From the literature of that period, it is clear that up to the sixth century BCE, sixteen mahajanapadas had acquired special importance.

Why taxes were needed by rulers?

  1. For building huge forts

  2. To maintain big armies

  3. Both A and B

  4. None of these


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

As the rulers of the mahajanapadas were, building huge forts, maintaining big armies, they needed more resources. And they needed officials to collect these. So, instead of depending on occasional gifts brought by people, as in the case of the raja of the janapadas, they started collecting regular taxes.

During mahajanapadas hunters and gatherers provided forest produce to the raja as a _____.

  1. Gift

  2. Tax

  3. Rent

  4. None of these


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The rulers of mahajanapadas were engaged in building forts, maintaining huge armies for the protection of their territory and the subjects. They needed more resources which could be obtained from taxes. Crafts persons, farmers, hunter-gatherers, herders were liable to pay these taxes in one form or the other. Hunter-gatherers provided forest produce to the raja as a tax.

Who among the following was the founder of the Nanda dynasty?

  1. Mahapadma Nanda

  2. Ashoka Nanda

  3. Dhana Nanda

  4. None of the above


Correct Option: A

In the sixth century BC northern India was divided into ______.

  1. sixteen great states

  2. eight republican states

  3. both (a) and (b) above

  4. Anga and Magadha


Correct Option: C

Which one of the following was initially the most powerful city state of India in the 6th century BC? 

  1. Gandhar

  2. Kamboj

  3. Kashi

  4. Magadh


Correct Option: D

When Alexander invaded India, Magadha was being ruled by the _____.

  1. Haryankas

  2. Sisunagas

  3. Nandas

  4. Mauryas


Correct Option: C

In which of the following Sanskrit play written by Kalidasa, the decline of the Nandas at the hands of Kautilya and Chandragupta Maurya has been vividly portrayed?

  1. Mudrarakshas

  2. Devichandragupta

  3. Malavikagnimitram

  4. Mrichhakatika


Correct Option: A

Chandragupta Maurya with the help of Chanakya decided to overthrow the Nandas because ______.

  1. Chanakya had been humiliated by the Nandas

  2. the Nandas were low-born

  3. the Nandas had accumulated a great deal of wealth by extortion and oppression of the people

  4. Chanakya wanted to restore the ideal of Kshatriya rule


Correct Option: C

What was the capital of the king Kharavela of Kalinga?

  1. Taxila

  2. Pataliputra

  3. Kalinganagara

  4. Pushpapura


Correct Option: C