Vedic & Mahajanapadas — Set 4
Indian History · वैदिक और महाजनपद · Questions 31–40 of 60
Who was the first non-Kshatriya king to establish a powerful empire in Magadha?
Correct Answer: D. Mahapadma Nanda
Mahapadma Nanda is considered the first non-Kshatriya emperor of Magadha. He founded the Nanda dynasty and was known as 'Sarvakshatrantaka' (destroyer of all Kshatriyas). He established a vast centralized empire.
In which year did Alexander the Great invade India?
Correct Answer: C. 326 BC
Alexander invaded India in 326 BC. He entered through the Khyber Pass and fought King Porus at the Battle of Hydaspes. His invasion opened up land routes between India and the West.
The Rigvedic river 'Vitasta' is identified with which modern river?
Correct Answer: C. Jhelum
The Rigvedic river Vitasta is the modern-day Jhelum river. It was an important river in the Punjab region of ancient India. The Greeks called this river 'Hydaspes'.
What was the primary occupation of the people during the Rigvedic period?
Correct Answer: C. Cattle Rearing
The primary occupation of the Rigvedic Aryans was cattle rearing (pastoralism). Agriculture was known but was secondary to their pastoral lifestyle. Wealth was often measured in terms of the number of cattle owned.
What was the smallest basic unit of society in the Vedic period?
Correct Answer: B. Kula (Family)
The basic unit of Vedic society was the Kula or family. It was a patriarchal family unit headed by the eldest male, known as Kulapa. Several families joined together to form a Grama (village).
Who among the following was a famous female scholar of the Vedic age?
Correct Answer: B. Gargi
Gargi Vachaknavi was a renowned female scholar and philosopher of the Vedic period. She is famous for challenging the sage Yajnavalkya in a philosophical debate. Her name appears in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.
Champa was the capital of which ancient Mahajanapada?
Correct Answer: B. Anga
Champa was the capital of the Anga Mahajanapada. It was an important commercial center located in modern-day Bihar. Anga was eventually annexed by Bimbisara into the Magadha kingdom.
The dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama concerning the secret of death is found in:
Correct Answer: B. Katha Upanishad
The famous dialogue between the boy Nachiketa and Yama (God of Death) is in the Katha Upanishad. It explores the nature of the soul and the path to immortality. It is one of the most popular stories in Vedantic philosophy.
Which king is known for killing his father to ascend the throne of Magadha?
Correct Answer: C. Ajatshatru
Ajatshatru is historically noted for killing his father, Bimbisara, to become king. He followed an aggressive expansionist policy for Magadha. He later embraced Buddhism and Jainism towards the end of his life.
According to the Ashram system, what is the final stage of life?
Correct Answer: A. Sannyasa
Sannyasa is the fourth and final stage of life in the Ashram system. It involves total renunciation of worldly ties and a focus on spiritual liberation (Moksha). It typically begins after the age of 75 in the classical model.