Question 1

Which ancient Mahajanapada had its capital at Varanasi?

Accepted Answer

Kashi. Kashi was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas with Varanasi as its capital. It was a powerful kingdom during the 6th century BCE and was eventually absorbed by the Kosala kingdom. Varanasi remains one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Question 2

What was the capital of the Kosala Mahajanapada?

Accepted Answer

Shravasti. Shravasti (modern Sahet-Mahet in Uttar Pradesh) was the capital of the Kosala Mahajanapada. King Prasenajit was its most famous ruler and a contemporary of Gautam Buddha. Shravasti was also an important Buddhist centre where Buddha spent 24 rainy seasons.

Question 3

Kaushambi was the capital of which Mahajanapada?

Accepted Answer

Vatsa. Kaushambi, near modern Allahabad (Prayagraj), was the capital of the Vatsa Mahajanapada. Its most famous ruler was King Udayana. Kaushambi was also an important centre of trade and Buddhism, and Ashoka erected a pillar there.

Question 4

Which Mahajanapada had Ahichhatra and Kampilya as its two capitals?

Accepted Answer

Panchala. Panchala was divided into Northern Panchala (capital Ahichhatra, modern Ramnagar in Bareilly) and Southern Panchala (capital Kampilya). The Panchala region roughly corresponds to the modern Rohilkhand and central Doab region of Uttar Pradesh.

Question 5

Mathura was the capital of which ancient Mahajanapada?

Accepted Answer

Shurasena. Mathura was the capital of the Shurasena Mahajanapada. It is associated with Lord Krishna in Hindu tradition. Shurasena became an early centre of Buddhism, and its king Avantiputra was among the first royal disciples of the Buddha.

UP History — Set 1