Which initial ruler of Magadha killed his father for enthroning and also was killed by his son for the same reason?
Correct Answer:
(B)
Ajatshatru
The ruler of Magadha, Ajatashatru (492-460 BC) killed his father Bimbisara, the founder of Haryanka dynasty and sat on the throne. He was also killed by his son Udayin (different from the king Udayan of Vatsa) for the same reason.
Ques:
32
Which King of Magadha is known as Aparoparashurama?
Correct Answer:
(D)
Mahapadmananda
After Shishunaga dynasty, the Nanda dynasty started ruling Magadha. Mahapadmananda or Ugrasen was the founder of Nanda dynasty. He was also called as Sarvakshatrantaka and Aparoparashurama in Puranas.
Ques:
33
In the context of the ancient India, consider the following statements:
The ruler of Magadha, Bimbisara had maintained friendly relations with Anga to extend his territory.
Both Bimbisara and Ajatashatru had an encounter with Buddha.
The Haryanka dynasty was succeeded by the Nandas.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(A)
Only one
Among the 16 mahajanapadas, Kasi was initially powerful. However, Kosala became dominant later. A power struggle broke out between Magadha, Kosala, Vrijji and Avanti. Eventually, Magadha emerged as the dominant mahajanapada and established the first Indian empire.
The first known ruler of Magadha was Bimbisara of the Haryanka dynasty. He extended the territory of Magadhan Empire by matrimonial alliances and conquests. By marrying off his sister to Prasenajit, ruler of Kosala, he received Kasi as dowry. He also married the princesses of Lichchhavis and Madra.
Statement 1 is incorrect: He maintained friendly relations with Avanti but annexed Anga by military might. Thus, Magadha became a powerful and prominent power. During his reign, Bimbisara patronised various religious sects and their leaders.
Statement 2 is correct: He had an encounter with Buddha as well. His son Ajatashatru ascended the throne by killing his father. King Prasenajit immediately took back Kasi, which he had handed out as dowry to Bimbisara. This led to a military confrontation between Magadha and Kosala. The struggle lasted until Prasenajit was overthrown and died at Rajgriha, the capital of Magadha Empire. Kosala was then annexed to Magadha. Ajatashatru also fought and won the battle against the Lichchhavis. He defeated the Lichchhavis and the Mallas. Ajatashatru is also believed to have met Buddha in his lifetime. By the time Ajatashatru died in 461 BCE, Magadha had become undisputedly the strongest power.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Haryanka dynasty was succeeded by the Shishunaga dynasty. Shishunaga, a viceroy of Benaras, deposed the last Haryanka king and ascended the throne. The Shishunagas ruled for fifty years before the throne was usurped by Mahapadma Nanda.