Vedic and Magadh Empire MCQs

Correct Answer Parushini

• The Vedic name of the Ravi river is Parushini.
• Rigveda mentions a group of 7 rivers known as Sapta-Sindhu.
• River Saraswati with five rivers of Punjab makes up 6 of the 7 rivers, though the 7th is still not confirmed.
• In Vedic texts, Yamuna is known as Yami while in later literature, the river is called Kalindi.
• The Rigvedic and modern name of the rivers are:-

• Vajji was an ancient Indian Mahajanapada, a federation of several republics, rather than a single kingdom.
• The federation of Vajji represents one of the world's earliest examples of a republic, dating back to the 6th century BCE.
• Vaishali, also known as Vesali or Vaiśālī in ancient texts, was the capital of Vajji Mahajanapada.
• Located in present-day Bihar, Vaishali is of significant historical and archaeological importance.
• Vaishali is also revered in Buddhism and Jainism as it was a favourite place of Lord Buddha and the birthplace of Lord Mahavir.
• Today, Vaishali is known for its archaeological sites including stupas, pillars, and ancient ruins that reflect its rich past.

• Under Bimbisara, who was a contemporary of the Buddha and who, like the Buddha, lived in the 6th - 5th century BCE, Magadha emerged as a controller of the middle Ganga plains.
• According to Ashvaghosha’s Buddhacharita, Bimbisara belonged to the Haryanka dynasty.
• According to Buddhist chronicles, Bimbisara ruled for 48 years (544 BCE – 492 BCE).
• He is considered to be the first important ruler of Magadha.
• He had his capital at Girivraja/Rajagriha (Rajgir).
• With political foresight, he realized the importance of establishing dynastic relations through marriage with the royal house of Kosala.
• Through this alliance, he acquired a village in Kashi as a dowry.
• Bimbisara annexed Anga into his Empire.
• With Anga, Bimbisara did not have a friendly relationship.
• At present, Anga is the partial area of Bihar and West Bengal.
• The capital of Anga was Champa and was among 16 Mahajanapadas.
• Brahmadatta was the last king of Anga when it was captured by Bimbisara.

• He had cordial relations with the king of Gandhara.

• Ajatashatru
  • He was the son of Bimbisara.
  • Ajatashatru, the ruler of Magadha, was sitting on the throne after killing his father. That is why in history it is known as Kunik (Pitruhanta).
  • He embraced Buddhism.
  • He convented the first Buddhist council at Rajagriha in 483 BC.
  • He won wars agaist Kosala and Vaishali.
• Udayin
  • Udayin (c. 460-444 BCE) was a monarch of Magadha in ancient India, also known as Udayabhadra. He was the son and heir of Haryanka king Ajatashatru, according to Buddhist and Jain sources.
  • Udayin was Ajatashatru's favorite son, according to Buddhist tradition, and lived during the reign of his grandfather Bimbisara.
  • The city of Pataliputra was founded by Udayin at the confluence of two rivers, the Son and the Ganges.
  • Because of Patliputra's pivotal location in the empire, he moved his capital from Rajgriha to Patliputra. It was named Rajagaha in the Pali language.
• Mahapadma Nanda
  • Mahapadma Nanda was a powerful ruler of the Nanda dynasty.
  • Mahapadma Nanda, also known as Ugrasena owner of a huge army, defeated many kingdoms such as Kurus, Kalingas, and Kasis.
  • He has also been described as the “Destroyer of all the Kshatriyas” in the Puranas.
  • The Puranas call Mahapadma Ekrat the sole Monarch.
  • He is often described as the 'First Empire Builder of Indian History'.
  • Mahapadma Nanda was titled the "second Parshuram".

• In the 6th century BCE, there was a rise in the development of the Mahajanapada.
• There were 16 Mahajanapadas during 600 B.C. to 325 B.C. in the Indian Sub-continent.
  • Capital of Vatsa- Kaushambi
  • Capital of Avanti- Ujjaini
  • Capital of Panchala- Ahichchhatra

• Vajji, also known as Vrijji or Vriji, was an important and powerful confederacy in ancient India. It was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas (great kingdoms) mentioned in ancient Buddhist and Jain texts.
• Location:
  • The exact geographical contours of the Vajji confederacy are not recorded in history.
  • However, it is believed to be located north of the Ganges in Bihar and likely extended to the Madhesh region of Nepal.
  • The capital city of this confederation was Vaishali, which is identified with the present village of Basarh in the Vaishali district of Bihar, India.
• Government:
  • The governance of Vajji was unique compared to the other kingdoms of the era.
  • Instead of a monarchy, it was a republic with an oligarchic assembly of princes (Mahajanapada Sabha) from various associated clans (known as Kshatriya republics).
  • This republic was led by an elected president or king, referred to as a "raja."

• Vedas:
  • A vast collection of religious writings with ancient Indian origins is known as the Vedas.
  • Written in Vedic Sanskrit, the books are the oldest body of Sanskrit literature and the earliest Hindu scriptures.
  • The Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda are the four Vedas.
  • Rig Veda composers describe themselves as Aryans.
  • Each Veda is divided into four sections:
    • The Samhitas, which contain mantras and benedictions
    • The Brahmanas, which explain and comment on rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices (Yajnas)
    • The Aranyakas, which contain texts on these topics
    • The Upanishads, which contain texts on philosophy, meditation, and spiritual knowledge.

• Taxila is the centre of education with world -famous teachers.
• It was the capital of Gandhar.
• Gandhar was a mahajanpada.
• Taxila was situated on the eastern shore of the Indus river- the pivotal junction of the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia.
• Mahajanpadas were the sixteen kingdoms that existed in ancient India from the sixth to fourth centuries BCE.
• Most mahajanpadas had a capital city, many of which were fortified.
• These signify the tribes that came together to form different groups and later gave rise to a permanent area of settlements called 'janapadas'.

Thus, we can say that Taxila was the capital of Gandhar and the centre of education.

• According to the Later Vedic literature, India was divided into three broad divisions: Aryavarta (Northern India), Madhya desa (Central India), and Dakshinapath (Southern India).
• These divisions indicate the geographical and cultural demarcations of the time.
• The understanding of these divisions provides insights into the socio-political structure of the Vedic Period.

• Aryavarta, Madhya desa, and Dakshinapath were not just geographical divisions but also represented different cultural and societal norms.
• These divisions played a significant role in the political organization of the society during the Later Vedic Period.

• Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Empire, which was an extensive and powerful empire in ancient India. He established his rule around 322 BCE, and his empire stretched from the Himalayas in the north to as far south as the Deccan.
• His advisor, Kautilya (also known as Chanakya), helped him in his quest to unify the various kingdoms of India.

Ashoka

• Ashoka is one of the greatest emperors of all time.
• He belongs to the Maurya Dynasty.
• His reign time lasted from 268 BC to 232 BC.
• The Mauryan Empire under Ashoka reached nearly the whole Indian subcontinent at its height, from present-day Iran.
• Ashoka had many victorious battles in his reign time and the battle of Kalinga was his last.
• He is the only emperor in India to get the title ‘Chakravarti Samrat’.
• Ashoka is credited with creating both "The National Emblem" and "The Ashoka Chakra."
• Ashoka made several Hospitals for animals as well as humans.
• In his kingdom, Ashoka forbade the practice of animal sacrifice

King Harshavardhana

• King Harshavardhana was the son of Prabhakar Vardhana, the founder of the Pushyabhuti Dynasty or the Vardhana Dynasty.
• He is considered one of the most prominent rulers of the 7th century.
• He had ascended the throne of Thaneshwar and Kannauj on the death of his brother, Rajyavardhana, and consolidated his kingdom in northern India.
• He was a Hindu who later embraced Mahayana Buddhism.
• On acquiring Kannauj, Harsha united the two kingdoms of Thanesar and Kannauj.
• He moved his capital to Kannauj.

Udayin

• The city of Pataliputra was founded by Udayin at the confluence of two rivers, the Son and the Ganges.
• Because of Patliputra's pivotal location in the empire, he moved his capital from Rajgriha to Patliputra. It was named Rajagaha in the Pali language.
• Udayin (c. 460-444 BCE) was a monarch of Magadha in ancient India, also known as Udayabhadra. He was the son and heir of Haryanka king Ajatashatru, according to Buddhist and Jain sources.
• Udayin was Ajatashatru's favourite son, according to Buddhist tradition, and lived during the reign of his grandfather Bimbisara.
• He was a young prince when Ajatashatru met Gautama Buddha.

• Vedas are supposed to be the first religious text of Hindu religion.
• Veda means knowledge.
• There are four Vedas namely,
  • Rig Veda - Oldest and most important Veda, contains the knowledge of chemistry and medical science.
  • Yajur Veda - Only Veda divided into two parts (i.e. Krishna Yajur Veda and Shukla Yajur Veda), contains the knowledge of all sacrificial formula and weapons.
  • Sam Veda - It is the Origin of Indian classical music.
  • Atharva Veda - It contains the knowledge of Ayurveda, also charms and spells hence it is known as black Veda.
• Every Veda has four parts,
  • Samhita - collections of Vedic hymns or mantras
  • Brahmana - Explanatory textbook to original Veda
  • Aranayak - Conclusion based on Veda
  • Upanishad - Moral teaching based on Vedas.

• During the early Vedic period there were four types of village assemblies prevailed namely Sabha, Samiti, Vidatha and Gana.
• Bali and Bhaga are the two type of taxes prevailed during Mauryan period.

• The text mentions the Ganges and Yamuna rivers during the Later Vedic Period.
• The mention of more rivers indicates the geographical knowledge and expansion of the people during this period.
• These rivers played a crucial role in the development of civilizations and cultures.

• The Ganges and Yamuna rivers, along with other rivers mentioned in the Vedic texts, were vital for agricultural activities.
• The rivers also served as important trade routes, facilitating economic development.
• The mention of these rivers in the Vedic texts indicates the significance of rivers in the socio-cultural life of the people.

• The Rigveda is divided into 10 mandalas (books).
• The first and tenth Mandalas are the youngest and the longest.
• The Gayatri mantra is in Rig Veda is taken ffrom Mandala 3.
• Mandala 9 is completely devoted to Soma.
• The 10th mandala contains the Purusha Sukta which explains the 4 Varnas that were born from the Mouth, arms, thighs, and feet of the Brahma or Purusha.
• Nasadiya Sukta which talks about the origin of the Universe is in the 10th Mandala.

• Vedas are supposed to be the first religious text of the Hindu religion.
• Veda means knowledge.
• There are four Vedas namely:
  • Rig Veda - Rig Veda contains hymns about mythology
  • Yajur Veda - Only Veda, which is divided into two parts (i.e. Krishna Yajur Veda and Shukla Yajur Veda), contains the knowledge of all sacrificial formulas and weapons.
  • Sam Veda - It is the Origin of Indian classical music.
  • Atharva Veda - It contains the knowledge of Ayurveda, also charms and spells hence it is known as black Veda.

• Magadha was one of the 16 Mahajanapadas of ancient India.
• It rose to prominence under the rule of Bimbisara who belonged to Haryanka dynasty (from around the mid-6th century BCE to around 413 BCE).
• Sisunaga succeeded Nagadasaka, the last ruler of the Haryanka dynasty. Sisunagas' rule (from around 413 BCE to around 345 BCE) was famous for their destruction of Avanti and hence the long-drawn rivalry between Magadha and Avanti.
• Nanda dynasty (from around mid-4th century BCE to around 322 BCE) was the first non-Kshatriya dynasty, founded by Mahapadma Nanda. He usurped the throne of Kalasoka
• He conquered Koshala and Kalinga, from the latter he brought an image of Jina as a trophy of victory.
• The later Nandas were overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya along with Chanakya, which led to the foundations of the Maurya Empire in Magadha.
• The Mauryan Empire was a geographically extensive Iron Age historical power based in Magadha and dominated the Indian subcontinent between 322 and 185 BCE.
• Asoka's policy of Dhamma put an end to the policy of aggression followed by most Magadhan rulers prior to him

• Vedas:
  • A vast collection of religious writings with ancient Indian origins is known as the Vedas.
  • Written in Vedic Sanskrit, the books are the oldest body of Sanskrit literature and the earliest Hindu scriptures.
  • The Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda are the four Vedas.
  • Rig Veda composers describe themselves as Aryans.
  • Each Veda is divided into four sections:
    • The Samhitas, which contain mantras and benedictions
    • The Brahmanas, which explain and comment on rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices (Yajnas)
    • The Aranyakas, which contain texts on these topics
    • The Upanishads, which contain texts on philosophy, meditation, and spiritual knowledge.

• ‘Purusha Sukta’ is a hymn from Rigveda.
• In the 10th Mandala of the Rigveda, Purusha Sukta reflects upon the marriage ceremonies.

• About Rig Veda:
  • Rig Veda was said to be composed between 1500-1200 B.C, also known as the first testament of mankind.
  • It is a collection of 10,600 verses and 1,028 hymns.
  • It consists of 10 books also known as mandalas, each Mandal consists of Suktas.
  • The concept of the Varna system has been mentioned in Rig Veda which is still practiced in Hindu society today.
  • It consists of various secrets about the origin of the universe, the origin of Lord Shiva, the origin of Lord Varuna, etc.

• Konark Sun Temple is also known by the name of the Black Pagoda.
• Located in the Puri district of Odisha, India, approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) northeast of Puri city, is Konark, home of a Sun temple dating back to the 13th century CE (year 1250).
• About 1250 CE, King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty is credited with building the temple.
• Dedicated to the Hindu Sun God Surya, what remains of the temple complex has the appearance of a 100-foot (30 m) high chariot with immense wheels and horses, all carved from stone.
• Konark Sun Temple is depicted on the reverse side of the Indian currency note of 10 rupees to signify its importance to Indian cultural heritage.

• The first of India's twelve sacred jyotirlingas is said to have arisen at the elaborately carved honey-colored Somnath temple or Deo Patan, is located in Prabhas Patan, Veraval in Gujarat, India.
  • It is said that Shiva manifested there as a blazing column of light.
  • The temples are situated where the Sarasvati, Hiran, and Kapila rivers converge, and the shoreline where they are built is touched by the ebb and flow of the Arabian Sea.
  • Although the timeline of the ancient temple starts in 649 BC, it is thought to be older.
  • Though it's difficult to see them through the foggy glass, vibrant dioramas depicting the Shiva narrative border the north side of the temple grounds.
  • The temple was reconstructed several times in the past after repeated destruction by multiple Muslim invaders and rulers, notably starting with an attack by Mahmud Ghazni in the 11th century.
    • The Pran-Pratistha at the existing temple was done on 11th May 1951 by then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
• The Odia community of Hyderabad, India, constructed the contemporary Jagannath Temple, a temple devoted to the Hindu deity Jagannath, in the city of Hyderabad, Telangana.
  • The temple is well-known for its yearly Rathyatra celebration, which draws thousands of devotees, and is situated close to Hyderabad's Banjara Hills Road No. 12 (twelve).
  • Meaning "Lord of the Universe," is Jagannath. The temple, which was built in 2009, is located in Hyderabad City's center.
• Sree Omkareswar Mandir is situated on the outskirts of Puri Town, Odisha.
  • The Presiding Deity of this temple is Lord Shiva.

• In the 6th century BCE, there was a rise in the development of the Mahajanapada.
• There were 16 Mahajanapadas during 600 B.C. to 325 B.C. in the Indian Sub-continent.
  • Capital of Vatsa- Kaushambi
  • Capital of Avanti- Ujjaini
  • Capital of Panchala- Ahichchhatra

• The Jaina Uttaradhyayana Sutra, which was composed around the 2nd century BCE, refers to a Kuru king named Isukara.
• The sutra states that Isukara was a just and benevolent ruler who promoted peace and non-violence.
• He is also said to have been a follower of Jainism.
• The sutra does not provide much detail about Isukara's reign, but it does mention that he was the father of a son named Nemichandra.
• Nemichandra was also a Jaina follower, and he eventually became the 21st Tirthankara, or spiritual teacher, of Jainism.
• The mention of Isukara in the Uttaradhyayana Sutra is significant because it provides one of the earliest references to a Kuru king in Jaina literature.
• The Kurus were a powerful clan in ancient India, and they are mentioned in a number of other Hindu and Buddhist texts.
• However, the Uttaradhyayana Sutra is the only Jaina text that mentions Isukara, so his reign is not well-documented.
• Despite the lack of information, Isukara is an important figure in Jaina's history.

• He is seen as a model ruler who promoted peace and non-violence, and his reign is often cited as an example of how Jainism can be used to create a just and prosperous society.

• Jainism and Buddhism were originated during the later Vedic period when Janas was developing into Mahajanapadas.
• Jainism was founded by Rishabhadeva who was born in Ayodhya and his emblem was the Bull.
• Buddhism was founded by Gautam Buddha also known as Siddhartha.
• Gautam Buddha was born in 563 BC in Lumbini, Nepal.
• Gautam Buddha was married to Yashodhara and they had a son Rahul.

Vajji Mahajanapada was a confederation of 8 republican clans.

• The principality of the Vajji (Vrijji) was in eastern India, north of the Ganga, extending up to the Nepal hills.
• Historians consider the Vajji a confederacy of eight clans.
• This is based on a reference in Buddhaghosha’s Sumangala Vilasini.
• The most important members of the confederacy were the Vajjis, Lichchhavis, Videhas, and Nayas/Jnatrikas.
• Historians know little about other affiliated clans such as the Ugras, Bhogas, Kauravas, and Aikshvakas.

• Vaishali was both the capital of the Lichchhavis and of the Vajji confederacy.

• Vatsa or Vamsa, south of the Ganga, was noted for its fine cotton textiles.
• Its capital was Kaushambi.

• The famous king of this kingdom was Udayana.

• The kingdom of Magadha roughly covered the modern Patna and Gaya districts of Bihar.
• It was bounded by the Ganga, Son, and Champa rivers on the north, west, and east respectively and the Vindhyan spurs on the south.
• Its capital was initially Girivraja or Rajagriha, near modern Rajgir.

• The Puranas give lists of Magadhan kings, starting with Brihadratha.

• The Malla principality was located to the west of the Vajjis and consisted of a confederacy of nine clans.
• There were two political centres at Kusinara and Pava.
• Kusinara has been identified with Kasia and Pava with Padaraona village.

• The Mallas are said to have originally been a monarchy.

​Hence, we can conclude that Vajji Mahajanapada was a confederation of 8 republican clans.