Q. Consider the following Mahajanapadas:
1.Avanti: It was one of the four major monarchies along with Magadha, Kosala, and Vatsa, and its capital Ujjaini was a key trade centre connecting North India with the Deccan.
2.Gandhara: Its capital Taxila was a significant centre for trade and learning, and its king maintained diplomatic ties with Magadha during the time of the Buddha.
3.Kamboja: Several literary sources mention it as a prominent Monarchy, which played a crucial role in the Magadhan expansion towards the North-West.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. Avanti, with its capital Ujjaini, was indeed one of the most powerful states and was vital for trade routes to the South.
- Statement 2: Correct. Gandhara, with its capital Taxila (Takshashila), was a major center for trade and learning. Its king, Pukkusati (Pushkarasarin), is noted to have maintained diplomatic relations with Magadha’s Bimbisara.
- Statement 3: Incorrect. Kamboja is often mentioned in literary sources as a Republic (Gana-Sangha), not a prominent Monarchy. It was located far in the North-West and did not play a direct role in the Magadhan expansion towards the North-West, which happened much later under the Mauryas, after its initial rise.
