Q. Which of the following statements regarding the political expansion of Magadha are correct?
1.Bimbisara annexed Anga, established matrimonial alliances to consolidate Magadh.
2.Ajatashatru built the fortification of Rajagriha and conquered Kosala and Vajji confederacy.
3.Shishunaga dynasty was routed by the ruler of Avanti, leading to the temporary decline of Magadha.
4.Nanda dynasty maintained a vast standing army including infantry and war elephants.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Answer: C
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Bimbisara (Haryanka dynasty) initiated Magadhan expansion by conquering Anga and securing strategic alliances through marriages with princesses of Kosala, Vaishali, and Madra.
- Statement 2 is correct: Ajatashatru fortified Rajagriha against potential invasions from Avanti and successfully annexed Kosala and the Vajji confederacy using advanced siege engines (Rathamusala and Mahasilakantaka).
- Statement 3 is incorrect: King Shishunaga actually defeated Avanti and annexed it into Magadha, permanently ending the 100-year rivalry between the two states.
- Statement 4 is correct: Mahapadma Nanda and his successors built a massive imperial standing army ( infantry, cavalry, chariots, and elephants) sustained through a centralized tax administration.
