Ans: D

Exp:

Between the sixth and the fourth centuries BCE, Magadha (in present-day Bihar) became the most powerful mahajanapada. Modern historians explain this development in a variety of ways:

• Agriculture sector became productive. It led to more production of agricultural produce and hence more revenue to the state. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
•  Iron mines were accessible and provided resources for the development of tools and weapons. It helped the kingdom in both agriculture as well as in warfare. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Ganga and its tributaries provided a means of cheap and convenient communication. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
• Early Buddhist and Jaina writers attributed the rise of the empire to the expansionist policies of ambitious kings like Bimbisara, Ajatasattu and Mahapadma Nanda. Their ministers helped in implementing these policies. Hence, Statement 4 is correct.

Ans: C

Exp:

The Indo-Iranian contact lasted for about 200 years. It gave an impetus to Indo-Iranian trade and commerce. The Iranian scribes brought into India a new form of writing called ‘Kharosthi’.It was written from right to left. Hence, Option 1 is correct.

• Iranian coins are found in the north western region due to trade with Iran. But It is wrong to think that the punch marked coins continue in India as a result of contact with Iran. Hence, Option 2 is incorrect.
• Iranian influence on Maurya sculpture is clearly perceptible. The influence is seen in the Bell shaped capital of Ashoka. Hence, Option 3 is correct.

The influence can also be traced to in the preamble of Ashoka’s edicts as well as in certain words. The Iranian term ‘Dipi’ was used as ‘Lipi’ in Ashokan scribes. Hence, Option 4 is correct.

Ans: B

Exp:

Vatsa Mahajanapada was located in central Malwa region of present day Madhya pradesh. Its capital was Kaushambi on the banks of yamuna.

• Ashmakas capital was Paithan. It was situated on the banks of Godavari in modern day Maharashtra. It was the only Mahajanapada situated to the south of vindhya Range and was in Dakshinapatha. Hence, Option B is the correct answer.
• Shurasena’s capital was at Mathura. It was characterized by uneven roads and excessive dust. It belonged to the Yadava Clan.
• Matsya was associated with the modern day region of Jaipur, Bharatpur and Alwar. The capital was at Virat Nagar.

Ans: C

Exp: 

In the administrative system of Mahajanapadas, Monarch ruled with assistance of Bureaucrats. Higher officials included Amatyas, Mantrin, Senanayaka.

• The administration of the villages was the responsibility of the village headmen called as Gramini or Gramika. Whereas Ayuktas were the officials who performed comparable duties in a few states.

• Peasants were required to make an obligatory contribution called ‘Bali’. The officials responsible for collecting bali were known as “Balisadhakas”. Hence, Option c is the correct.

• King took one sixth of the produce from the agricultural output.

Ans: D

Exp:

The history of Ashoka can be reconstructed by using his inscriptions. They throw  light on the career of Ashoka, his external and domestic policies.

Statement 1 is correct: Ashoka was the first king who spoke directly to the people through Inscriptions. He referred to himself as ‘Piyadassi’ which means loved by the people. 

Statement 2 is correct: The inscriptions were composed in prakrit language which could be easily understood by the people. These were written in Brahmi script in most parts of the empire. But in the North western part these were written in Kharosthi script.In Kandhar these were written in Aramaic, Greek script and Greek language.