The first ruler of Magadha Mahajanapadas in the sixth century BC was—

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CTET Dec 2018 Paper 2 Social Studies (L - I/II: Hindi/English/Sanskrit)
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  1. Mahavira
  2. Prasenjit
  3. Bimbisara
  4. Ajatashatru

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Bimbisara
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Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is Bimbisara

  • The Magadha Empire encompasses the rule of three dynasties over time – the Haryanka Dynasty, the Shishunaga Dynasty, and the Nanda Dynasty.
  • The timeline of the Magadha Empire is estimated to be from 684 BCE to 320 BCE.

Key Points

Bimbisara (558-491 BC):

  • Belonged to the Haryanaka dynasty was the first ruler of Magadha (543-492 BC) Mahajanpadas in the sixth century BC
  • He founded the state of Magadha by bringing together a number of tribes and territories.
  • He expanded their empire by establishing matrimonial relations.
  • He married Mahakoshla, sister of Koshal Naresh Prasenjit, Chellana, daughter of Chetak of Vaishali, and Princess Kshema of Madra Desh (modern Punjab).
  • Aajatshatru was the son of Bimbisara.

Hence, the correct answer is (3) Bimbisara.

Additional Information

  • The total 16 Mahajanapadas are - Kashi, Kosala, Anga, Magadha, Vajji, Malla, Chedi, Vatsa, Kuru, Panchala, Machcha, Surasena, Assaka, Avanti, Gandhara and Kamboja.

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