Relevant Titles
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CBSE Class 12 History MCQs on Rise of Mahajanapadas and Magadha
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Online Practice Test – Early States and Economies Class 12 History
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NCERT-Based Class 12 History Quiz: Rise of Mahajanapadas and Magadha
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Important MCQs for CBSE Class 12 History Chapter: Kings, Farmers and Towns
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CBSE Board Exam Practice: Rise of Mahajanapadas and Magadha MCQ Test
Introduction
The Rise of Mahajanapadas and Magadha marks a crucial phase in India’s early political and economic history. This period witnessed the emergence of sixteen powerful states, known as the Mahajanapadas, which laid the foundation for organized kingdoms and empires. Among these, Magadha rose to prominence due to its fertile lands, rich iron resources, and strategic control over trade routes.
This CBSE Class 12 History Online Practice Test is based on NCERT Chapter – Kings, Farmers and Towns: Early States and Economies. It features multiple-choice questions that help students understand the rise of early states, the role of rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, and the economic transformation of the Ganga plains.
Designed strictly as per the CBSE Class 12 syllabus, these MCQs enhance conceptual clarity and boost exam confidence. Practice this quiz to test your understanding of early Indian polity, urbanization, and the emergence of Magadha as a major power in ancient India.
Sample MCQs with Explanations:
Q1. Which of the following best describes a Mahajanapada?
a) A small tribal settlement
b) A large territorial state
c) A group of merchants
d) A temple authority
Answer: b) A large territorial state
Explanation: The term Mahajanapada refers to one of the sixteen great territorial kingdoms that emerged in ancient India during the 6th century BCE.
Q2. The capital of Magadha under King Bimbisara was —
a) Pataliputra
b) Rajgir (Rajagriha)
c) Vaishali
d) Kashi
Answer: b) Rajgir (Rajagriha)
Explanation: Bimbisara established his capital at Rajgir, which became a center of power before the later shift to Pataliputra.
Q3. Which factor most contributed to Magadha’s rise as a powerful state?
a) Control over coastal ports
b) Fertile soil and iron resources
c) Foreign alliances
d) Desert trade routes
Answer: b) Fertile soil and iron resources
Explanation: Magadha’s access to fertile Ganga plains and rich iron deposits in nearby hills gave it both agricultural and military advantages.
Q4. Ajatashatru strengthened Magadha by —
a) Abolishing the army
b) Building fortifications and expanding territory
c) Moving the capital to Taxila
d) Destroying trade routes
Answer: b) Building fortifications and expanding territory
Explanation: Ajatashatru built strong fortifications and expanded Magadha through wars with neighboring kingdoms like Kosala.
Q5. The main sources for studying the history of Mahajanapadas include —
a) Only Persian texts
b) Archaeological sites, coins, and Buddhist literature
c) British records
d) Mughal chronicles
Answer: b) Archaeological sites, coins, and Buddhist literature
Explanation: Archaeological findings and texts such as the Anguttara Nikaya provide key evidence about the Mahajanapadas.