Which of the following pairs is correctly matched ? (Ancient Dynasties) - (Lineage)
Which of the following pairs is correctly matched ? (Ancient Dynasties) - (Lineage)
Options
The correct option is (B) Mauryas - Successors of Mahapadmananda.
Why: Mahapadma Nanda founded the powerful Nanda dynasty of Magadha. Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the last Nanda ruler (c. 321 BCE) and established the Mauryan empire. Thus the Mauryas were the successors of the Nanda line begun by Mahapadmananda.
Marking Scheme
- 11 mark for selecting option (B) Mauryas - Successors of Mahapadmananda.
- 2No partial marks for MCQ.
Hint
Recall the Magadhan succession chain: Nandas → Mauryas → Shungas → Kanvas.
Quick Oral Answer
The Mauryas succeeded the Nanda dynasty founded by Mahapadmananda when Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the last Nanda, so option B is the correctly matched pair.
Analysis & Explanation
This question tests knowledge of the sequence of ruling dynasties in early India and the political succession in Magadha.
Why (B) is correct: The Nanda dynasty, founded by Mahapadma Nanda, was displaced by Chandragupta Maurya with the guidance of Chanakya (Kautilya), making the Mauryas the direct political successors of the Nandas.
Why the other options are wrong:
- (A) Kanvas - Successors of Mauryas — incorrect; the Kanvas succeeded the Shungas, not the Mauryas. It was the Shungas (Pushyamitra Shunga) who succeeded the Mauryas.
- (C) Satvahanas - Successors of Kushanas — incorrect; the Satavahanas ruled the Deccan and were roughly contemporary with, not successors of, the Kushanas of the north.
- (D) Shakas - Successors of Chalukyas — incorrect and chronologically impossible; the Shakas (1st century BCE–CE) long preceded the Chalukyas (6th century CE onwards).
Exam trap: The trickiest distractor is (A), because students often blur the Maurya–Shunga–Kanva order. Remember the chain: Nandas → Mauryas → Shungas → Kanvas.
Common Mistakes
- 1Marking 'Kanvas - Successors of Mauryas' by forgetting that the Shungas came between the Mauryas and Kanvas.
- 2Assuming the Satavahanas succeeded the Kushanas, when in fact they were contemporary southern rulers.
- 3Overlooking the chronology that makes Shakas-after-Chalukyas impossible.
Interesting Facts
Mahapadma Nanda is described in the Puranas as 'Sarva-Kshatrantaka' (destroyer of all Kshatriyas), reflecting his conquest of many kingdoms.
Chandragupta Maurya's overthrow of the Nandas around 321 BCE was aided by his mentor Chanakya, author of the Arthashastra.
The last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha was assassinated by his commander Pushyamitra Shunga around 185 BCE, founding the Shunga dynasty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who succeeded the Mauryan dynasty?
The Shunga dynasty, founded by Pushyamitra Shunga around 185 BCE, succeeded the Mauryas after he assassinated the last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha. The Shungas were later followed by the Kanva dynasty, completing the Magadhan succession chain.
Who was Mahapadma Nanda?
Mahapadma Nanda was the founder of the Nanda dynasty of Magadha, known for building a vast empire and a huge army. His dynasty was overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya, which is why the Mauryas are called the successors of Mahapadmananda.