66th B.P.S.C. Re-Exam (Pre) 2020

The Rise of Magadha

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The first Empire was established by which ruler in India?

Answer: A

Concept An 'Empire' is distinguished from a Kingdom by its vast territorial extent and centralized administrative control over diverse regions.

Explanation Chandragupta Maurya (322–298 BCE) unified most of the Indian subcontinent for the first time in history, ending the rule of the Nandas.

Logical Breakup

Chandragupta Maurya (A): The founder and first 'Chakravartin' ruler of a subcontinental empire.

Ashoka (B): Expanded the empire, but did not 'establish' it; he inherited it from his father Bindusara.

Question

How did Chandragupta Maurya defeat the Nandas?

Answer

With the strategic guidance of Chanakya, he raised a rebel army, utilized internal dissent against Dhana Nanda, and captured the capital Pataliputra.

The establishment of the Mauryan Empire moved India from a collection of warring tribes and states (Mahajanapadas) to a unified political entity.