UPSC Prelims 2000 · General Studies

Question 23: History and Culture

Which one of the following dynasties was ruling over North India at the time of Alexander's invasion?

aNanda

bMaurya

cSunga

dKanva

AnswerThe answer is (a).

Alexander invaded north-western India in 326 BC, when the Nandas ruled Magadha, the most powerful kingdom of the Gangetic plain. Greek accounts spoke of the Nanda army's great size, and Alexander's soldiers refused to march further east. The Mauryas replaced the Nandas around 321 BC, and the Sungas (about 185 BC) and Kanvas (about 73 BC) came much later.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Right: the Nanda dynasty ruled in the north at the time of Alexander.
(b) The Mauryas replaced the Nandas around 321 BC, a few years after Alexander's invasion.
(c) The Sungas came to power only around 185 BC.
(d) The Kanvas came to power only around 73 BC.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2000, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.