UPSC Prelims 2003 · General Studies

Question 70: History and Culture

Consider the following statements:

1.The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga.
2.The last Sunga king, Devabhuti was assassinated by his Brahmana minister Vasudeva Kanva who usurped the throne.
3.The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty was deposed by the Andhra’s.

Which of these statements is/are correct?

a1 and 2

bOnly 2

cOnly 3

d1, 2 and 3

AnswerThe answer is (d).

All three statements follow the Puranic and traditional account. Brihadratha, the last Mauryan, was killed by his commander-in-chief Pushyamitra Sunga about 185 BCE. The last Sunga king, Devabhuti, was killed by his Brahmin minister Vasudeva, who founded the Kanva dynasty. The last Kanva ruler, Susarman, was overthrown by the Andhras (Satavahanas). Remember the sequence: Maurya, Sunga, Kanva, Satavahana.

1. Pushyamitra Sunga killed the last Mauryan, Brihadratha.
2. Vasudeva Kanva killed the last Sunga king, Devabhuti, and took the throne.
3. The Andhras (Satavahanas) overthrew the last Kanva ruler.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Statement 3 is also true, so 1 and 2 alone is incomplete.
(b) Statements 1 and 3 are also true, so 'only 2' is incomplete.
(c) Statements 1 and 2 are also true, so 'only 3' is incomplete.
(d) Correct: all three.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2003, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.