The most important achievement of Shishunaga was ______.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 4: He defeated Avanta (Avanti) and annexed it into Magadha.
Explanation:
Shishunaga (the founder of the Shishunaga dynasty)'s greatest and most significant achievement was destroying the power of the Avanti Mahajanapada and incorporating it into the Magadha Empire.
- Historical Significance: The long-standing enmity between Magadha and Avanti, which had persisted for nearly 100 years, came to an end during Shishunaga's reign. With the conquest of Avanti, Magadha's expansion extended as far as Western India.
- Imperial Expansion: Following the conquest of Avanti, Shishunaga also incorporated the Janapadas (kingdoms) of Vatsa and Kosala into the Magadha Empire.
- Change of Capital: He temporarily shifted his capital to Vaishali; however, his successor, Kalashoka, later moved it back to Pataliputra.
Key Rulers and Achievements of the Shishunaga Dynasty (For Revision):
| Ruler | Important Achievements/Works |
|---|---|
| Shishunaga | Conquered Avanti, founded the Shishunaga Dynasty, and made Vaishali the second capital. |
| Kalashoka (Kakavarna) | Organized the Second Buddhist Council at Vaishali (383 BCE) and shifted the capital back to Pataliputra. |
Analysis of Other Options:
- Conquest of Kalinga (Option 1): This was primarily an achievement of Mahapadma Nanda (Nanda dynasty) and, subsequently, Emperor Ashoka (Mauryan dynasty).
- Construction of the Pataliputra Fort (Option 2): The foundation of the military fort at Pataligrama was laid by Ajatashatru, and it was subsequently developed into a capital city by Udayin.
- First Buddhist Council (Option 3): This was organized at Rajagriha during the reign of Ajatashatru, a ruler of the Haryanka dynasty.
Important Questions for Upcoming Examinations:
Question: Who was the last ruler of the Shishunaga dynasty?
Answer: Nandivardhana.
Question: During whose reign did the Second Buddhist Council take place?
Answer: Kalashoka. Question: Which dynasty ruled over Magadha before Shishunaga?
Answer: The Haryanka Dynasty.