SSC GD 2025 PYQ — Question 39

SSC GD Const 2025 (English) - 21 Feb 2025 - Shift 2 • General Awareness • Q39

Who was the last Mauryan king, killed by his Commander-in-Chief, leading to the establishment of the Shunga dynasty?

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Brihadratha.

  • The last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha was assassinated in 185 BC by his commander-in-chief Pushyamitra Shunga, who then founded the Shunga Dynasty in northern India.
  • The Mauryan Dynasty lasted for 137 years.

  • Pushyamitra Shunga established the Shunga Dynasty after assassinating the last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha, in 185 BC.

  • He was a Brahmin by birth and served as the commander-in-chief (Senapati) under Brihadratha Maurya.

Other Options:

  • The three major Mauryan rulers were Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusara, and Ashoka.

    • Dasharatha, Ashoka’s grandson, ruled after him.

    • Bindusara, also known as Amitrochates or Amitraghata, succeeded Chandragupta.