Which of the following is wrongly matched ? Mahajanpada, Capital

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

The question asks you to identify the pair that is **wrongly matched** among the famous Mahajanpadas (Great Kingdoms) and their respective capitals from ancient India (6th century BCE). Option 1 pairs Kosala with Kaushambi. This match is incorrect because the capital of the **Kosala** Mahajanpada was **Shravasti** (also identified with Ayodhya). Kaushambi, however, was the well-established capital of an entirely different Mahajanpada, known as **Vatsa**. Therefore, the pairing of Kosala with Kaushambi creates the mismatch, making Option 1 the correct answer to this question. Understanding the political geography of the sixteen Mahajanpadas is crucial for historical accuracy.

The incorrect option is 2 (Surasena - Mathura): This pairing is factually correct. The Surasena Mahajanpada was situated on the banks of the Yamuna river, and its capital was the historically and religiously significant city of Mathura.

The incorrect option is 3 (Vajji - Vaishali): This pairing is also correct. Vajji was a unique Mahajanpada, as it was a *gana-sangha* (oligarchy or republic) rather than a monarchy, and its capital was Vaishali.

The incorrect option is 4 (Gandhara - Taxila): This pairing is correct. Gandhara was a Mahajanpada located in the Northwest, encompassing parts of modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan, and its famous capital was Taxila, which was also a renowned center of learning.