Question

Who usurped power from the mauryas after killing the last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha?
A. Pushyamitra Sunga
B. Agnimitra
C. Vasumitra
D. Jayesthamitra

Answer 1

Hint:The Mauryan Empire, which around 321 B.C.E. and ended in 185 B.C.E, was the first pan-Indian empire, an empire that covered most of the Indian region. It spanned across central and northern India as well as over parts of modern day Iran.

Complete answer:
The Maurya empire was based in Magadha and founded by Chandragupta Maurya, which dominated the Indian subcontinent between 322 and 185 B.C.E. The Mauryan Empire had seen popular rulers as Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusara and Ashoka. Brihadratha was the last ruler of the Mauryan Empire. Now let's see who insured power from Mauryan after Brihadratha.
In 180BCE, Brihadratha Maurya, was killed by his general Pushyamitra Shunga in a military parade without any heir. Hence, the great Mauryan Empire ended, giving rise to the shunga empire.
Agnimitra was the second king of the shunga dynasty of northern India. He succeeded his father, Pushyamitra shunga in 149 BC.
Vasumitra was the fourth ruler of the shunga empire of north India. He was the son of agnimitra.
Jayesthamitra or vasishtha was the third king of the shunga dynasty of northern India.

Therefore the correct answer is A i.e. Pushyamitra Shunga.

Note:Barihadratha Maurya was the last ruler of the Maurya empire. He ruled from 187-180BCE, was assassinated by Pushyamitra Shunga,who was actually a general of the Maurya Empire. He instigated a coup in 185 BCE, went on to establish the shunga empire.