Question

Which of the following was the biggest enemy of Magadha Mahajanapada?
A. Matsya
B. Avanti
C. Panchal
D. Kuru

Answer 1

Hint Magadha was one of the 16 mahajanapadas or the great countries of Ancient India. It was the seat of development of Jainism and Buddhism. It was also the seat of the two greatest empires of ancient India.

Complete step-by-step solution
The Mahajanpada of Magadha covered the modern-day districts Patna, Jehanabad, Nalanda, Aurangabad, Arwal, Nevada, and Gaya. Jain and Buddhist texts also mention the ancient Kingdom of Magadha. Ramayan Mahabharat and Puranas have also cited Magadh numerous times. Bimbisara and his son Ajatshatru were two notable rulers of Magadha. This mahajanapada has a long chronology of rulers. The dynasties that ruled over Magadha are the Haryanka dynasty, Shishunaga dynasty, Nanda Dynasty, the Maurya dynasty and the Gupta Empire. Magadha became one of the most prosperous and important kingdoms in Northern India.
Avanti was the arch Rival of Magadha mahajanapada. But it established a diplomatic relationship with King Chanda Mahasena during the rule of Bimbisara.
The Avanti Kingdom was another one of the sixteen mahajanapadas of India. It roughly covered the Malwa plateau. The Haihayas of Mahishmati and the Pradyota are dynasties to the notable dynasty of Avanti mahajanapada.

Hence, the correct option is option B.

Note The 16 mahajanapadas also included the kingdom of Matsya during the Vedic Era. It is described in the Hindu Epic Mahabharata and Buddhist text. Its capital was Virat Nagari, the present-day Virat Nagar.
Panchal was also one of the sixteen mahajanapadas of the Indian subcontinent. It was one of the most powerful states of Ancient India. It had close ties with the Kuru Kingdom. Drupada was one of the most famous rulers of the Panchal Kingdom.
The Kuru kingdom covered modern-day Delhi along with some Western parts of Uttar Pradesh in the later Vedic. This kingdom has been described in the epic Mahabharata.