Question

Which of the following was the capital of the Surasena Mahajanapada?
A. Viratnagar
B. Junagarh
C. Mathura
D. Kashi

Answer 1

Hint : Surasena Mahajanapada was one of the prominent 16 Mahajanapadas in the region corresponding to the present day Brij in Uttar Pradesh. Being situated in the fertile Gangetic plains, the Mahajanapada strengthened its initial village economy and hailed important cities.

Complete Answers : The Mahajanapada derives its name from the Yadav king, Surasena, while Mathura is well known in the epic stories of Mahabharata in the context of Lord Krishna who also belonged to the Yadav clan. The capital of Surasena Mahajanapada was the city of Mathura.

Archaeological evidence depicts the gradual growth of the city itself from being a village economy to an important city. The city saw the advent of Painted Grey Ware culture as well as the Northern Grey Ware culture and became the nodal centre of trade routes.

Taking a look at the other option;

Option A- The city of Viratnagar was the capital of Matsya Mahajanapada.

Option B- Junagarh was situated as an important city of Avantika Mahajapada whose capital city was Ujjaini.

Option D- Kashi was a Mahajanapada itself with its capital being the city of Varanasi.

Thus, the correct option is (C).

Note : The city of Mathura is also related to a very prominent tradition of art called the Mathura School of Art. Patronised by the Kushan rulers in the 2nd Century BCE, this school of art indigenised the sculpture, most important Buddha and Bodhisattva traditions and saw its glorious age under the Gupta dynasty.