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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 2003
Mauryan Empire
Question No. 29Interactive Test Mode
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Q29. Consider the following statements: 1. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga. 2. The last Sunga king, Devabhuti was assassinated by his Brahmana Minister Vasudeva Kanva who usurped the throne. 3. The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty was deposed by the Andhras. Which of these statements is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:

  1. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga.
  2. The last Sunga king, Devabhuti was assassinated by his Brahmana Minister Vasudeva Kanva who usurped the throne.
  3. The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty was deposed by the Andhras. Which of these statements is/are correct?
Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2003 • Ancient History

Correct Answer: Option (D) — 1, 2 and 3

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Statement 1 is correct: Brihadratha, the last Mauryan ruler, was assassinated around 185 BCE by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga, founding the Sunga dynasty.

Statement 2 is correct: Devabhuti, the last Sunga king, was assassinated around 73 BCE by his minister Vasudeva Kanva, who established the Kanva dynasty.

Statement 3 is correct: Susarman, the last Kanva ruler, was overthrown around 30 BCE by the Andhra/Satavahana rulers.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Succession of dynasties in Magadha post-Mauryas followed a clear pattern: Maurya → Sunga (via military coup) → Kanva (via ministerial coup) → Satavahana/Andhra expansion.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2003 (Q29)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicAncient History → Mauryan Empire
Official Answer KeyOption (D) — 1, 2 and 3

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2003 Q29

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2003 GS Paper I Question 29 (Ancient History)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2003 Ancient History (Mauryan Empire) question is Option (D): "1, 2 and 3". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2003 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Ancient History" and micro-topic "Mauryan Empire". You can explore all repeated questions from Mauryan Empire in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Mauryan Empire UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Succession of dynasties in Magadha postMauryas followed a clear pattern: Maurya → Sunga (via military coup) → Kanva (via ministerial coup) → Satavahana/Andhra expansion.

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