Place Magadha
Asked 5 times across 4 UPSC exams over 11 years (2015–2026), peaking in 2021.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 2 of 5 PYQs
- Most asked in 2021
- Recurs across 4 years (2015–2026)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 2015 → CISF 2021 → EPFO 2023 → CDS 2026
How the concept evolved
Rising — more than half its appearances (4 of 5) are since 2016.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CDS2026
Which of the following factors was/were responsible for the rise of Magadha as the most powerful Mahajanapada during the 6ᵗʰ century BCE ?
- Region of productive agriculture
- Accessibility to iron-mines
- Availability of elephants in the region Select the answer
using the codes given below :
- A 1 only
- B 1 and 2 only
- C 2 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3 ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
History › Ancient India
EPFO2023
Which one of the following was an important contributing factor in the rise of Magadha as the most powerful Mahajanapada between the Sixth and the Fourth Centuries BCE?
- A Easy access to rich gold mines
- B Superior cavalry
- C An agriculturally productive region ✓
- D Republican system of governance
✓ Correct answer: (C)
History › Ancient India
CSE2021
From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India?
- The Guptas of Magadha
- The Paramaras of Malwa
- The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
- The Maukharis of Kanauj
- The Yadavas of Devagiri
- The Maitrakas of Valabhi
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A 1, 2 and 5
- B 1, 3, 4 and 6 ✓
- C 2, 3 and 4
- D 5 and 6
✓ Correct answer: (B)
History › Ancient India
Study how UPSC repeats — not just the papers
₹199 / 1 year · Founding Member
Full access unlocks the three things no PYQ PDF gives you:
① Cross-exam learning — see the same idea recur across CSE, CAPF, CDS and NDA.
② Topic evolution — how each idea is framed, year by year.
③ Question intelligence — every PYQ + answer, linked to related concepts and similar questions.
e.g. Round Table Conference: CDS 2017 → CSE 2017 → … → CAPF 2024
15 days free, no card required — then ₹199 for 1 year.
Start your 15-day free trial →