UPSC Prelims PYQ 2003: Which statements about late Mauryan, Shunga and Kanva...

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?

1. 1 and 2
2. Only 2
3. Only 3
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

All statements are correct

• Pushyamitra Shunga overthrew and killed the last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha Maurya, bringing an end to the Mauryan Empire and establishing the Shunga dynasty. Later, the last Shunga ruler, Devabhuti, was assassinated by his minister Vasudeva Kanva, who founded the Kanva dynasty in Magadha. The Kanva dynasty was indeed overthrown by the Andhras, better known to historians as the Satavahana dynasty.

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3