🛕 Indian History · Topic 6 of 9
Start with the study notes on The Mauryan Empire (definitions, examples and a quick revision), then work through 70 practice questions, each with the correct answer and a clear explanation of why it is right. When you are ready, take this topic as an interactive quiz to test yourself.
Topic overview
The Mauryan Empire (c. 321–185 BCE) was the first empire to unite most of the subcontinent. Its capital was Pataliputra.
Chandragupta Maurya → Bindusara → Ashoka
Chandragupta Maurya overthrew Dhana Nanda in c. 321 BCE, guided by Chanakya (Kautilya), who wrote the Arthashastra, a book on statecraft.
Example: The play Mudrarakshasa by Vishakhadatta tells how Chanakya put Chandragupta on the throne.
Bindusara, Chandragupta's son, extended the empire south. The Greeks called him Amitrochates (“slayer of foes”). He followed the Ajivika sect.
Ashoka (c. 273–232 BCE) is one of the greatest rulers in world history.
In c. 261 BCE Ashoka conquered Kalinga (Odisha). The killing and suffering filled him with remorse, recorded in his 13th Major Rock Edict. He gave up war and embraced Buddhism.
Dhamma was Ashoka's code of moral conduct for all his people, not a single religion: tolerance of all sects, non-violence, respect for elders, kindness to servants and animals, and charity.
Ashoka carved his messages on rocks and pillars across the empire, mostly in Prakrit, using the Brahmi script (and Kharoshthi in the north-west, with Greek and Aramaic at Kandahar).
Examples:
The government was highly centralised, with the king at its head, advised by a council of ministers (Mantriparishad).
Examples:
After Ashoka, the empire weakened:
Example: The last Mauryan king, Brihadratha, was killed by his general Pushyamitra Shunga in c. 185 BCE, who founded the Shunga dynasty.
| Misconception | Correct understanding |
|---|---|
| Ashoka's Dhamma meant forcing Buddhism on everyone. | Dhamma was a general moral code that respected all sects. |
| Ashoka was always peaceful. | He fought the bloody Kalinga War before turning to non-violence. |
| Megasthenes wrote the Arthashastra. | Kautilya (Chanakya) wrote the Arthashastra; Megasthenes wrote Indica. |
| Ashoka's empire covered the whole subcontinent. | The far south (Cholas, Pandyas, Cheras) and Sri Lanka stayed outside it. |
| Ashokan edicts are in Sanskrit. | They are mostly in Prakrit, in Brahmi and Kharoshthi scripts. |
Who helped Chandragupta Maurya overthrow the Nandas?
Chanakya (Kautilya).
Which Greek ambassador wrote Indica?
Megasthenes.
Which war changed Ashoka's life?
The Kalinga War, c. 261 BCE.
What was Ashoka's Dhamma?
A code of moral conduct (tolerance, non-violence, kindness) for all his people.
Who deciphered the Brahmi script?
James Prinsep, in 1837.
Where does India's national emblem come from?
Ashoka's Lion Capital at Sarnath.
Name two Mauryan provincial capitals.
Taxila and Ujjain (also Tosali and Suvarnagiri).
Who was the last Mauryan king?
Brihadratha, killed by Pushyamitra Shunga.
Key takeaway: The Mauryas built India's first great centralised empire, and Ashoka, after Kalinga, tried to rule it through Dhamma rather than war.
Notes written by Velnov for students and exam aspirants, following the topics of the NCERT ancient Indian history syllabus. Dates marked c. (circa) are approximate.
Q1. easy
Who founded the Mauryan Empire?
Answer: A — Chandragupta Maurya
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire around 321 BCE by overthrowing the last Nanda king, Dhana Nanda, with the help of his mentor Chanakya (Kautilya).
Q2. medium
Chandragupta Maurya was guided by his mentor and minister, who is also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta. His name was:
Answer: A — Chanakya
Chanakya (Kautilya/Vishnugupta), a Brahmin teacher from Taxila, masterminded Chandragupta's rise and served as his chief minister. He authored the Arthashastra.
Q3. medium
The famous treatise on statecraft and economics written by Kautilya is the:
Answer: A — Arthashastra
The Arthashastra is a detailed manual on statecraft, administration, economy, diplomacy and war. It is our most important source for Mauryan polity and society.
Q6. medium
The capital of the Mauryan Empire was:
Answer: A — Pataliputra
Pataliputra (modern Patna), at the confluence of the Ganga and Son, was the magnificent Mauryan capital, described by Megasthenes as one of the greatest cities of the ancient world.
Q7. medium
According to Megasthenes, Pataliputra was administered by a municipal body divided into how many committees/boards?
Answer: A — 6 boards of 5 members each (30 members total)
Megasthenes records that Pataliputra was governed by a council of 30 members, split into six boards of five, handling matters like industry, trade, taxation, foreigners, births/deaths, and manufactured goods.
Q9. medium
Chandragupta Maurya was succeeded by his son:
Answer: A — Bindusara
Bindusara (c. 297-273 BCE) succeeded Chandragupta. The Greeks called him 'Amitrochates' (Amitraghata - 'slayer of foes'). He extended the empire southward.
Q11. medium
The greatest Mauryan emperor, who ruled c. 273-232 BCE, was:
Answer: A — Ashoka
Ashoka the Great (grandson of Chandragupta) is regarded as one of the greatest rulers in world history for his empire, his adoption of Buddhism after the Kalinga War, and his moral policy of 'Dhamma'.
Q12. medium
The war that transformed Ashoka's life and turned him toward Buddhism and non-violence was the:
Answer: A — Kalinga War (c. 261 BCE)
The Kalinga War (against modern Odisha) caused immense bloodshed - about 100,000 killed and 150,000 deported (per his own edict). Horrified, Ashoka renounced war and embraced Buddhism and Dhamma.
Q14. medium
Ashoka's policy of moral and ethical conduct, which he propagated through his edicts, was called:
Answer: A — Dhamma (Dharma)
Ashoka's 'Dhamma' was a code of moral conduct - tolerance, non-violence, respect for elders, kindness to servants and animals, and charity - meant to unite his diverse subjects, not a specific religion.
Q16. medium
Ashoka's edicts and inscriptions are our chief source for his reign. In which scripts were most of them written?
Answer: A — Brahmi (in the east) and Kharoshthi (in the northwest)
Most Ashokan edicts were in Prakrit language, using the Brahmi script (in most of India) and Kharoshthi (in the northwest). Some in the northwest also used Greek and Aramaic.
Q18. medium
Ashoka is referred to in his inscriptions by the titles 'Devanampiya' and 'Piyadasi', which mean:
Answer: A — 'Beloved of the Gods' and 'One who looks upon (all) with affection'
'Devanampiya' means 'Beloved of the Gods' and 'Piyadasi' means 'of amiable/gracious appearance' (one who regards others kindly). The name 'Ashoka' appears only in a few edicts (like Maski).
Q20. medium
The Lion Capital of Ashoka, adopted as India's national emblem, was originally erected at:
Answer: A — Sarnath
The Sarnath Lion Capital (four lions back-to-back atop a pillar) commemorates the Buddha's first sermon. Its abacus wheel became the 'Ashoka Chakra' on the Indian national flag.
Q22. medium
The 'Ashoka Chakra' at the centre of the Indian national flag has how many spokes?
Answer: A — 24
The Ashoka Chakra (from the Sarnath capital) has 24 spokes, representing the wheel of law (Dharmachakra). It was placed at the centre of India's flag.
Q24. medium
The two Kalinga Edicts (separate rock edicts) are found at Dhauli and:
Answer: A — Jaugada (both in Odisha)
The special Kalinga Edicts at Dhauli and Jaugada (Odisha) contain Ashoka's instructions to officials on the just and kind treatment of the newly conquered people of Kalinga.
Q26. medium
Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries far and wide. His son and daughter who took Buddhism to Sri Lanka were:
Answer: A — Mahendra and Sanghamitra
Ashoka sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka, where they converted King Devanampiya Tissa. Sanghamitra is said to have carried a branch of the Bodhi tree.
Q28. medium
The four provincial capitals of the Mauryan Empire were Taxila, Ujjain, Suvarnagiri and:
Answer: A — Tosali
The four provincial capitals were Taxila (Uttarapatha/northwest), Ujjain (Avantirashtra/west), Suvarnagiri (Dakshinapatha/south) and Tosali (Kalinga/east), with Pataliputra as the imperial centre.
Q30. medium
The Mauryan officials called 'Rajukas' were mainly responsible for:
Answer: A — Rural/district administration and justice
Rajukas were administrative and judicial officers in charge of rural areas/districts. Ashoka's Pillar Edict IV entrusted them with the welfare and justice of the rural population.
Q33. medium
The Mauryan Empire had a large standing army. According to Greek sources, its administration was managed by a war office of how many boards?
Answer: A — 6 boards (of 5 members each) for the army
The military was administered by a war office of six boards of five members each, overseeing infantry, cavalry, elephants, chariots, navy, and transport/commissariat - reflecting a huge organised army.
Q35. medium
The official in charge of collecting revenue in the Mauryan administration was the:
Answer: A — Samaharta (collector-general)
The Samaharta was the chief collector of revenue, and the Sannidhata was the chief treasury officer. The Arthashastra names many such specialised officials (Adhyakshas/superintendents).
Q37. medium
The Ashokan pillars are famous for their polished monolithic shafts. This distinctive shine is called the:
Answer: A — Mauryan polish
The Ashokan pillars (made of Chunar sandstone) have a remarkable mirror-like 'Mauryan polish' that has survived over two millennia - a hallmark of Mauryan court art.
Q39. medium
Which foreign account describes the Mauryan capital Pataliputra as being surrounded by a wooden wall with 570 towers and 64 gates?
Answer: A — Megasthenes' Indica
Megasthenes described Pataliputra as a grand city, about 9 miles long, protected by a wooden palisade with 570 towers and 64 gates, ringed by a moat - reflecting its wealth and defences.
Q42. medium
Which of the following is considered the MOST reliable source for the administration of the Mauryan Empire?
Answer: A — Kautilya's Arthashastra and Ashoka's edicts
The Arthashastra (on administration and policy) and Ashoka's inscriptions (contemporary royal records) are the most authentic sources. Megasthenes' Indica and Buddhist/Jain texts supplement them.
Q44. medium
Ashoka's Dhamma promoted religious tolerance. Which edict specifically preaches respect for all sects and their teachings?
Answer: A — The 12th Major Rock Edict
In the 12th Major Rock Edict, Ashoka urges tolerance among sects, advising people to honour other faiths, for by honouring others one exalts one's own faith - a remarkable message of harmony.
Q46. medium
The Ashokan inscriptions are broadly classified into Major Rock Edicts, Minor Rock Edicts, and:
Answer: A — Pillar Edicts (Major and Minor)
Ashoka's inscriptions include 14 Major Rock Edicts, several Minor Rock Edicts, Major Pillar Edicts, Minor Pillar Edicts, and cave inscriptions - together forming a unique record of imperial policy.
Q48. medium
The Mudrarakshasa, a Sanskrit play by Vishakhadatta, describes:
Answer: A — Chandragupta Maurya's rise to power with Chanakya's help
The Mudrarakshasa ('The Signet Ring of Rakshasa') dramatises the political intrigues by which Chanakya installed Chandragupta on the throne and won over the Nanda minister Rakshasa. It is a valuable literary source.
Q50. medium
Which Chinese-style title/role best describes the Mauryan king's position as head of administration?
Answer: A — An absolute monarch aided by a council of ministers (Mantriparishad)
The Mauryan king was an absolute monarch and the pivot of administration, but was advised by a council of ministers (Mantriparishad) and assisted by high officials (Amatyas, Adhyakshas). The Arthashastra stresses the king's duties toward his subjects.
Q52. medium
Which of these BEST explains why the Mauryan Empire declined after Ashoka?
Answer: A — Weak successors, a vast overstretched empire, financial strain, and provincial revolts
The empire declined due to weak successors after Ashoka, its enormous size (hard to hold together), a strained treasury (partly from Ashoka's generous donations and reduced military campaigns), oppressive local officials, and provincial breakaways.
Q54. medium
The Ashokan pillar that stands today at Vaishali and the pillar at Sarnath are made of stone quarried mainly from:
Answer: A — Chunar (near Mirzapur, UP)
The Ashokan pillars were carved from a single block of fine Chunar sandstone (from near Varanasi) and transported across the empire - a feat of engineering and craftsmanship.
Q56. medium
The Mauryan period saw the rise of a distinctive shiny black luxury pottery associated with urban prosperity, called:
Answer: A — Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW)
Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) is the characteristic fine, glossy pottery of the Mauryan urban age, reflecting the flourishing towns, crafts and trade of the period.
Q58. medium
Ashoka's reign is generally dated to approximately:
Answer: A — 273 BCE - 232 BCE
Ashoka ruled roughly from 273/268 BCE to 232 BCE. His coronation is usually placed around 269-268 BCE, a few years after he came to power.
Q60. medium
The overall significance of the Mauryan Empire in Indian history is that it:
Answer: A — Was the first empire to politically unify most of the subcontinent under a centralised administration
The Mauryas achieved the first large-scale political unification of the subcontinent under a strong, centralised administration - a model of imperial governance, monumental art, and (under Ashoka) an ideology of welfare and Dhamma.
Q62. medium
The Arthashastra was rediscovered and published in the early 20th century by the scholar:
Answer: A — R. Shamasastry (in 1909)
The Arthashastra manuscript was rediscovered and edited by R. Shamasastry, who published it in 1909, greatly advancing our understanding of Mauryan administration and political thought.
Q64. medium
In the Mauryan administration, the head of a village was called the 'Gramika', while a group of villages was looked after by an official called the:
Answer: A — Gopa (and the Sthanika above him)
At the local level, the Gramika headed a village, the Gopa managed a group of 5-10 villages (accounts and boundaries), and the Sthanika supervised a quarter of a district - a layered rural administration.
Q66. medium
The famous single-lion capital of Ashoka survives at which site?
Answer: A — Vaishali (and Lauriya Nandangarh has a single-lion pillar too)
While Sarnath's capital has four lions, single-lion capitals crown the Ashokan pillars at Vaishali and Lauriya Nandangarh (Bihar). Different pillars bore bull, lion or elephant capitals.
Q68. medium
Which foreign ambassadors visited the Mauryan court after Megasthenes, sent by the Greek kings?
Answer: A — Deimachus (to Bindusara) and Dionysius (to Ashoka)
Deimachus was sent by the Seleucid king Antiochus I to Bindusara's court, and Dionysius by Ptolemy Philadelphus of Egypt to Ashoka - showing the Mauryas' active diplomatic ties with the Hellenistic world.
Q70. medium
The Mauryan Empire lasted for approximately how long?
Answer: A — About 137 years (c. 322 BCE - 185 BCE)
The Mauryan Empire lasted roughly 137 years, from Chandragupta's accession (c. 322/321 BCE) to the assassination of Brihadratha by Pushyamitra Shunga (c. 185 BCE).
Q4. hard
The Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus Nicator to Chandragupta's court, who wrote 'Indica', was:
Answer: A — Megasthenes
Megasthenes was the Greek ambassador at Chandragupta's court in Pataliputra. His account 'Indica' (surviving in fragments) describes Mauryan society, the capital and administration.
Q5. hard
Chandragupta Maurya defeated the Greek general Seleucus Nicator (c. 305 BCE). As part of the treaty, Chandragupta gave Seleucus:
Answer: A — 500 war elephants (and received territories in the northwest)
By the treaty, Seleucus ceded areas of Afghanistan/Baluchistan (Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Makran) to Chandragupta, who in return gave 500 war elephants. A matrimonial alliance was also formed.
Q8. hard
In his last years, Chandragupta Maurya is believed to have embraced which religion and abdicated the throne?
Answer: A — Jainism
Chandragupta became a Jain, abdicated in favour of his son Bindusara, and went south with the Jain saint Bhadrabahu to Shravanabelagola (Karnataka), where he is said to have died by Sallekhana.
Q10. hard
Bindusara is said to have been a follower of which sect?
Answer: A — The Ajivikas
Bindusara patronised the Ajivika sect (founded by Makkhali Gosala). He maintained the Greek diplomatic contacts, receiving the ambassador Deimachus.
Q13. hard
In which of his edicts does Ashoka express remorse over the Kalinga War?
Answer: A — The 13th Major Rock Edict
Ashoka's 13th Major Rock Edict describes the horrors of the Kalinga War and his deep remorse, declaring his shift from 'Bherighosha' (war drums) to 'Dhammaghosha' (the sound of Dhamma).
Q15. hard
To spread and supervise his Dhamma, Ashoka appointed special officers called:
Answer: A — Dhamma Mahamatras
The Dhamma Mahamatras were officers appointed by Ashoka (from his 13th/14th regnal year) to propagate Dhamma, promote welfare, and ensure justice among all sects and communities.
Q17. hard
Who was the first scholar to decipher the Brahmi script (used in Ashokan edicts) in 1837?
Answer: A — James Prinsep
James Prinsep deciphered the Brahmi script in 1837, unlocking the Ashokan inscriptions. This revealed the identity of 'Devanampiya Piyadasi' (Beloved of the Gods) as Ashoka.
Q19. hard
Which minor rock edicts mention Ashoka by his actual name 'Ashoka' (rather than only his titles)?
Answer: A — The Maski and Gujarra edicts
The Maski (Karnataka) and Gujarra (Madhya Pradesh) minor rock edicts use the name 'Ashoka' directly, confirming that 'Devanampiya Piyadasi' was Ashoka.
Q21. hard
The four animals carved on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital are the lion, elephant, horse and:
Answer: A — Bull
The abacus of the Sarnath capital bears four animals - lion, elephant, horse and bull - separated by Dharmachakras (wheels). These are believed to symbolise the four directions or events of the Buddha's life.
Q23. hard
Ashoka's Rummindei (Lumbini) Pillar Inscription is important because it:
Answer: A — Marks the Buddha's birthplace and records a tax reduction for the village
The Rummindei pillar at Lumbini (Nepal) records Ashoka's visit to the Buddha's birthplace and his exemption of the village from certain taxes (reducing the land tax to one-eighth) - a mark of his devotion.
Q25. hard
Ashoka's edicts that use both Greek and Aramaic languages were found at:
Answer: A — Kandahar (Afghanistan)
The bilingual (Greek and Aramaic) inscriptions at Kandahar in Afghanistan reflect the multicultural northwest of the empire, addressing the Greek and Persian-speaking populations there.
Q27. hard
The Mauryan administration was highly centralised. The empire was divided into provinces, each usually headed by a prince (Kumara/Aryaputra) called the:
Answer: A — Provincial governor (Kumara)
The empire had provinces governed by princes of royal blood (Kumaras/Aryaputras). The main provinces had capitals at Taxila (northwest), Ujjain (west), Tosali (east/Kalinga) and Suvarnagiri (south).
Q29. hard
According to the Arthashastra, an extensive espionage system was maintained. Spies were known as:
Answer: A — Gudhapurushas (secret agents)
The Arthashastra describes an elaborate network of spies (gudhapurushas), including stationary (samstha) and wandering (sanchara) agents, to keep the king informed and maintain control.
Q31. hard
According to Megasthenes, Mauryan society was divided into how many classes/castes?
Answer: A — Seven
Megasthenes described seven classes in Indian society: philosophers, farmers, herdsmen/hunters, artisans/traders, soldiers, overseers (spies), and councillors/officials. (This differs from the four-fold varna scheme.)
Q32. hard
Megasthenes noted (perhaps idealistically) that a striking feature of Indian society was the absence of:
Answer: A — Slavery
Megasthenes claimed there was no slavery in India - though this was likely an overstatement, as domestic servitude (dasas) did exist. His account is valuable but not always accurate.
Q34. hard
The chief source of revenue for the Mauryan state was:
Answer: A — Land revenue (Bhaga) - usually one-sixth to one-fourth of the produce
Land revenue (Bhaga), typically one-sixth (sometimes up to one-fourth) of agricultural produce, was the main income. Other sources included irrigation taxes (in state-owned lands), trade tolls (shulka) and mines.
Q36. hard
The Sudarshana Lake, an important Mauryan irrigation work, was built in the Girnar region during Chandragupta's reign by his governor:
Answer: A — Pushyagupta (Vaishya governor of Saurashtra)
The Sudarshana Lake near Girnar (Gujarat) was constructed by Pushyagupta, Chandragupta's provincial governor, and later repaired under Ashoka (by Tushaspa) and Rudradaman - showing continuous state irrigation works.
Q38. hard
The rock-cut caves in the Barabar Hills (Bihar), the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India, were dedicated by Ashoka to which sect?
Answer: A — The Ajivikas
The Barabar caves near Gaya were donated by Ashoka (and his grandson Dasharatha donated the nearby Nagarjuni caves) to the Ajivika ascetics. They are the earliest examples of Indian rock-cut architecture.
Q40. hard
The last Mauryan emperor, who was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, was:
Answer: A — Brihadratha
The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha, was assassinated around 185 BCE by his commander-in-chief Pushyamitra Shunga, who then founded the Shunga dynasty - ending Mauryan rule.
Q41. hard
Who overthrew the last Mauryan king and founded the Shunga dynasty?
Answer: A — Pushyamitra Shunga
Pushyamitra Shunga, the Mauryan general, killed Brihadratha and established the Shunga dynasty (c. 185 BCE). This ended the Mauryan Empire after about 137 years.
Q43. hard
The Junagadh (Girnar) Rock Inscription of Rudradaman is important for Mauryan history because it:
Answer: A — Records the earlier construction of the Sudarshana Lake under the Mauryas
The Junagadh inscription of the Saka ruler Rudradaman (2nd century CE) mentions that the Sudarshana Lake was originally built under Chandragupta Maurya and improved under Ashoka - valuable evidence of Mauryan public works.
Q45. hard
The Mauryan economy was largely controlled by the state. Which of these was often a STATE monopoly under the Mauryas?
Answer: A — Mining, salt, liquor, and arms manufacture
The Arthashastra shows the state controlling key sectors - mines, salt, liquor, arms and forest produce - as monopolies, and running state farms and workshops. This gave the Mauryan state great economic power.
Q47. hard
How many Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka are there (the standard series)?
Answer: A — 14
There are 14 Major Rock Edicts, found at sites like Girnar, Kalsi, Shahbazgarhi, Mansehra, Dhauli, Jaugada and Sopara. They deal with Dhamma, administration and moral conduct.
Q49. hard
The Mauryan Empire under Ashoka extended over almost the entire subcontinent EXCEPT:
Answer: A — The extreme south (parts of Tamil Nadu/Kerala - the Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas) and Sri Lanka
Ashoka's empire covered almost all of India, but the far south (the Tamil kingdoms of the Cholas, Pandyas and Cheras, mentioned in his edicts as neighbours) and Sri Lanka remained outside direct rule.
Q51. hard
Ashoka's inscriptions were mostly composed in which language?
Answer: A — Prakrit
The Ashokan edicts were composed mainly in Prakrit (the common spoken language), written in Brahmi or Kharoshthi. The use of the people's language helped the message of Dhamma reach ordinary subjects.
Q53. hard
The historian who argued that Ashoka's pacifist policy (Dhamma) weakened the empire's military strength was:
Answer: A — H. C. Raychaudhuri (a debated view)
H. C. Raychaudhuri suggested Ashoka's non-violence undermined the army and hastened decline. This view is debated; scholars like Romila Thapar emphasise administrative and economic causes instead.
Q55. hard
Which welfare measures did Ashoka undertake as part of his Dhamma?
Answer: A — Digging wells, planting shade trees, building rest-houses, and providing medical care for humans and animals
Ashoka's edicts record public welfare works: wells, roadside shade trees and rest-houses (dharmashalas) for travellers, and medical facilities for people and animals - even importing medicinal herbs. He also banned certain animal sacrifices.
Q57. hard
The concept of 'Saptanga' (seven limbs/elements of the state) is described in the Arthashastra. These seven elements include the king (Swami), minister (Amatya), territory (Janapada), fort (Durga), treasury (Kosha), army (Danda), and:
Answer: A — Ally (Mitra)
The Saptanga theory lists seven interdependent elements of the state: Swami (king), Amatya (ministers), Janapada (territory/people), Durga (fort), Kosha (treasury), Danda (army/force) and Mitra (ally).
Q59. hard
Which text, a Buddhist chronicle from Sri Lanka, provides important information about Ashoka's role in spreading Buddhism?
Answer: A — The Mahavamsa (and Dipavamsa)
The Sri Lankan Pali chronicles Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa describe Ashoka's conversion, the Third Buddhist Council, and the mission of Mahendra to Sri Lanka - key sources on Ashoka and Buddhism.
Q61. hard
Which pair is correctly matched (Mauryan ruler - achievement)?
Answer: A — Chandragupta - founded the empire & defeated Seleucus; Ashoka - Kalinga War & Dhamma
Chandragupta founded the empire and defeated Seleucus; Bindusara consolidated and expanded it southward; Ashoka fought the Kalinga War, embraced Buddhism, and propagated Dhamma.
Q63. hard
Ashoka's Dhamma is best described as:
Answer: A — A broad ethical code for social harmony, not the promotion of a single sectarian religion
Though Ashoka personally became a Buddhist, his Dhamma was a universal moral code - tolerance, non-violence, compassion, respect for parents and elders, and welfare - designed to hold together his vast, diverse empire.
Q65. hard
The Diamond Throne (Vajrasana) and the original railing at the Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya, are attributed to which emperor's patronage?
Answer: A — Ashoka
Ashoka is credited with building a shrine (and the Vajrasana/Diamond Throne) at Bodh Gaya to mark the spot of the Buddha's enlightenment, an early stage of the Mahabodhi Temple complex.
Q67. hard
The Mauryan state maintained state-owned agricultural lands called 'Sita' lands, cultivated under the supervision of the:
Answer: A — Sitadhyaksha (superintendent of agriculture)
The Arthashastra names many superintendents (Adhyakshas). The Sitadhyaksha managed crown/state (sita) lands and agriculture. Others included the Panyadhyaksha (commerce), Akaradhyaksha (mines) and Navadhyaksha (shipping).
Q69. hard
Ashoka's Minor Rock Edict at Bhabru (Bairat) is significant because in it Ashoka:
Answer: A — Declares his faith in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, and recommends Buddhist texts
In the Bhabru (Bairat) Edict, Ashoka openly professes his devotion to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha and recommends particular Buddhist scriptures to monks and lay followers - direct evidence of his Buddhist faith.