Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire around 321 BCE by overthrowing the Nanda dynasty with the help of Chanakya (Kautilya).
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2Which Greek ambassador visited the court of Chandragupta Maurya and wrote the book 'Indica'?
A.Plutarch
B.Dionysius
C.Deimachus
D.Megasthenes
Correct Answer: Megasthenes
Explanation:
Megasthenes was the Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. He wrote the 'Indica', which provides a detailed account of Mauryan administration and society.
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3Which text is attributed to Chanakya (Kautilya) and serves as a primary source for Mauryan administration?
A.Indica
B.Arthashastra
C.Mahavamsa
D.Mudrarakshasa
Correct Answer: Arthashastra
Explanation:
The Arthashastra is a treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy written by Chanakya.
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4In Greek sources, Bindusara is referred to as:
A.Devanampiya
B.Piyadassi
C.Sandrokottos
D.Amitrochates
Correct Answer: Amitrochates
Explanation:
Greek writers refer to Bindusara as 'Amitrochates' (Sanskrit: Amitraghata), which translates to 'Slayer of Enemies'.
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5The Kalinga War, a turning point in Ashoka’s life, is described in which Major Rock Edict?
A.Rock Edict V
B.Rock Edict I
C.Rock Edict X
D.Rock Edict XIII
Correct Answer: Rock Edict XIII
Explanation:
Major Rock Edict XIII describes the horrors of the Kalinga War (fought c. 261 BCE) and Ashoka’s subsequent remorse and conversion to Dhamma.
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6What title did Ashoka generally use in his inscriptions?
A.Chakravartin
B.Devanampiya Piyadassi
C.Maharajadhiraja
D.Vikramaditya
Correct Answer: Devanampiya Piyadassi
Explanation:
Ashoka refers to himself as Devanampiya Piyadassi, which means 'Beloved of the Gods' and 'He who looks on with affection'.
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7Which script was predominantly used in Ashoka’s inscriptions found in the North-Western part of the empire?
A.Aramaic
B.Brahmi
C.Greek
D.Kharoshthi
Correct Answer: Kharoshthi
Explanation:
While Brahmi was used in most of India, the Kharoshthi script (written from right to left) was used in the inscriptions found in the North-West (e.g., Mansehra and Shahbazgarhi).
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8The 'Saptanga Theory' of the state, detailing the seven limbs of administration, is found in which text?
A.Arthashastra
B.Indica
C.Rajatarangini
D.Divyavadana
Correct Answer: Arthashastra
Explanation:
Kautilya's Arthashastra outlines the Saptanga theory, listing the seven elements of a state: Svamin (King), Amatya (Minister), Janapada (Territory/Population), Durga (Fort), Kosha (Treasury), Danda (Army), and Mitra (Ally).
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9Which Mauryan officer was responsible for the collection of revenue?
A.Antapala
B.Sannidhata
C.Samharta
D.Pradeshta
Correct Answer: Samharta
Explanation:
The Samharta was the collector-general of revenue in the Mauryan administration, while the Sannidhata was the chief treasurer.
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10The term 'Dhamma' used by Ashoka is the Prakrit form of the Sanskrit word:
A.Karma
B.Dharma
C.Moksha
D.Dhyana
Correct Answer: Dharma
Explanation:
Dhamma is the Prakrit equivalent of the Sanskrit word Dharma, signifying righteousness, duty, and moral order.
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11Which officer was specifically appointed by Ashoka to spread the message of Dhamma?
A.Rajukas
B.Dhamma Mahamattas
C.Yuktas
D.Pradeshikas
Correct Answer: Dhamma Mahamattas
Explanation:
Ashoka created a special class of officers called Dhamma Mahamattas in his 14th regnal year to propagate Dhamma among the people.
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12In the context of Mauryan art, what is the most striking feature of the Ashokan pillars?
A.Monolithic polished sandstone
B.Intricate marble carvings
C.Use of burnt bricks
D.Wooden structural support
Correct Answer: Monolithic polished sandstone
Explanation:
Ashokan pillars are famous for being monolithic (carved from a single stone) and for their highly lustrous polish, often called the 'Mauryan polish'. They were made of Chunar sandstone.
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13The Lion Capital at Sarnath, adopted as India’s national emblem, originally supported:
A.A Bull
B.A statue of Buddha
C.A Dharma Chakra
D.A trident
Correct Answer: A Dharma Chakra
Explanation:
The Lion Capital originally supported a large Dharma Chakra (Wheel of Law) on top of the four lions, symbolizing the spread of the Buddha's teaching (Dharmachakrapravartana).
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14According to the Arthashastra, who were the 'Gudhapurushas'?
A.Spies
B.Priests
C.Soldiers
D.Tax collectors
Correct Answer: Spies
Explanation:
In the Mauryan administration, Gudhapurushas were secret agents or spies used to gather intelligence for the king.
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15Which Mauryan ruler is said to have fasted to death at Shravanabelagola according to Jain tradition?
A.Ashoka
B.Dasharatha
C.Chandragupta Maurya
D.Bindusara
Correct Answer: Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation:
Chandragupta Maurya is believed to have abdicated his throne, accompanied the Jain monk Bhadrabahu to the south, and performed Sallekhana (fasting to death) at Shravanabelagola.
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16The Rummindei Pillar Inscription is significant because it:
A.Mentions the Kalinga War
B.Commemorates Ashoka's visit to Buddha's birthplace
C.Lists the animals protected by the king
D.Describes the city administration of Pataliputra
Correct Answer: Commemorates Ashoka's visit to Buddha's birthplace
Explanation:
The Rummindei Pillar Inscription records Ashoka's visit to Lumbini (birthplace of Buddha) and his decision to reduce the tax (Bhaga) to th for the village.
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17Who was the last ruler of the Mauryan dynasty?
A.Kunala
B.Samprati
C.Salisuka
D.Brihadratha
Correct Answer: Brihadratha
Explanation:
The last Mauryan ruler was Brihadratha, who was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Shunga, around 185 BCE.
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18Which historian suggested that a 'Brahmanical reaction' against Ashoka's pro-Buddhist policies was a cause of the Mauryan decline?
A.H.P. Shastri
B.Romila Thapar
C.H.C. Raychaudhuri
D.D.D. Kosambi
Correct Answer: H.P. Shastri
Explanation:
Haraprasad Shastri (H.P. Shastri) proposed the theory that the anti-sacrifice attitude of Ashoka and his patronage of Buddhism led to a Brahmanical reaction that contributed to the empire's decline.
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19The rock-cut caves at Barabar and Nagarjuni hills were primarily donated to which sect?
A.Shaivites
B.Ajivikas
C.Buddhists
D.Jains
Correct Answer: Ajivikas
Explanation:
The caves in the Barabar and Nagarjuni hills (e.g., Lomas Rishi cave) were donated by Ashoka and his grandson Dasharatha to the Ajivika sect.
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20The standard silver coin during the Mauryan period was known as:
A.Dinara
B.Nishka
C.Suvarna
D.Karshapana or Pana
Correct Answer: Karshapana or Pana
Explanation:
The Pana (or Karshapana) was the standard silver punch-marked coin used for currency and payment of salaries in the Mauryan empire.
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21Which Major Rock Edict mentions the replacement of 'Bherighosa' (sound of war drums) with 'Dhammaghosa' (sound of Dhamma)?
A.Rock Edict XI
B.Rock Edict IV
C.Rock Edict I
D.Rock Edict VI
Correct Answer: Rock Edict IV
Explanation:
Major Rock Edict IV states that the sound of the drum (Bherighosa) has become the sound of Dhamma (Dhammaghosa), indicating a shift from military conquest to moral persuasion.
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22According to Megasthenes, the administration of Pataliputra was conducted by:
A.Directly by the King
B.A single governor
C.Military generals
D.A council of 30 members divided into 6 committees
Correct Answer: A council of 30 members divided into 6 committees
Explanation:
Megasthenes described the city administration of Pataliputra as being run by a commission of 30 members, divided into 6 boards or committees of 5 members each.
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23The 'Didarganj Yakshi' is a famous example of:
A.Gupta Sculpture
B.Mauryan Court Art
C.Mauryan Folk Art
D.Gandhara School of Art
Correct Answer: Mauryan Folk Art
Explanation:
The Didarganj Yakshi (Chauri bearer) is a masterpiece of Mauryan art (often categorized under folk art traditions due to the subject, though the polish suggests court patronage), characterized by its mirror-like polish and naturalistic modeling.
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24What was the 'Sitadhyaksha' responsible for in the Mauryan administration?
A.Tolls and customs
B.Crown lands and agriculture
C.Royal mint
D.Trade and commerce
Correct Answer: Crown lands and agriculture
Explanation:
The Sitadhyaksha was the superintendent of agriculture, responsible for managing the crown lands (Sita).
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25The Third Buddhist Council was convened at Pataliputra under the patronage of:
A.Ashoka
B.Chandragupta Maurya
C.Bindusara
D.Kanishka
Correct Answer: Ashoka
Explanation:
Ashoka convened the Third Buddhist Council at Pataliputra around 250 BCE, presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa.
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26Which scholar argued that the 'economic crisis' was the primary cause of the decline of the Mauryan Empire?
A.H.C. Raychaudhuri
B.R.K. Mookerji
C.V.A. Smith
D.D.D. Kosambi
Correct Answer: D.D. Kosambi
Explanation:
D.D. Kosambi argued that the Mauryan Empire declined due to a financial crisis, evidenced by the debasement of coins in the later period.
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27In the Mauryan judicial system, the 'Dharmasthiya' court dealt with:
A.Criminal cases
B.Civil disputes
C.Treason
D.Foreign affairs
Correct Answer: Civil disputes
Explanation:
The Dharmasthiya courts were civil courts, whereas the Kantakasodhana courts dealt with criminal matters.
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28Which Ashokan edict advocates for religious tolerance and respect for all sects?
A.Rock Edict XII
B.Rock Edict IX
C.Rock Edict II
D.Rock Edict VII
Correct Answer: Rock Edict XII
Explanation:
Major Rock Edict XII appeals for tolerance among all religious sects and states that one honors one's own sect by honoring others.
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29The drama 'Mudrarakshasa', which narrates the ascent of Chandragupta Maurya, was written by:
A.Harisena
B.Bhana
C.Vishakhadatta
D.Kalidasa
Correct Answer: Vishakhadatta
Explanation:
The Mudrarakshasa is a Sanskrit play by Vishakhadatta that narrates how Chanakya won over Rakshasa (a minister of the Nandas) to Chandragupta's side.
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30What was 'Vishti' in the Mauryan period?
A.A type of tax on water
B.A religious ritual
C.Forced labor
D.A gold coin
Correct Answer: Forced labor
Explanation:
Vishti referred to forced labor that the state could extract from the people, often in lieu of tax.
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31The Mauryan pillars were transported from the quarries of:
A.Taxila
B.Mathura
C.Chunar
D.Amravati
Correct Answer: Chunar
Explanation:
The sandstone used for Mauryan pillars was quarried at Chunar, near Varanasi.
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32The 'Rajukas' in Ashoka's administration were equivalent to modern:
A.Ambassadors
B.District Collectors/Magistrates
C.Generals
D.Judges
Correct Answer: District Collectors/Magistrates
Explanation:
Ashoka granted judicial and revenue powers to Rajukas, making them comparable to modern District Magistrates. They were responsible for the welfare of the rural janapada.
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33Which of the following animals is NOT depicted on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital?
A.Horse
B.Deer
C.Elephant
D.Bull
Correct Answer: Deer
Explanation:
The abacus of the Sarnath capital features four animals: an Elephant, a Galloping Horse, a Bull, and a Lion. The Deer is not on the abacus.
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34Ashoka's contemporary Greek king 'Antiyoka' mentioned in the edicts has been identified as:
A.Antigonus Gonatas of Macedonia
B.Ptolemy II Philadelphus
C.Antiochus II Theos of Syria
D.Alexander the Great
Correct Answer: Antiochus II Theos of Syria
Explanation:
Antiyoka refers to Antiochus II Theos, the Seleucid king of Syria, who was a contemporary of Ashoka.
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35The elaborate palace of Chandragupta Maurya at Pataliputra was primarily made of:
A.Wood
B.Burnt Brick
C.Stone
D.Marble
Correct Answer: Wood
Explanation:
Megasthenes and archaeological excavations (at Kumrahar) indicate that the Mauryan palace was a magnificent structure made primarily of wood.
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36Who was the commander of the army in the Mauryan administration?
A.Senapati
B.Durgapala
C.Dandapal
D.Nayaka
Correct Answer: Senapati
Explanation:
The Senapati was the supreme commander of the army.
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37The tax known as 'Udaka-bhaga' refers to:
A.Road cess
B.Sales tax
C.House tax
D.Irrigation tax
Correct Answer: Irrigation tax
Explanation:
Udaka-bhaga was a water cess or irrigation tax levied on farmers who used state reservoirs for irrigation.
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38Which historian advocated the 'Pacific Policy' of Ashoka as the main cause for the military weakness and decline of the empire?
A.Romila Thapar
B.V.A. Smith
C.H.C. Raychaudhuri
D.R.C. Majumdar
Correct Answer: H.C. Raychaudhuri
Explanation:
H.C. Raychaudhuri argued that Ashoka’s pacifism (Dhammavijaya) weakened the martial spirit of the army, making it unable to defend against Greek invasions later.
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39The Ashokan pillar at Rampurva is distinct because it features a capital with a:
A.Lion
B.Horse
C.Bull
D.Elephant
Correct Answer: Bull
Explanation:
The Rampurva pillar is famous for its Bull capital (though there is another lion capital from the same site, the Bull is the distinct one often cited in art history).
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40According to the Arthashastra, what was the standard rate of 'Bhaga' (land revenue)?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct Answer:
Explanation:
The standard land revenue (Bhaga) recommended was usually (shadbhaga) of the produce.
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41Which province of the Mauryan empire had its capital at Taxila?
A.Prachya
B.Avantiratha
C.Dakshinapatha
D.Uttarapatha
Correct Answer: Uttarapatha
Explanation:
Taxila was the capital of Uttarapatha (the Northern Province). Ujjain was the capital of Avantiratha, Suvarnagiri of Dakshinapatha, and Tosali of Kalinga.
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42The Lomas Rishi cave in the Barabar hills is famous for its:
A.Multiple stories
B.Statue of Ashoka
C.Chaitya arch entrance
D.Detailed frescoes
Correct Answer: Chaitya arch entrance
Explanation:
The Lomas Rishi cave is architecturally significant for its Chaitya arch entrance, carved into the rock to mimic wooden architecture.
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43Ashoka's son who is said to have ruled Kashmir and established a Shiv temple there was:
A.Tivala
B.Jalauka
C.Kunala
D.Mahendra
Correct Answer: Jalauka
Explanation:
According to the Rajatarangini, Jalauka was a son of Ashoka who ruled Kashmir and was a devotee of Shiva.
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44What is the primary language of the Kandahar Edict of Ashoka?
A.Prakrit only
B.Tamil
C.Sanskrit
D.Greek and Aramaic
Correct Answer: Greek and Aramaic
Explanation:
The Kandahar Edict is a bilingual inscription written in Greek and Aramaic, catering to the diverse population of the region.
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45The term 'Bherighosa' refers to:
A.Sound of chanting monks
B.Sound of drums declaring war
C.Royal announcement of taxes
D.Sound of temple bells
Correct Answer: Sound of drums declaring war
Explanation:
Bherighosa means the sound of the war drum, which Ashoka replaced with Dhammaghosa (the sound of righteousness).
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46Who was the 'Sannidhata' in the Mauryan administration?
A.Head of Spies
B.Chief Justice
C.Commander in Chief
D.Chief Treasurer
Correct Answer: Chief Treasurer
Explanation:
The Sannidhata was the custodian of the treasury and storehouses.
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47Which Buddhist text chronicles the history of the island of Sri Lanka and mentions Ashoka’s son Mahinda?
A.Mahavamsa
B.Anguttara Nikaya
C.Jataka
D.Milindapanho
Correct Answer: Mahavamsa
Explanation:
The Mahavamsa (Great Chronicle) of Sri Lanka details the mission of Ashoka's son Mahinda and daughter Sanghamitta to Sri Lanka.
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48Ashoka's Dhamma did NOT include which of the following?
A.Obedience to parents
B.Non-injury to animals
C.Worship of specific gods
D.Respect for Brahmans and Shramanas
Correct Answer: Worship of specific gods
Explanation:
Ashoka's Dhamma was a moral code of conduct (ethics) and did not involve the worship of any specific god or deity; it was secular in nature.
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49The division of the Mauryan empire after Ashoka’s death is believed to have split into:
A.Eastern and Western parts
B.City-states
C.Three independent kingdoms
D.Northern and Southern parts
Correct Answer: Eastern and Western parts
Explanation:
It is generally believed that after Ashoka, the empire was partitioned into a Western part (ruled by Kunala/Samprati) and an Eastern part (ruled by Dasharatha).
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50The monolithic pillars of the Mauryas are often compared to the art of which civilization due to the 'bell' capital shape?
A.Egyptian
B.Roman
C.Achaemenid (Persian)
D.Greek
Correct Answer: Achaemenid (Persian)
Explanation:
Scholars often compare Mauryan columns to Achaemenid (Persian) columns, particularly the bell-shaped capitals (often called the Persepolitan bell), though the Mauryan shafts are monolithic unlike the segmented Persian ones.