Unit 4: Mauryan Period - Practice Quiz

1 Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire?

2 Which Greek ambassador visited the court of Chandragupta Maurya and wrote the book 'Indica'?

3 Which text is attributed to Chanakya (Kautilya) and serves as a primary source for Mauryan administration?

4 In Greek sources, Bindusara is referred to as:

5 The Kalinga War, a turning point in Ashoka’s life, is described in which Major Rock Edict?

6 What title did Ashoka generally use in his inscriptions?

7 Which script was predominantly used in Ashoka’s inscriptions found in the North-Western part of the empire?

8 The 'Saptanga Theory' of the state, detailing the seven limbs of administration, is found in which text?

9 Which Mauryan officer was responsible for the collection of revenue?

10 The term 'Dhamma' used by Ashoka is the Prakrit form of the Sanskrit word:

11 Which officer was specifically appointed by Ashoka to spread the message of Dhamma?

12 In the context of Mauryan art, what is the most striking feature of the Ashokan pillars?

13 The Lion Capital at Sarnath, adopted as India’s national emblem, originally supported:

14 According to the Arthashastra, who were the 'Gudhapurushas'?

15 Which Mauryan ruler is said to have fasted to death at Shravanabelagola according to Jain tradition?

16 The Rummindei Pillar Inscription is significant because it:

17 Who was the last ruler of the Mauryan dynasty?

18 Which historian suggested that a 'Brahmanical reaction' against Ashoka's pro-Buddhist policies was a cause of the Mauryan decline?

19 The rock-cut caves at Barabar and Nagarjuni hills were primarily donated to which sect?

20 The standard silver coin during the Mauryan period was known as:

21 Which Major Rock Edict mentions the replacement of 'Bherighosa' (sound of war drums) with 'Dhammaghosa' (sound of Dhamma)?

22 According to Megasthenes, the administration of Pataliputra was conducted by:

23 The 'Didarganj Yakshi' is a famous example of:

24 What was the 'Sitadhyaksha' responsible for in the Mauryan administration?

25 The Third Buddhist Council was convened at Pataliputra under the patronage of:

26 Which scholar argued that the 'economic crisis' was the primary cause of the decline of the Mauryan Empire?

27 In the Mauryan judicial system, the 'Dharmasthiya' court dealt with:

28 Which Ashokan edict advocates for religious tolerance and respect for all sects?

29 The drama 'Mudrarakshasa', which narrates the ascent of Chandragupta Maurya, was written by:

30 What was 'Vishti' in the Mauryan period?

31 The Mauryan pillars were transported from the quarries of:

32 The 'Rajukas' in Ashoka's administration were equivalent to modern:

33 Which of the following animals is NOT depicted on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital?

34 Ashoka's contemporary Greek king 'Antiyoka' mentioned in the edicts has been identified as:

35 The elaborate palace of Chandragupta Maurya at Pataliputra was primarily made of:

36 Who was the commander of the army in the Mauryan administration?

37 The tax known as 'Udaka-bhaga' refers to:

38 Which historian advocated the 'Pacific Policy' of Ashoka as the main cause for the military weakness and decline of the empire?

39 The Ashokan pillar at Rampurva is distinct because it features a capital with a:

40 According to the Arthashastra, what was the standard rate of 'Bhaga' (land revenue)?

41 Which province of the Mauryan empire had its capital at Taxila?

42 The Lomas Rishi cave in the Barabar hills is famous for its:

43 Ashoka's son who is said to have ruled Kashmir and established a Shiv temple there was:

44 What is the primary language of the Kandahar Edict of Ashoka?

45 The term 'Bherighosa' refers to:

46 Who was the 'Sannidhata' in the Mauryan administration?

47 Which Buddhist text chronicles the history of the island of Sri Lanka and mentions Ashoka’s son Mahinda?

48 Ashoka's Dhamma did NOT include which of the following?

49 The division of the Mauryan empire after Ashoka’s death is believed to have split into:

50 The monolithic pillars of the Mauryas are often compared to the art of which civilization due to the 'bell' capital shape?