The Stupa at Sanchi was originally built by:
- Chandragupta Maurya
- Ashoka
- Bindusara
- Gautam Buddha
Answer
Ashoka
Which of the following were judicial officers in Mauryan administration?
- Amatyas
- Mahamatras
- Rajukas
- Yuktas
Answer
Rajukas
The administration of Pataliputra was looked after by a committee of 30 members comprising
- Six boards
- Three boards
- Five boards
- Ten boards
Answer
Six boards
Read the two statements given below about Ashoka's Dhamma and select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (B):
(A) : Ashoka's Dhamma was a set of moral and ethical principles that promoted harmony and non-violence in society.
(B) : The horrors of the Kalinga War deeply affected Ashoka, leading him to embrace and propagate Dhamma through edicts and pillars.
- (B) contradicts (A).
- (B) is the reason for (A).
- (A) is true, but (B) is false.
- (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer
(B) is the reason for (A).
Which Rock Edict tells us about the Kalinga War?
- Rock Edict XII
- Rock Edict XIII
- Rock Edict X
- Rock Edict IX
Answer
Rock Edict XIII
Read the two statements given below about the Mudrarakshasa and select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (B):
(A) : The Mudrarakshasa, written during the Gupta period, provides a political and historical account of the Mauryan period.
(B) : The play describes how Chandragupta Maurya, with Kautilya's help, overthrew the Nanda dynasty.
- (B) contradicts (A).
- (B) is the reason for (A).
- (A) is true, but (B) is false.
- (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer
(B) is the reason for (A).
Identify the consequences of the Kalinga War on Ashoka.
P : Death and destruction in the Kalinga War made Ashoka sad and unhappy
Q : He gave up war and conquests forever
R : Ashoka abandoned his throne and became a Buddhist monk
S : Ashoka gave up 'Dharmavijaya' and adopted 'Digvijaya'
- P and Q
- R and S
- P and S
- Q and R
Answer
P and Q
Which of the following statements is correct about the Mauryas?
(i) Land revenue was chief source of income
(ii) Taxes were collected from mines, forests etc.
(iii) Large army was maintained from taxes.
- Only (i) and (ii)
- Only (i) and (iii)
- Only (ii) and (iii)
- (i), (ii) (iii)
Answer
(i), (ii) (iii)
Who was the chief advisor of Chandragupta Maurya?
- Chanakya
- Alexander
- Kalidas
- Megasthenes
Answer
Chanakya
Which of the following statements about the Kalinga War is correct?
- It led to the annexation of regions beyond India.
- Ashoka commemorated the victory by constructing the Great Stupa.
- It caused immense suffering, prompting Ashoka's adoption of Buddhism.
- It was fought to gain access to the Himalayas.
Answer
It caused immense suffering, prompting Ashoka's adoption of Buddhism.
The last Mauryan king, Brihadratha, was overthrown by:
- A Greek invader
- A General in his army
- A provincial governor
- A tribal chief
Answer
A General in his army
Which of the following were significant factors responsible for the decline of the Mauryan Empire?
(i) Weak successors after Ashoka
(ii) Enormous expenditure on administration and the army
(iii) Ashoka's Dhamma policies
(iv) Revolts in outlying provinces
- (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv)
- Only (i) and (ii)
- Only (i), (ii), and (iv)
- Only (ii), (iii), and (iv)
Answer
Only (i), (ii), and (iv)
Who was the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty?
Answer
The last ruler of the Nanda Dynasty was Dhana Nanda.
What does the Rummindei /Lumbini Pillar inscription signify?
Answer
the Rummindei Pillar inscription states that Ashoka visited Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and exempted the village from taxes.
What does Rock Edict XIII reveal about the Kalinga War?
Answer
Rock Edict XIII describes the devastating impact of the Kalinga war.
Who described the Mauryan dynasty as marking the transition from darkness to light?
Answer
Dr. V.A. Smith described the Mauryan dynasty as marking the transition from darkness to light.
Read the following excerpt and answer the question that follows:
"His dhamma of edicts is not any particular religious system but the moral law independent of any caste or creed, the sara or essence of all religions."
(Source: https://www.du.ac.in/up/oads/new-web/04012023_Appendix-108.pdf)
Which Mauryan ruler propagated these principles?
Answer
The Mauryan ruler who propagated these principles of Dhamma, emphasizing moral law beyond caste or creed, was Emperor Ashoka.
Name the four provinces under Ashoka.
Answer
The four provinces under Ashoka were:
- Pataliputra (Magadha) as the imperial capital
- Taxila (Northern Province)
- Ujjain (Western Province)
- Tosali (Eastern Province)
Read the following excerpt and answer the question that follows: "The Mauryas came to prominence after the overthrow of the Nanda dynasty in the later part of the fourth century BCE."
(Source: https://www.du.ac.in/up/oads/new-web/04012023_Appendix-108.pdf)
Name any three rulers of the Mauryan dynasty.
Answer
Three rulers of the Mauryan dynasty are:
- Chandragupta Maurya
- Bindusara
- Ashoka
Why did Seleucus attack India?
Answer
Seleucus attacked India to reclaim the northwestern territories of the Indian subcontinent that had once been part of Alexander the Great’s empire.
Who succeeded Seleucus and exchanged ambassadors with Bindusara?
Answer
Antiochus succeeded Seleucus and exchanged ambassadors with Bindusara.
Name any two welfare activities Ashoka implemented after the Kalinga War.
Answer
After the Kalinga War, Ashoka implemented several welfare activities, including:
- Constructing hospitals for humans and animals
- Building rest houses (dharmashalas) along roads for travelers
What percentage of taxes was levied on sold goods?
Answer
Taxes were levied on sold goods at the rate of 10% of their price.
Who managed villages under the Mauryan administration?
Answer
Under the Mauryan administration, villages, the smallest units, were overseen by headmen known as Gramikas (male) or Graminis (female).
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:
"The Arthashastra is the first South Asian text which offers a theory of the State as being composed of seven constituent elements."
(Source: https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/64794/1/Unit16.pdf)
(a) Who wrote the Arthashastra, and why is it considered important for the study of the Mauryan period?
(b) Mention two subjects covered in the Arthashastra.
Answer
(a) The Arthashastra is written by Kautilya, the chief advisor to Chandragupta Maurya. As Kautilya was directly involved in the Mauryan government, his book offers significant information on the political conditions of India during this time, as well as the structure of the Mauryan administration.
(b) The Arthashastra is a unique work in ancient Indian literature, focusing on politics and the art of governance.
What does Megasthenes account reveal about Pataliputra?
Answer
Megasthenes account reveals that "Pataliputra is a large and beautiful city. It is surrounded by a massive wall. It has 570 towers and 64 gates. The king's palace, also made of wood, is decorated with stone carvings. It is surrounded by a garden."
What territories did Chandragupta gain after defeating Seleucus?
Answer
After defeating Seleucus, Chandragupta Maurya gained control over the provinces of Herat, Kandahar, Kabul, and Baluchistan.
What was the role of Dhamma Mahamatras in Ashoka's administration?
Answer
The role of Dhamma Mahamatras in Ashoka's administration was to implement these policies of Dhamma.
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:
"Ashoka took special interest in erecting monolithic pillars, inscribed and uninscribed, in great numbers and designed on a magnificent scale. No less than thirty pillars set up by Ashoka have been found so far."
(Source: https://www.du.ac.in/up/oads/new-web/04012023_Appendix-108.pdf)
(a) What values are promoted in Ashoka's pillar edicts?
(b) Name any three locations where Ashoka's pillars have been discovered.
Answer
(a) Ashoka's pillar edicts promoted a variety of moral and ethical values, many of which reflect his commitment to spreading Dhamma.
(b) Three locations where Ashoka's pillars have been discovered are Lauriya-Nandangarh, Delhi-Topra, and Rampurva.
What was Bindusara's contribution to the Mauryan Empire?
Answer
The contributions of Bindusara are as follows:
- Bindusara with extending the Mauryan Empire in the south, except the extreme south.
- Bindusara maintained friendly relations with the Greeks and exchanged ambassadors with Antiochus, the successor of Seleucus.
- He, along with his son Ashoka quelled a revolt in Taxila.
What were the primary scripts used in Ashoka's inscriptions, and why?
Answer
The primary scripts used in Ashoka's inscriptions are local scripts, like Brahmi and Kharosthi, to ensure accessibility for the common people.
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:
"The extent of Ashoka's empire can be traced through the spread of his inscriptions. From their distribution we know that the Mauryan Empire extended up to Kandahar in Afghanistan in the north-west."
(Source: https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/64794/1/Unit16.pdf)
(a) What were the eastern and western boundaries of Ashoka's empire?
(b) What does the extent of Ashoka's empire reveal about Mauryan military achievements?
Answer
(a) Ashoka's Empire extended from the Brahmaputra river in the east to the Hindukush in the north-west and the Arabian Sea in the west. Outside India, the Mauryan Empire extended up to Kandahar in Afghanistan in the north-west.
(b) The vast geographical spread of Ashoka’s empire — from eastern India to Afghanistan in the northwest — demonstrates the military strength and strategic prowess of the Mauryan Empire. Chandragupta Maurya and his successors, including Ashoka, successfully expanded and maintained control over a vast and diverse territory.
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:
"The Arthashastra, Greek accounts and Ashokan inscriptions give us a good idea about the administrative system. The administrative structure involved a division of the empire into provinces."
(Source: https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/64794/1/Unit16.pdf)
(a) Who managed these provinces, and to whom were they accountable?
(b) What were the main responsibilities of the Mantri Parishad in the Mauryan Empire?
Answer
(a) These provinces were governed by Kumaras (royal princes) or Governors, who were accountable to the Emperor and supported by ministers and subordinate officials.
(b) The main responsibilities of the Mantri Parishad in the Mauryan Empire were:
- To advise and assist the Emperor and the Kumaras in administration.
- Each minister was individually responsible for his department like revenue and tax collection, military and defense, trade and commerce, etc.
How does the Mudrarakshasa shed light on the fall of the Nandas and the rise of Chandragupta Maurya?
Answer
Mudrarakshasa written by Vishakhadatta describe how Dhanananda insulted Chanakya in his court. Chanakya vowed to avenge his insult by bringing about the destruction of the House of the Nandas. Chanakya trained, influenced and inspired Chandragupta to free north-west India from the Greek rule as well as overthrow the Nandas. Thus began the emergence of the Mauryan empire.
Explain the concept of "victory by dhamma" as mentioned in Ashoka's edicts.
Answer
The devastating impact of the Kalinga war, described in Rock Edict XIII, led Ashoka to adopt the idea of "victory by dhamma". It meant 'victory through moral principles'. It focused on moral and ethical governance.
The Mauryan kings centralised power, blending strong authority with ethical governance. With reference to this, answer the following questions:
(a) How did Chandragupta Maurya consolidate his authority after defeating the Nandas?
(b) Which edicts highlight Ashoka's commitment to ethical governance?
(c) Which historical sources highlight the king's responsibilities during the Mauryan period?
Answer
(a) After capturing the capital of Patliputra, Chandragupta Maurya consolidated his authority through a combination of military strength, administrative organization, and alliance-building.
- Established a centralized administration from his capital at Pataliputra.
- Mantri Parishad, a council of ministers individually took care of different departments.
- Maintained a large, well-organized army to secure and expand his territory.
- Implemented the ideas found in the Arthashastra, focusing on espionage, economic control, and efficient governance.
- Revenue was collected and primarily used for public welfare projects.
- Entered into a treaty with Seleucus (a Greek successor of Alexander), securing northwestern territories and gaining diplomatic recognition.
(b) Rock Edict XIII highlights Ashoka's commitment to moral and ethical governance. Ashoka adopted the policy of Dharmavijaya (Victory through Dhamma).
(c) Kautilya's Arthashastra highlights the king's responsibilities during the Mauryan period. Kautilya's ideal state focuses on the welfare of the people, with provisions for the poor and vulnerable, and emphasises the importance of effective leadership.
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:
"The Mauryas came to prominence after the overthrow of the Nanda dynasty in the later part of the fourth century BCE. The history of their rule can be reconstructed with fairly authentic evidences from many sources."
(Source: https://www.du.ac.in/uploads/new-web/04012023_Appendix-108.pdf)
(a) How did Alexander's departure from India influence Chandragupta Maurya's rise to power?
(b) Why was the Nanda dynasty unpopular among its people?
(c) How did Bindusara contribute to the expansion of the Mauryan Empire?
Answer
(a) Alexander's departure from India created a power vacuum in the northwestern region of the subcontinent. Chandragupta Maurya upon the guidance of Kautilya, took advantage of the weak Greek rule by Governors, and took control of the northwestern territories.
(b) Nanda dynasty was unpopular among its people as the Nanda rulers were known for imposing heavy taxation, which caused resentment among the people.
(c) Bindusara contributed to the expansion of the Mauryan Empire in the following ways:
- Bindusara with extending the Mauryan Empire in the south, except the extreme south.
- Bindusara maintained friendly relations with the Greeks and exchanged ambassadors with Antiochus, the successor of Seleucus.
- He, along with his son Ashoka quelled a revolt in Taxila.
The Mauryan Empire declined after Ashoka's death, facing multiple challenges. With reference to this, answer the following questions:
(a) What were the main reasons for the decline of the Mauryan Empire after Ashoka's reign?
(b) How did the financial crisis and military neglect contribute to the weakening of the Mauryan Empire?
(c) What role did the revolts by provincial governors and external invasions play in the fall of the Mauryan Empire?
Answer
(a) The main reasons for the decline of the Mauryan Empire after Ashoka's reign are:
- The empire was too vast and Ashoka's successors struggled to maintain control over it due to their relative weakness.
- Enormous expenditure on maintaining a huge army and vast bureaucratic apparatus created a financial crisis.
- Ashoka's pacifist policies, along with political instability, contributed to the weakening of the empire's military strength.
- Governors of outlying provinces revolted due to lack of control.
- The Greeks began invading the northwest frontier, which could not be effectively checked.
(b) The financial crisis and military neglect contribute to the weakening of the Mauryan Empire in the following ways:
- Ashoka's welfare policies (e.g., building hospitals, roads, and promoting dhamma) placed a heavy burden on the state treasury.
- After his death, revenue collection weakened due to administrative inefficiency and loss of central control.
- Economic pressure made it difficult to fund the military.
- Ashoka’s commitment to non-violence (ahimsa) led to a reduction in military aggression and possible disarmament.
- As military strength declined, external forces and rebellious provinces became harder to suppress.
(c) Governors of outlying provinces revolted due to lack of control, and the northwest frontier invaded by the Greeks could not be effectively checked.
Compare the historical reliability of literary sources like Indika and Arthashastra with archaeological sources such as inscriptions and stupas.
Answer
Literary sources like Indika and Arthashastra gives us the following information:
- Megasthenes wrote Indika, documenting his observations of Mauryan administration and society.
- The Arthashastra by Kautilya is a crucial source that provides valuable insights into the Mauryan period. As Kautilya (also known as Vishnugupta and Chanakya) was directly involved in the Mauryan government, his book offers significant information on the political conditions of India during this time, as well as the structure of the Mauryan administration. The Arthashastra is a unique work in ancient Indian literature, focusing on politics.
Archaeological sources such as inscriptions and stupas give us the following information:
- Pillar Edicts focus on Dhamma, which includes virtuous deeds, compassion, liberality, truthfulness, and purity. These inscriptions provide valuable information about Ashoka's reign, his administration, character, and the educational standards of the time, as well as the common language used during the Mauryan period.
- Ashoka's edicts serve as the most accurately dated records in India, found on rocks and pillars across the country. They offer important insights into Ashoka's values and the history of the Mauryan Empire.
- The stupas were built to house Buddha's relics. The Sanchi Stupa stands as a remarkable example of ancient Indian architecture and Buddhist art, reflecting the technical, artistic, and spiritual sophistication of the period.
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:
"According to Megasthenes, the army was controlled by a war office consisting of 30 members distributed among 6 boards who were incharge of different departments. Behind the success of the army was the diplomacy of the Mauryas."
(Source: https://www.du.ac.in/uploads/new-web/04012023_Appendix-108.pdf)
(a) What were the responsibilities of the six boards managing the administration of Pataliputra?
(b) How did the division of responsibilities among the boards ensure efficient civic management?
(c) How does this system reflect the advanced administrative organisation of the Mauryan Empire?
Answer
(a) The administration was managed by a committee of 30 members, divided into six boards, each responsible for specific functions.
- The first board was concerned with industries and arts.
- The second board looked after the needs of the foreigners.
- The third board recorded the births and deaths.
- The fourth board regulated the trade and commerce and checked weights and measures.
- The fifth board ensured the quality of the manufactured articles.
- The sixth board collected taxes on sold goods at the rate of 10% of their price.
(b) The division of responsibilities among the six boards ensured efficient civic management by allowing specialization and clear accountability. Each board focused on a specific task, reducing overlap and confusion. This structure improved coordination, streamlined decision-making, and contributed to the smooth functioning of the Mauryan administration.
(c) The system reflects the advanced administrative organisation of the Mauryan Empire through its clear division of duties, specialization, and efficient management. The use of multiple boards for different military and civic functions shows a well-structured bureaucracy capable of handling complex governance. It highlights the Mauryas' ability to plan, coordinate, and control resources effectively across a vast empire.
Explain how Ashoka contributed to the spread of Buddhism, both within India and to other regions.
Answer
Emperor Ashoka commissioned the construction of numerous stupas to house Buddha's relics and generously supported Buddhist viharas. Ashoka sent missionaries, including his children Sanghamitra and Mahindra, to Sri Lanka and other regions to spread Buddhism. His efforts extended beyond India, reaching Central Asia, Egypt, and Southeast Asia, marking a global spread of Buddhist teachings.