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.

What does Megasthenes account reveal about Pataliputra?

What was the role of Dhamma Mahamatras in Ashoka's administration?

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.