7.

Question 1

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
2. Which of the following statements about the Mauryan Empire is correct?

Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire over 2300 years ago.
Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, supported Chandragupta and authored the Arthashastra.
Bindusara, the son of Chandragupta Maurya, was the first ruler of the Mauryan dynasty.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 1

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Question 2

2. Statement-Based Questions
3. With reference to the Mauryan Empire, consider the following statements:

Chandragupta Maurya was the first ruler of the Mauryan dynasty.
Chanakya or Kautilya’s Arthashastra provides insights into the political and administrative system of the Mauryan Empire.
Ashoka, the grandson of Chandragupta, expanded the empire beyond the subcontinent.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Answer 2

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Question 2

What was one of the primary economic activities in the forests of central India during the Mauryan Empire?

(a) Mining
(b) Farming
(c) Hunting and gathering forest produce
(d) Trading

Answer 2

Answer: (c) Hunting and gathering forest produce
Explanation: In the forests of central India, people gathered forest produce and hunted animals for food, highlighting the diverse economic activities in the empire.

Question 2

2. Statement-Based Questions
3. With reference to the Mauryan Empire, consider the following statements:

Chandragupta Maurya was the first ruler of the Mauryan dynasty.
Chanakya or Kautilya’s Arthashastra provides insights into the political and administrative system of the Mauryan Empire.
Ashoka, the grandson of Chandragupta, expanded the empire beyond the subcontinent.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 2

(a) 1 and 2 only

Question 2

Which city was a gateway to the northwest, including Central Asia, during the Mauryan Empire?

(a) Ujjain
(b) Taxila
(c) Pataliputra
(d) Varanasi

Answer 2

(b) Taxila

Question 2

Which of the following regions in the Mauryan Empire had people who spoke different languages and had different food and clothing habits?

(a) Central India
(b) Coastal regions
(c) Northern regions
(d) All regions of the empire

Answer 2

Answer: (d) All regions of the empire
Explanation: The empire’s vast size meant that people from different regions spoke different languages, and their food and clothing also varied according to their local cultures and resources.

Question 2

How were empires different from kingdoms, according to the passage?

(a) Empires are ruled by kings, while kingdoms are ruled by emperors.
(b) Emperors need fewer resources than kings because they rule over larger territories.
(c) Empires need more resources and larger armies to protect their vast territories, requiring a greater number of officials to collect taxes.
(d) Empires do not require military protection.

Answer 2

(c) Empires need more resources and larger armies to protect their vast territories, requiring a greater number of officials to collect taxes.

Question 2

What role did messengers and spies play in the Mauryan Empire?

Answer 2

(a) They maintained communication and ensured officials followed order

Question 2

What was the role of provincial capitals like Taxila and Ujjain in the Mauryan Empire?

(a) They were the centers for collecting taxes from the local population.
(b) They governed the empire directly on behalf of the emperor.
(c) They served as places where royal princes were sent as governors.
(d) They functioned as trade centers only.

Answer 2

(c) They served as places where royal princes were sent as governors.

Question 2

Which of the following resources was likely collected as tribute from north-west India during the Mauryan Empire?

(a) Gold
(b) Precious stones
(c) Blankets
(d) Spices

Answer 2

(c) Blankets

Question 2

What resources were likely collected as tribute from south India according to the Arthashastra?

(a) Gold and precious stones
(b) Spices and textiles
(c) Wheat and barley
(d) Horses and elephants

Answer 2

(a) Gold and precious stones

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the governance structure around Pataliputra during the Mauryan Empire?

(a) Direct control by the emperor with appointed officials to manage taxes and enforce orders.
(b) Provincial capitals were completely independent with no oversight from the emperor.
(c) The region was governed by royal family members only, with no involvement of officials.
(d) Local customs were followed in the region without intervention from the central authority.

Answer 2

(a) Direct control by the emperor with appointed officials to manage taxes and enforce orders.

Question 3

Which of the following measures were taken by the Mauryan emperor to ensure personal security, as described by Megasthenes?

(a) The emperor carried weapons personally.
(b) The emperor was surrounded by armed women guards.
(c) The emperor’s food was tasted by special servants before consumption.
(d) The emperor never slept in the same bedroom for two consecutive nights.
Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1, 2, and 3
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4
(d) 1, 2, and 4

Answer 3

Answer: (c) 2, 3, and 4

Question 3

Megasthenes was an ambassador who was sent to
the court of Chandragupta by the Greek ruler of

Answer 3

Seleucus Nicator.

Question 3

What was Ashoka’s primary purpose in using inscriptions?

(a) To record victories in wars and conquests.
(b) To spread religious and moral messages to his people.
(c) To issue orders for tax collection and administrative reforms.
(d) To document trade and economic policies.

Answer 3

Answer: (b) To spread religious and moral messages to his people.
Explanation: Ashoka’s inscriptions focused on spreading Dhamma (ethical and moral teachings) and promoting peace and non-violence after the Kalinga War.

Question 3

What does Megasthenes’ account reveal about the Mauryan emperor’s lifestyle?

(a) The emperor frequently mingled with the common people to understand their needs.
(b) The emperor lived a highly secure and luxurious life, surrounded by guards and special arrangements.
(c) The emperor followed simple and austere practices in line with the teachings of Buddhism.
(d) The emperor engaged in constant military expeditions and rarely appeared in public.

Answer 3

Answer: (b) The emperor lived a highly secure and luxurious life, surrounded by guards and special arrangements.
Explanation: Megasthenes described the emperor as being carried in a golden palanquin, surrounded by guards (including armed women), with elaborate precautions against threats to his life.

Question 3

Which of the following items were most likely collected as tribute from forest-dwelling communities during the Mauryan period?

Elephants
Timber
Spices
Honey and wax
Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1, 2, and 3
(b) 1, 2, and 4
(c) 2, 3, and 4
(d) 1 and 4 only

Answer 3

1, 2, and 4
Explanation: Forest-dwelling communities contributed items such as elephants, timber, honey, and wax, as these were resources abundant in forested regions.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the difference between taxes and tribute in the Mauryan Empire?

(a) Taxes were collected on a regular basis, while tribute was irregular and voluntary.
(b) Taxes were imposed only on urban areas, while tribute was collected from rural regions.
(c) Taxes were collected from all citizens, while tribute was taken exclusively from traders.
(d) Taxes involved monetary payments, while tribute was always in the form of goods.

Answer 3

Answer: (a) Taxes were collected on a regular basis, while tribute was irregular and voluntary.

Question 3

Which language was predominantly used in Ashoka’s inscriptions?

(a) Sanskrit
(b) Pali
(c) Prakrit
(d) Tamil

Answer 3

(c) Prakrit

Question 3

Which of the following features did Megasthenes highlight about the city of Pataliputra?

The city was surrounded by a massive wall with towers and gates.
The houses were primarily built of stone and bricks.
The king’s palace was made of wood and adorned with stone carvings.
The city had enclosures for keeping birds.
Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1, 2, and 3
(b) 1, 3, and 4
(c) 2, 3, and 4
(d) 1 and 4 only

Answer 3

Answer: (b) 1, 3, and 4
Explanation: Megasthenes described Pataliputra as a fortified city with a massive wall, a wooden palace decorated with stone carvings, and enclosures for birds. Houses were made of wood and mud brick, not stone.

Question 3

What was the script used for most of Ashoka’s inscriptions?

(a) Kharosthi
(b) Devanagari
(c) Brahmi
(d) Tamil

Answer 3

Answer: (c) Brahmi
Explanation: Ashoka’s inscriptions were primarily written in the Brahmi script, which was widely understood in his empire.

Question 4

Why is Ashoka considered a unique ruler in Indian history?

(a) He was the first to establish a democratic system in his empire.
(b) He was the first ruler to spread his message through inscriptions.
(c) He introduced Sanskrit as the official language of administration.
(d) He was the only ruler to conquer the entire subcontinent

Answer 4

(b) He was the first ruler to spread his message through inscriptions

Question 4

Consider the following statements about Ashoka’s inscriptions:

They were written in multiple languages to reach diverse audiences.
Most of them were carved on rocks and pillars.
They promoted the use of the Kharosthi script across the subcontinent.
Which of the statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 4

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Ashoka’s inscriptions were carved on rocks and pillars and were written in multiple languages, including Greek and Aramaic, in some regions. However, the Kharosthi script was not widely promoted across the subcontinent.

Question 4

What was the main reason Ashoka gave up warfare after the Kalinga war?

(a) He faced a military defeat in Kalinga.
(b) He realized the logistical challenges of maintaining a large empire.
(c) He was horrified by the violence and bloodshed caused by the war.
(d) His advisors persuaded him to adopt non-violence.

Answer 4

(c) He was horrified by the violence and bloodshed caused by the war

Question 4

Which of the following regions corresponds to the ancient name “Kalinga”?

(a) Coastal Andhra Pradesh
(b) Coastal Odisha
(c) Western Gujarat
(d) Eastern Bengal

Answer 4

(b) Coastal Odisha

Question 4

Ashoka’s efforts to spread dhamma included which of the following measures?

Inscribing messages on rocks and pillars.
Sending messengers to foreign lands.
Conducting elaborate sacrificial ceremonies.
Building infrastructure such as roads and wells.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2, and 4 only
(b) 1, 3, and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 4 only

Answer 4

Answer: (a) 1, 2, and 4 only
Explanation: Ashoka inscribed messages on rocks and pillars, sent envoys to foreign lands, and improved infrastructure like roads and wells to spread dhamma. He did not promote sacrificial ceremonies.

Question 5

What were some of the problems Ashoka aimed to address through his dhamma?

Religious conflicts among different groups.
Ill-treatment of slaves and servants.
Quarrels within families and communities.
Lack of adequate military protection.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 3, and 4 only

Answer 5

Answer: (b) 1, 2, and 3 only
Explanation: Ashoka’s dhamma sought to address social and ethical issues such as religious conflicts, ill-treatment of subordinates, and family disputes. Military protection was not a focus of dhamma

Question 5

Which foreign lands did Ashoka send envoys to spread dhamma?

(a) Rome and Persia
(b) Egypt, Greece, and Syria
(c) Arabia and Central Asia
(d) China and Japan

Answer 5

(b) Egypt, Greece, and Syria

Question 6

What infrastructure projects were undertaken by Ashoka to promote dhamma?

(a) Construction of grand temples dedicated to Buddha.
(b) Building roads, digging wells, and constructing rest houses.
(c) Establishing forts and military bases across the empire.
(d) Erecting statues of deities across the empire

Answer 6

(b) Building roads, digging wells, and constructing rest houses.
Explanation: Ashoka prioritized welfare activities like building roads, wells, and rest houses to serve both his subjects and travelers, reflecting the values of dhamma.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about Ashoka’s welfare measures is/are correct?

Ashoka built rest houses for travelers.
He organized medical treatment for both humans and animals.
He constructed stupas as a central aspect of dhamma.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 6

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Ashoka’s welfare measures included building rest houses and providing medical facilities. Stupas, while significant, were more linked to Buddhist practices than dhamma’s broader welfare goals

Question 7

Which of the following regions did Ashoka send his son and daughter to propagate dhamma?

(a) Southeast Asia
(b) Sri Lanka
(c) Central Asia
(d) Western Asia

Answer 7

Answer: (b) Sri Lanka
Explanation: Ashoka sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka to spread dhamma and Buddhist teachings.

Question 8

UPSC-Style MCQs on the Rampurwa Bull
The Rampurwa bull is an example of:

(a) Gupta-era temple architecture
(b) Gandhara school of art
(c) Mauryan sculpture and craftsmanship
(d) Mughal-era stone carvings

Answer 8

Answer: (c) Mauryan sculpture and craftsmanship
Explanation: The Rampurwa bull is a Mauryan-period stone sculpture showcasing the polished craftsmanship characteristic of the era

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the Rampurwa bull is correct?

(a) It was found in Taxila, a famous Buddhist site.
(b) It was originally part of a Mauryan pillar.
(c) It represents the art style of the Gupta period.
(d) It is currently housed in the National Museum, New Delhi.

Answer 9

Answer: (b) It was originally part of a Mauryan pillar.
Explanation: The Rampurwa bull was part of a Mauryan pillar found in Rampurwa, Bihar, and is now placed in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Question 10

What does the Rampurwa bull primarily demonstrate about Mauryan art?

(a) Emphasis on intricate temple carvings
(b) Influence of Hellenistic art on Indian sculpture
(c) High-level skill in stone polishing and realistic representation
(d) Preference for clay and terracotta sculptures

Answer 10

(c) High-level skill in stone polishing and realistic representation

Question 11

What is the historical significance of Mauryan pillars like the one with the Rampurwa bull?

(a) They were used as milestones for trade routes.
(b) They served as commemorative structures promoting Ashoka’s dhamma.
(c) They were constructed to mark the coronation of Mauryan rulers.
(d) They depicted scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Answer 11

Answer: (b) They served as commemorative structures promoting Ashoka’s dhamma.
Explanation: Mauryan pillars, including the Rampurwa pillar, were erected by Ashoka to spread the message of dhamma and reflect the artistic prowess of the period.