The Mauryan Empire stands as a pivotal chapter in ancient Indian history, renowned for its significant administrative advancements, powerful rulers, and cultural contributions. This curated collection of General Knowledge questions and answers offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of this remarkable dynasty. Delve into key aspects, including its foundation by Chandragupta Maurya, Emperor Ashoka's transformative reign, and the intricate details of Mauryan governance, providing valuable insights into this influential period.
Here is top 15 Questions and answers about Mauryan Empire
1. Which of the following is NOT a major pillar of the Mauryan Empire's administrative structure?
a) Centralised administration
b) Military power
c) A rigid caste system
d) A sophisticated system of taxation and revenue collection
Answer: c) A rigid caste system
Explanation: While a caste system existed in ancient India during the Mauryan period, it was a social stratification that predated and existed independently of the Mauryan state's core administrative pillars. The Mauryan administration was primarily defined by its strong centralisation, powerful military, and an efficient system for collecting revenue and managing the empire.
2. Who is considered the founder of the Mauryan Empire?
a) Ashoka
b) Bindusara
c) Chandragupta Maurya
d) Chanakya
Answer: c) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya, with the strategic guidance of Chanakya, is credited with overthrowing the Nanda Dynasty and establishing the Mauryan Empire around 322 BCE.
3. What was the capital city of the Mauryan Empire?
a) Taxila
b) Ujjain
c) Pataliputra
d) Vaishali
Answer: c) Pataliputra
Explanation: Pataliputra, located near modern-day Patna in Bihar, was the grand and well-organised capital of the Mauryan Empire, known for its extensive administration.
Also Read: Gupta Empire: History, Governance, Economy & Decline: All You Need to Know
4. The book 'Arthashastra,' a treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, is attributed to which Mauryan-era figure?
a) Megasthenes
b) Patanjali
c) Chanakya (Kautilya)
d) Kalidasa
Answer: c) Chanakya (Kautilya)
Explanation: Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, was the chief advisor and strategist to Chandragupta Maurya. His work, the *Arthashastra*, is a foundational text on ancient Indian political science and economics, providing crucial insights into Mauryan governance.
5. Emperor Ashoka adopted Buddhism after which major war?
a) Battle of Hydaspes
b) Kalinga War
c) Battle of Plassey
d) Battle of Panipat
Answer: b) Kalinga War
Explanation: The Kalinga War (c. 261 BCE) was a pivotal event in Ashoka's life. The immense suffering and bloodshed he witnessed during this conquest led to his profound remorse and subsequent conversion to Buddhism, deeply influencing his reign thereafter.
6. The Lion Capital of Sarnath, which is India's national emblem, was originally part of a pillar erected by which Mauryan emperor?
a) Chandragupta Maurya
b) Bindusara
c) Ashoka
d) Brihadratha
Answer: c) Ashoka
Explanation: The Lion Capital of Sarnath is a famous example of Mauryan art and sculpture. It was originally a part of one of the many pillars erected by Emperor Ashoka throughout his empire to propagate his Dhamma (moral law) and Buddhist teachings.
7. Who was the Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya and authored the book 'Indika'?
a) Ptolemy
b) Seleucus I Nicator
c) Alexander the Great
d) Megasthenes
Answer: d) Megasthenes
Explanation: Megasthenes was an ambassador sent by Seleucus I Nicator (a successor of Alexander the Great) to the court of Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra. His work, 'Indika,' though surviving only in fragments quoted by later authors, provides invaluable information about Mauryan India.
8. Which Mauryan emperor was known by the title "Amitraghata" (Slayer of Enemies) in Greek accounts?
a) Chandragupta Maurya
b) Ashoka
c) Bindusara
d) Kunala
Answer: c) Bindusara
Explanation: Bindusara, the son of Chandragupta Maurya and father of Ashoka, was referred to as "Amitrochates" by Greek writers, which is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit title "Amitraghata," meaning "Slayer of Enemies."
9. The Mauryan administration was highly centralised. Who was at the apex of this administrative system?
a) The King
b) The Prime Minister
c) The Chief Priest
d) The Army Commander
Answer: a) The King
Explanation: The Mauryan Empire featured a highly centralised administrative structure where the emperor held supreme authority and was the ultimate decision-maker in all matters of the state.
10. What was the common material used for the famous Ashokan Pillars?
a) Wood
b) Bronze
c) Polished Chunar sandstone
d) Terracotta
Answer: c) Polished Chunar sandstone
Explanation: The Ashokan pillars are distinguished by their monolithic construction and their exceptionally smooth, mirror-like polish, primarily achieved by using Chunar sandstone, which was then finely finished.
11. What was the primary purpose of Ashoka's Dhamma policy?
a) To conquer more territories
b) To establish a new religion
c) To promote moral and ethical conduct among his subjects
d) To collect more taxes
Answer: c) To promote moral and ethical conduct among his subjects
Explanation: Ashoka's Dhamma was a universal code of conduct, emphasising principles like non-violence, respect for all religions, truthfulness, compassion, and welfare of all beings, rather than being a specific religious doctrine.
Also Read: Top GK Questions and Answers on History of India
12. Which Mauryan ruler abdicated his throne and is believed to have become a Jain ascetic?
a) Ashoka
b) Bindusara
c) Chandragupta Maurya
d) Samprati
Answer: c) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: According to Jain tradition, Chandragupta Maurya, towards the end of his life, renounced his kingship, embraced Jainism, and migrated to Shravanabelagola in Karnataka, where he performed Sallekhana (fasting unto death).
13. The Mauryan economy was primarily based on which sector?
a) Trade and commerce
b) Agriculture
c) Handicrafts
d) Mining
Answer: b) Agriculture
Explanation: Agriculture was the backbone of the Mauryan economy. The state maintained strict control over land, irrigation, and agricultural produce, collecting a significant portion of revenue from it.
14. What was the name of the last Mauryan emperor?
a) Devavarman
b) Salisuka
c) Brihadratha
d) Samprati
Answer: c) Brihadratha
Explanation: Brihadratha was the last ruler of the Mauryan Dynasty. He was assassinated by his own commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga, which led to the establishment of the Sunga Dynasty around 185 BCE.
15. What were 'Mahamattas' in the Mauryan administration?
a) Royal priests
b) High-ranking officials
c) Military commanders
d) Foreign ambassadors
Answer: b) High-ranking officials
Explanation: 'Mahamattas' were a class of high-ranking officers or superintendents who were in charge of various important departments and administrative functions within the vast Mauryan Empire.
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