The Mauryan Empire (c. 321–185 BCE) was the first pan-Indian empire and one of the largest empires of antiquity, unifying nearly the entire Indian subcontinent under a centralized bureaucratic administration. Founded by Chandragupta Maurya with the strategic counsel of Chanakya (Kautilya), the empire reached its territorial and cultural zenith under Ashoka the Great, who famously transformed state governance by embracing Buddhism and propagating Dhamma following the bloody Kalinga War. Marked by advanced administrative machinery, monumental stone architecture, rock-cut edicts, and extensive international trade, the Mauryan era left an indelible imprint on Indian statecraft, law, and global religious history.
1. Who was the Greek ambassador sent to the court of Chandragupta Maurya?
Correct Answer: b) Megasthenes
Explanation:
Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. He wrote the famous book 'Indica'.
2. Which ancient Indian text was authored by Chanakya (Kautilya)?
Correct Answer: c) Arthashastra
Explanation:
The Arthashastra, a comprehensive treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, was written by Kautilya, also known as Chanakya.
3. The Sanskrit play 'Mudrarakshasa' was written by which author?
Correct Answer: b) Vishakhadatta
Explanation:
Mudrarakshasa is a historical play in Sanskrit written by Vishakhadatta during the Gupta period, narrating the ascent of king Chandragupta Maurya to power.
4. Most of Ashoka's inscriptions were written in which language?
Correct Answer: b) Prakrit
Explanation:
The majority of Ashoka's edicts were written in Prakrit, the common language of the people, making them widely understandable.
5. Who successfully deciphered the Brahmi script used in Ashokan inscriptions in 1837?
Correct Answer: c) James Prinsep
Explanation:
James Prinsep, an officer in the mint of the East India Company, was the first scholar to decipher the Brahmi and Kharoshthi scripts.
6. Which of the following are the ancient Ceylonese (Sri Lankan) chronicles that provide information about the Mauryas?
Correct Answer: a) Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa
Explanation:
The Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa are ancient Sri Lankan Buddhist chronicles that detail Ashoka's role in spreading Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
7. What is the primary subject matter of Kautilya's Arthashastra?
Correct Answer: b) Principles of statecraft and administration
Explanation:
The Arthashastra is an ancient Indian manual on statecraft, political science, economic policy, and military strategy.
8. The central theme of the play 'Mudrarakshasa' is:
Correct Answer: b) The overthrow of the Nanda Dynasty by Chandragupta and Chanakya
Explanation:
Mudrarakshasa details the political maneuvering and diplomacy used by Chanakya to overthrow the Nandas and establish the Mauryan Empire.
9. The 'Ashokavadana', which glorifies Emperor Ashoka, is written in which language?
Correct Answer: c) Sanskrit
Explanation:
The Ashokavadana is an Indian Sanskrit-language text that describes the birth and reign of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka.
10. Which historical source famously, though erroneously, divided Indian society into seven occupational classes?
Correct Answer: b) Indica
Explanation:
Megasthenes in his book 'Indica' divided Indian society into seven classes based on occupation, misunderstanding the complex Indian caste (varna/jati) system.
11. Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire?
Correct Answer: c) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation:
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire in 322 BCE after overthrowing the Nanda Dynasty.
12. Chandragupta Maurya overthrew which dynasty to establish his empire?
Correct Answer: c) Nanda Dynasty
Explanation:
Chandragupta Maurya, with the help of his mentor Chanakya, overthrew the Nanda Dynasty to establish the Mauryan Empire.
13. Who was the last ruler of the Nanda Dynasty?
Correct Answer: b) Dhana Nanda
Explanation:
Dhana Nanda was the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty, whose unpopularity and oppressive taxation helped Chandragupta Maurya in overthrowing him.
14. Which Greek general did Chandragupta Maurya defeat in 305 BCE?
Correct Answer: b) Seleucus Nicator
Explanation:
Chandragupta Maurya defeated Seleucus I Nicator, a former general of Alexander, securing the northwestern frontiers of his empire.
15. What was the capital of the Mauryan Empire?
Correct Answer: c) Pataliputra
Explanation:
Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) served as the imperial capital of the Mauryan Empire.
16. Towards the end of his life, Chandragupta Maurya embraced which religion?
Correct Answer: b) Jainism
Explanation:
According to Jain tradition, Chandragupta Maurya abdicated his throne, embraced Jainism, and migrated to South India.
17. Chandragupta Maurya traveled to South India with which famous Jain saint?
Correct Answer: b) Bhadrabahu
Explanation:
Chandragupta Maurya migrated to Shravanabelagola in Karnataka along with the Jain saint Bhadrabahu during a severe famine.
18. By what name was Chandragupta Maurya known to the ancient Greeks?
Correct Answer: b) Sandrocottus
Explanation:
Greek scholars referred to Chandragupta Maurya as Sandrocottus or Androcottus in their historical accounts.
19. Which famous lake in Gujarat was constructed during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya?
Correct Answer: b) Sudarshana Lake
Explanation:
Sudarshana Lake in Saurashtra (Gujarat) was an artificial reservoir built by Pushyagupta, the provincial governor under Chandragupta Maurya.
20. Who was the provincial governor under Chandragupta Maurya responsible for building the Sudarshana Lake?
Correct Answer: c) Pushyagupta
Explanation:
Pushyagupta, the Vaishya governor of Saurashtra under Chandragupta Maurya, oversaw the construction of the Sudarshana Lake.
21. Who succeeded Chandragupta Maurya to the Mauryan throne?
Correct Answer: c) Bindusara
Explanation:
Bindusara, the son of Chandragupta Maurya, succeeded him to the throne around 297 BCE.
22. What title was given to Bindusara by the Greeks?
Correct Answer: c) Amitrochates
Explanation:
The Greeks called Bindusara 'Amitrochates', which is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Amitraghata'.
23. What does the title 'Amitraghata' mean?
Correct Answer: b) Slayer of foes
Explanation:
Amitraghata translates to 'slayer of enemies' or 'destroyer of foes', indicating Bindusara's military successes.
24. Which religious sect received the patronage of Bindusara?
Correct Answer: c) Ajivika
Explanation:
Unlike his father who favored Jainism, and his son Ashoka who favored Buddhism, Bindusara was deeply interested in the Ajivika sect.
25. Which Syrian king sent an ambassador to the court of Bindusara?
Correct Answer: a) Antiochus I
Explanation:
Antiochus I Soter, the Seleucid king of Syria, maintained diplomatic relations with Bindusara.
26. What was the name of the Syrian ambassador sent to Bindusara's court?
Correct Answer: b) Deimachus
Explanation:
Deimachus of Plataea was the Greek ambassador sent by Antiochus I to the Mauryan court during Bindusara's reign.
27. According to Greek sources, what did Bindusara request from the Syrian king Antiochus I?
Correct Answer: b) Sweet wine, dried figs, and a sophist
Explanation:
Bindusara requested sweet wine, dried figs, and a sophist (philosopher). Antiochus sent the wine and figs but stated that Greek law forbade the sale of a sophist.
28. During Bindusara's reign, a major revolt broke out in which city?
Correct Answer: c) Taxila
Explanation:
A significant rebellion against oppressive ministers occurred in Taxila (Takshashila) during the reign of Bindusara.
29. Who was sent by Bindusara to successfully suppress the revolt in Taxila?
Correct Answer: b) Ashoka
Explanation:
Prince Ashoka, who was then serving as the governor of Ujjain, was sent by his father Bindusara to quell the uprising in Taxila.
30. Who served as the Prime Minister during the reign of Bindusara and later assisted Ashoka?
Correct Answer: b) Radhagupta
Explanation:
Radhagupta was a key minister under Bindusara and played a crucial role in helping Ashoka secure the throne during the war of succession.
31. In which approximate year did Ashoka formally ascend the Mauryan throne?
Correct Answer: c) 268 BCE
Explanation:
Though Ashoka claimed power around 273 BCE, his formal coronation is believed to have taken place four years later in 268 BCE.
32. Which major war profoundly changed Ashoka's outlook on life and conquest?
Correct Answer: b) Kalinga War
Explanation:
The Kalinga War, characterized by massive bloodshed and suffering, filled Ashoka with remorse and led him to abandon military conquest in favor of 'Dhamma'.
33. In which year did the Kalinga War take place?
Correct Answer: a) 261 BCE
Explanation:
The Kalinga War was fought in 261 BCE, which corresponded to the eighth year of Ashoka's coronation.
34. Which of Ashoka's Rock Edicts provides a detailed account of the Kalinga War and his subsequent remorse?
Correct Answer: c) Major Rock Edict XIII
Explanation:
Major Rock Edict XIII describes the immense suffering caused by the Kalinga War and Ashoka's deep remorse and commitment to Dhamma.
35. By what titles did Ashoka predominantly refer to himself in his inscriptions?
Correct Answer: b) Devanampiya and Piyadasi
Explanation:
Ashoka used the titles 'Devanampiya' (Beloved of the Gods) and 'Piyadasi' (One who looks with affection) in almost all his edicts.
36. Which Minor Rock Edict explicitly mentions the name 'Ashoka' instead of just his titles?
Correct Answer: a) Maski
Explanation:
The Maski edict in Karnataka is famous for explicitly mentioning the personal name 'Ashoka' alongside his title 'Devanampiya'.
37. Following the Kalinga War, Ashoka converted to which religion?
Correct Answer: c) Buddhism
Explanation:
Moved by the destruction of the Kalinga War, Ashoka embraced Buddhism and became a lay worshiper (upasaka) before actively propagating it.
38. According to tradition, which Buddhist monk heavily influenced Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism?
Correct Answer: b) Upagupta
Explanation:
Buddhist traditions claim that a monk named Upagupta taught Ashoka and guided him on a pilgrimage to holy Buddhist sites.
39. During Ashoka's reign, the Third Buddhist Council was convened in which city?
Correct Answer: c) Pataliputra
Explanation:
The Third Buddhist Council was held at Pataliputra under the patronage of Ashoka to resolve disputes within the Buddhist Sangha.
40. Who presided over the Third Buddhist Council?
Correct Answer: c) Moggaliputta Tissa
Explanation:
Moggaliputta Tissa, a prominent Buddhist monk and scholar, presided over the Third Buddhist Council at Pataliputra.
41. To which country did Ashoka send his son and daughter as Buddhist missionaries?
Correct Answer: b) Sri Lanka (Ceylon)
Explanation:
Ashoka sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka to propagate Buddhism.
42. What were the names of Ashoka's son and daughter sent to Sri Lanka?
Correct Answer: c) Mahendra and Sanghamitra
Explanation:
Mahendra and Sanghamitra played a foundational role in establishing Buddhism in Sri Lanka, taking a sapling of the original Bodhi tree with them.
43. Ashoka's concept of 'Dhamma' is best described as:
Correct Answer: b) A moral code of conduct and social responsibility
Explanation:
Ashoka's Dhamma was not a particular religion but a broad ethical code emphasizing non-violence, respect for elders, tolerance, and social welfare.
44. Which special officers were appointed by Ashoka to spread and enforce the principles of Dhamma?
Correct Answer: c) Dhamma Mahamattas
Explanation:
Ashoka created a new cadre of officials called Dhamma Mahamattas to promote the ethical principles of Dhamma among his subjects.
45. Which Ashokan edict specifically mentions the appointment of Dhamma Mahamattas?
Correct Answer: a) Major Rock Edict V
Explanation:
Major Rock Edict V records the creation of the institution of Dhamma Mahamattas in the 14th year of Ashoka's reign.
46. Which script was predominantly used for Ashokan edicts located in eastern and central India?
Correct Answer: c) Brahmi
Explanation:
The Brahmi script, written from left to right, was used for the vast majority of Ashoka's inscriptions across the Indian subcontinent.
47. Which script was used for Ashokan edicts found in the north-western part of the subcontinent (modern Pakistan)?
Correct Answer: b) Kharoshthi
Explanation:
The Kharoshthi script, written from right to left, was used in the Shahbazgarhi and Mansehra rock edicts in the northwest.
48. A famous bilingual Ashokan edict, written in Greek and Aramaic, was discovered at:
Correct Answer: b) Kandahar
Explanation:
The Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription was written in Greek and Aramaic to cater to the diverse population living on the northwestern fringes of the empire.
49. Which pillar edict commemorates Ashoka's visit to the birthplace of Gautama Buddha?
Correct Answer: b) Rummindei Pillar
Explanation:
The Rummindei (Lumbini) Pillar Inscription commemorates Ashoka's pilgrimage to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha.
50. What economic concession did Ashoka grant to the village of Lumbini, as recorded in the Rummindei edict?
Correct Answer: b) Exemption from Bali and reduction of Bhaga to 1/8th
Explanation:
Ashoka made the village of Lumbini free of Bali (religious tribute) and reduced its land revenue (Bhaga) to one-eighth of the produce.
51. Which inscription serves as direct evidence of Ashoka's faith in the Buddhist Trinity (Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha)?
Correct Answer: a) Bhabru-Bairat Edict
Explanation:
In the Bhabru (or Bairat) Minor Rock Edict, Ashoka explicitly declares his faith in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.
52. Ashoka dedicated rock-cut caves to the monks of the Ajivika sect at which location?
Correct Answer: c) Barabar hills
Explanation:
Despite being a Buddhist, Ashoka practiced religious tolerance and donated the Sudama and Lomas Rishi caves in the Barabar hills to the Ajivika sect.
53. Who was the first king in Indian history to issue direct proclamations to his subjects via stone inscriptions?
Correct Answer: c) Ashoka
Explanation:
Ashoka was the first Indian ruler to communicate his policies and ideals directly to the public through extensive rock and pillar edicts.
54. Which of Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts prohibits animal slaughter and festive gatherings?
Correct Answer: a) Major Rock Edict I
Explanation:
Major Rock Edict I deals with the prohibition of animal sacrifice and discourages festive gatherings (samajas) that involved meat eating.
55. The concept of 'Dhamma Vijaya' (conquest by piety) replacing 'Bheri Ghosha' (sound of war drums) is outlined in:
Correct Answer: b) Major Rock Edict XIII
Explanation:
In Major Rock Edict XIII, Ashoka states that he considers Dhamma Vijaya (conquest by Dhamma) to be the most important conquest, replacing military conquest.
56. The Mauryan Empire was generally divided into how many major provinces during Ashoka's reign?
Correct Answer: c) Five
Explanation:
The empire was divided into five main provinces: Uttarapatha, Dakshinapatha, Avantiratha, Prachyapatha (central), and Kalinga (added by Ashoka).
57. What was the capital of the northern province (Uttarapatha) in the Mauryan Empire?
Correct Answer: b) Taxila
Explanation:
Taxila (Takshashila) served as the administrative capital of the northern province, Uttarapatha.
58. What was the capital of the western province (Avantiratha)?
Correct Answer: c) Ujjain
Explanation:
Ujjain was the capital of the western province of the Mauryan Empire.
59. The capital of the southern province (Dakshinapatha) was:
Correct Answer: b) Suvarnagiri
Explanation:
Suvarnagiri (meaning 'golden mountain') was the capital of the southern province.
60. Tosali was the provincial capital of which newly added Mauryan province?
Correct Answer: a) Kalinga
Explanation:
After Ashoka conquered Kalinga, Tosali was made the administrative headquarters of the new eastern province.
61. In the Mauryan administration, the central province was directly ruled by the Emperor from:
Correct Answer: c) Pataliputra
Explanation:
Pataliputra (Prachyapatha) was the imperial capital and the central province governed directly by the Emperor.
62. The highest ranking officials in the Mauryan administration, according to the Arthashastra, were known as:
Correct Answer: c) Tirthas
Explanation:
The Arthashastra refers to the highest state officials, analogous to modern cabinet ministers, as Tirthas.
63. How many Tirthas (chief ministers/officials) are mentioned in Kautilya's Arthashastra?
Correct Answer: b) 18
Explanation:
The Arthashastra outlines a highly centralized bureaucratic structure featuring 18 top-ranking officials known as Tirthas.
64. In the Mauryan administrative hierarchy, the Chief Minister and Chief Priest was called:
Correct Answer: b) Mantrin / Purohita
Explanation:
The Mantrin (Chief Minister) and Purohita (Chief Priest) were the most influential advisors to the Mauryan king.
65. The Commander-in-Chief of the Mauryan army was referred to as the:
Correct Answer: c) Senapati
Explanation:
The Senapati was the supreme commander of the military forces in the Mauryan administrative setup.
66. The Crown Prince in the Mauryan Empire was officially designated as:
Correct Answer: b) Yuvaraja
Explanation:
The heir apparent or Crown Prince was known as the Yuvaraja and often served as a provincial governor.
67. Who was the chief officer responsible for revenue collection in the Mauryan state?
Correct Answer: b) Samaharta
Explanation:
The Samaharta was the highest official in charge of assessing and collecting revenue from all parts of the empire.
68. Who acted as the Chief Treasurer or custodian of the state treasury and storehouses?
Correct Answer: b) Sannidhata
Explanation:
The Sannidhata was the Chief Treasurer, responsible for the safe custody of the state treasury (Kosha) and storehouses.
69. In Mauryan administration, the 'Panyadhyaksha' was the superintendent of:
Correct Answer: b) Commerce and Trade
Explanation:
The Panyadhyaksha oversaw commerce, regulating trade, markets, and the prices of goods.
70. The officer in charge of standardizing weights and measures was the:
Correct Answer: b) Pautavadhyaksha
Explanation:
The Pautavadhyaksha was the superintendent responsible for regulating and standardizing weights and measures.
71. The superintendent of agriculture, who managed state-owned agricultural lands, was called:
Correct Answer: a) Sitadhyaksha
Explanation:
The Sitadhyaksha managed the 'Sita' lands, which were agricultural lands directly owned and cultivated by the state.
72. What was the term used in the Arthashastra to describe crown lands or state-owned land?
Correct Answer: c) Sita
Explanation:
Sita referred to the land directly controlled by the state, the income from which went directly to the royal treasury.
73. The standard silver coin of the Mauryan Empire was known as:
Correct Answer: c) Pana
Explanation:
The Pana (or Karshapana) was a silver punch-marked coin that served as the standard currency of the Mauryan economy.
74. Associations or guilds of merchants and artisans during the Mauryan period were called:
Correct Answer: b) Shrenis
Explanation:
Shrenis were powerful guilds of merchants, artisans, and craftsmen that regulated trade and possessed significant economic autonomy.
75. Mauryan secret agents and spies were generally referred to as:
Correct Answer: c) Gudhapurushas
Explanation:
The Arthashastra places great emphasis on espionage, referring to secret agents and spies as Gudhapurushas (hidden men).
76. The two main categories of spies in the Mauryan intelligence system were:
Correct Answer: a) Sanstha and Sanchara
Explanation:
The spy network was divided into 'Sanstha' (stationary spies who operated under covers like students or monks) and 'Sanchara' (wandering spies).
77. According to Megasthenes, which occupational class constituted the majority of the Indian population?
Correct Answer: c) Farmers (Cultivators)
Explanation:
Megasthenes noted that farmers (husbandmen) formed the most numerous class among the seven classes he described.
78. Which prominent social institution of ancient India did Megasthenes explicitly state did NOT exist in India?
Correct Answer: b) Slavery
Explanation:
Megasthenes incorrectly asserted that slavery did not exist in India, likely because Indian slavery was much milder compared to the harsh Hellenistic slavery he was familiar with.
79. The famous Lion Capital, which serves as the National Emblem of India, was found at:
Correct Answer: b) Sarnath
Explanation:
The Lion Capital of Ashoka was excavated at Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon.
80. Which four animals are carved on the circular abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital?
Correct Answer: a) Lion, Elephant, Bull, Horse
Explanation:
The abacus features four galloping animals representing different stages of Buddha's life: the Lion, Elephant, Bull, and Horse.
81. The wheel (Chakra) carved on the abacus of the Sarnath capital has how many spokes?
Correct Answer: c) 24
Explanation:
The Ashoka Chakra features 24 spokes, representing the 24 hours of the day and the continuous progress of Dhamma. It is now at the center of the Indian flag.
82. The Government of India adopted the Sarnath Lion Capital as its National Emblem in which year?
Correct Answer: c) 1950
Explanation:
The Lion Capital of Ashoka was adopted as the State Emblem of India on January 26, 1950, the day India became a republic.
83. The monolithic Ashokan pillars were primarily crafted from which type of stone?
Correct Answer: c) Chunar sandstone
Explanation:
Most of Ashoka's pillars were made from a specific type of buff-colored sandstone quarried at Chunar, near Varanasi.
84. A hallmark of Mauryan stone art, particularly seen on Ashokan pillars, is:
Correct Answer: b) A highly polished, lustrous surface
Explanation:
Mauryan craftsmen achieved a remarkable, glass-like polish on sandstone, a distinct characteristic of Mauryan court art.
85. Which famous Buddhist monument in Madhya Pradesh was originally commissioned by Emperor Ashoka?
Correct Answer: c) Sanchi Stupa
Explanation:
The Great Stupa at Sanchi was originally built as a simple brick structure over the relics of the Buddha by Emperor Ashoka.
86. A famous life-size, highly polished sandstone statue of a Yakshi holding a chauri (fly-whisk) was found at:
Correct Answer: b) Didarganj (Patna)
Explanation:
The Didarganj Yakshi is one of the finest examples of Mauryan sculptural art, showcasing the characteristic Mauryan polish.
87. The oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India, carved during the Mauryan period, are the:
Correct Answer: c) Barabar Caves
Explanation:
The Barabar caves in Bihar, commissioned by Ashoka for the Ajivika ascetics, are the earliest surviving examples of rock-cut architecture in India.
88. The Sudama and Lomas Rishi caves are famous examples of architecture from which period?
Correct Answer: b) Mauryan period
Explanation:
Both the Sudama and Lomas Rishi caves belong to the Mauryan period and are located in the Barabar and Nagarjuni hills.
89. According to the Kashmiri chronicle Rajatarangini, which Mauryan emperor founded the city of Srinagar?
Correct Answer: c) Ashoka
Explanation:
Kalhana's Rajatarangini credits Ashoka with the founding of the city of Srinagar in Kashmir.
90. Who was the last emperor of the Mauryan Dynasty?
Correct Answer: c) Brihadratha
Explanation:
Brihadratha was the final Mauryan emperor, ruling a much-reduced empire until he was assassinated in 185 BCE.
91. The last Mauryan emperor, Brihadratha, was assassinated by his own commander-in-chief named:
Correct Answer: a) Pushyamitra Shunga
Explanation:
Pushyamitra Shunga, a Brahmin general, assassinated Brihadratha during a military parade and seized the throne.
92. In which year did the Mauryan Empire officially come to an end?
Correct Answer: b) 185 BCE
Explanation:
The assassination of Brihadratha in 185 BCE marks the definitive end of the Mauryan Empire.
93. Which dynasty succeeded the Mauryas in the region of Magadha?
Correct Answer: c) Shunga Dynasty
Explanation:
Pushyamitra Shunga established the Shunga Dynasty after ending the Mauryan rule.
94. Which of the following is considered a primary cause for the rapid decline of the Mauryan Empire after Ashoka?
Correct Answer: c) Weak successors and a sprawling, difficult-to-manage empire
Explanation:
Ashoka's successors were weak, and maintaining a highly centralized bureaucracy over a vast, diverse empire became administratively and financially unsustainable.
95. Which ancient Buddhist text provides accounts of Ashoka's life and a rebellion in Taxila during Bindusara's reign?
Correct Answer: b) Divyavadana
Explanation:
The Divyavadana is a Sanskrit Buddhist text that contains the Ashokavadana, offering rich narratives about Mauryan kings.
96. Who was the grandson of Ashoka who, according to Jain traditions, fervently patronized Jainism?
Correct Answer: b) Samprati
Explanation:
Samprati, a grandson of Ashoka, is celebrated in Jain texts as a great patron of Jainism, much like Ashoka was to Buddhism.
97. Which Mauryan king's name is found alongside Ashoka's in the cave inscriptions at the Nagarjuni hills?
Correct Answer: c) Dasharatha
Explanation:
Dasharatha, a grandson of Ashoka, issued inscriptions dedicating caves in the Nagarjuni hills (near Barabar) to the Ajivikas.
98. Emperor Dasharatha Maurya dedicated caves to which religious sect?
Correct Answer: c) Ajivikas
Explanation:
Following Ashoka's policy of religious tolerance, his successor Dasharatha dedicated caves to the Ajivika sect.
99. The concept of the state acting as a 'father' to its citizens, ensuring their welfare, is most famously expressed in which Ashokan edict?
Correct Answer: b) Kalinga Rock Edict (Separate Edicts)
Explanation:
In the Separate Kalinga Edicts, Ashoka famously declares, 'All men are my children', emphasizing a paternalistic and welfare-oriented approach to governance.
100. Which later ruler's inscription at Junagarh provides historical information regarding the Sudarshana Lake built during the Mauryan period?
Correct Answer: a) Rudradaman I
Explanation:
The Junagarh rock inscription of the Saka ruler Rudradaman I mentions that the Sudarshana Lake was constructed by Chandragupta Maurya's governor and later repaired by Ashoka's governor.
101. According to Megasthenes, the municipal administration of Pataliputra was managed by a commission consisting of how many members?
Correct Answer: c) 30 members divided into 6 committees
Explanation:
Megasthenes detailed that the city of Pataliputra was administered by a city council of 30 members, organized into 6 specialized committees of 5 members each.
