1. The First Indian Empire was established by:-
(a) Kanishka
(b) Harsh
(c) Chandra Gupta Maurya
(d) Samudragupta
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002,66th B.P.S.C. Re-Exam (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (c) Chandra Gupta Maurya
- Chandragupta Maurya was the first ruler to unite many small kingdoms into one.
- He made his empire stretch as far as what is now Iran.
- He was the first to bring India together politically.
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2. Which among the following is India’s oldest dynasty?
(a) Gupta
(b) Maurya
(c) Vardhana
(d) Kushana
[Uttarakhand Lower Sub. (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (b) Maurya
- Among the above options, the Mauryan dynasty is the oldest ruling dynasty in India.
- It started in 321 B.C. and ended in 184 B.C. It was founded by Chandragupta Maurya.
- After that, the Kushan, Gupta (from 275 to 550 CE) and Vardhana dynasties ruled.
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3. Chandragupta Maurya figures prominently in the book of –
(a) Bhasa
(b) Sudraka
(c) Vishakhadatta
(d) Ashvaghosha
[46th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (c) Vishakhadatta
- The book called “Mudrarakshasa” was written by Vishakhadatta, and it gives us a lot of details about the time when Chandragupta Maurya was in charge.
- Another person named Dhundiraja wrote a commentary on “Mudrarakshasa.” In this story, they say that Chandragupta is the son of Nandraja.
- In the book, they also describe Chandragupta as “Vrishal” and “Kulheen”
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4. Who recognized Sandrokottos as Chandra Gupta Maurya?
(a) William Jones
(b) V. Smith
(c) R. K. Mukherjee
(d) D. R. Bhandarkar
[48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (a) William Jones
- William Jones was the very first expert to realize that Sandrokottos was actually Chandra Gupta Maurya.
- Arrian and Plutarch also mentioned him as Androcottus.
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5. Who of the following mentions the meeting of Sandrocottus (Chandragupta Maurya) with Alexander, the Great?
(a) Pliny
(b) Justin
(c) Strabo
(d) Megasthenes
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (b) Justin
- Justin, a Greek writer, mentioned the meeting of Sandrocottus and Alexander the Great.
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6. Who was called ‘Sandrocottos’ by Justin, the Greek Writer?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Chandragupta I
(c) Chandragupta II
(d) Samudragupta
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (a) Chandragupta Maurya
- Chandragupta Maurya was known as Sandrokottos to Strabo, Sandrakottos to Pliny, Androkottos to Plutarch and Sandrocottus by Justin.
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7. Kautilya was prime minister of –
(a) Chandragupta Vikramaditya
(b) Ashoka
(c) Chandragupta Maurya
(d) King Janak
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2002, U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (c) Chandragupta Maurya
- Kautilya made a huge impact in setting up the Mauryan dynasty.
- He was also known as Vishnugupta and Chanakya.
- When Chandragupta Maurya was the emperor of a unified India, Kautilya was his Prime Minister, advisor, and chief priest.
- He was a pioneer in the field of political science and wrote the famous book “Arthashastra”, which is one of the oldest books about the political state of India.
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8. By which name was Chanakya known in his childhood?
(a) Ajaya
(b) Chanakya
(c) Vishnugupta
(d) Deo Gupta
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006, I.A.S. (Pre) 1993]
Ans. (c) Vishnugupta
- Sage Chanak gave his son the name Chanakya.
- Many scholars believe that the ancient Arthashastra was written by Chanakya.
- However, in one part of the book, it is mentioned that Chanakya’s real name was Vishnugupta.
- Therefore, Vishnugupta is the most likely answer to the question of what Chanakya’s childhood name was.
- Researcher Trobman believes that Chanakya or Kautilya was possibly the name of the author’s clan.
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9. The Arthashastra of Kautilya is a
(a) Play about Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Biography
(c) History of Chandragupta Maurya
(d) Book on Principles of Government
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012, 63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017]
Ans. (d) Book on Principles of Government
- Kautilya’s Arthashastra was a book about how the government worked during the Mauryan Kingdom.
- It contained the Saptang Theory, which listed the seven parts of the state: the King, the Minister, the Land, the Fortress, the Treasury, the Army, and the Allies.
- Arthashastra gave a lot of information about how the government and the farming system worked at the time.
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10. Which one of the following is the seventh part of the State according to Saptang’s Theory of State?
(a) Janapada
(b) Durga
(c) Mitra
(d) Kosha
[U.P.P.C.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (c) Mitra
- Saptang’s Theory of State states that Mitra (Ally) is the seventh part of the state.
- An Ally of the King is like the ear of the state.
- An Ally helps the King out in times of peace and war.
- Kautilya points out that it is better to have natural allies than ones that are fake.
- If a King has a friend who is greedy, lustful, and cowardly, it will lead to their ruin.
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11. Kautilya’s Arthashastra deals with the aspects of –
(a) Economic life
(b) Political policies
(c) Religious life
(d) Social life
[45th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2001]
Ans. (b) Political policies
- The Arthashastra provides lots of information about the Mauryan dynasty and its special political policies.
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12. Which of the following can be compared to the ‘Prince’ of Machiavelli?
(a) Kalidasa’s ‘Malavikagnimitram’
(b) Kautilya’s ‘Arthashastra’
(c) Vatsyayana’s ‘Kamasutra’
(d) Thiruvalluvar’s ‘Thirukkural’
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994]
Ans. (b) Kautilya’s ‘Arthashastra’
- Arthashastra is an extraordinary book about politics that is similar to Machiavelli’s “Prince”, a famous work by the Italian philosopher.
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13. Deimachus came to India during the reign of –
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Bindusara
(c) Ashoka
(d) Kanishka
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (b) Bindusara
- Strabo reported that the Syrian king Antiochus-Soter had his ambassador Deimachus travel to Bindusara’s court.
- He took the place of Megasthenes.
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14. Chandragupta’s palace situated at Pataliputra is mainly made up of –
(a) Bricks
(b) Stones
(c) Woods
(d) Clays
[41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996]
Ans. (c) Woods
- The ruins from the Mauryan era have been found in Bulandibagh and Kumrahar close to Patna (old Pataliputra).
- It is believed that Chandragupta Maurya’s palace was built of wood and the uncovering of these ruins was done by D.B. Spooner.
- During the excavation, the remains of a city wall from Bulandibagh and the remains of a palace from Kumhrar were found.
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15. Remains of which ancient city have been found at the Kumrahar site?
(a) Vaishali
(b) Pataliputra
(c) Kapilavastu
(d) Shravasti
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011]
Ans. (b) Pataliputra
- Archaeologists have found evidence of the Mauryan period in Bulandi Bagh and Kumrahar near Patna.
- It is believed that the palace of Chandragupta Maurya was made of wood.
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16. Bulandi Bagh was the ancient site of :
(a) Kapilavastu
(b) Pataliputra
(c) Vaishali
(d) Varanasi
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008]
Ans. (b) Pataliputra
- Archaeologists have discovered artifacts from the Mauryan period in Bulandi bagh and Kumrahar, two places near the ancient city of Pataliputra.
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17. Who amongst the following Mauryan rulers did conquer the Deccan?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Chandragupta
(c) Bindusara
(d) Kunala
[46th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (c) Bindusara
- Chandragupta ruled for about 25 years and then he gave up his throne to his son Bindusara.
- The Greeks called Bindusara “Amitraghata,” which means Slayer of Enemies.
- Some scholars believe that Bindusara conquered the Deccan region up to Mysore.
- He conquered 16 states, which were located between two seas, as confirmed by Taranatha, a Tibetan monk.
- According to the Sangam Literature, the Mauryan Empire extended as far as the southern regions.
- So, during Bindusara’s rule, the Mauryan dynasty included almost the entire India, except for a small part of unexplored areas near Kalinga (Odisha) and the kingdoms in the far south.
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18. Who was the first king to conquer Malwa, Gujarat, and Maharashtra?
(a) Harsh
(b) Skandgupta
(c) Vikramaditya
(d) Chandragupta Maurya
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991]
Ans. (d) Chandragupta Maurya
- Chandragupta Maurya was the leader who made India one country.
- His power spread from the Beas River to the Indus River.
- Rudradaman’s writing showed that Chandragupta was the ruler of Western India.
- The Mauryan Empire included Bengal, Assam, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Nepal, and the Deccan Plateau.
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19. The Inscription which proves Chandragupta’s sway over Western India is:
(a) Kalinga Rock Inscription
(b) Girnar Rock Inscription of Ashoka
(c) Junagarh Rock Inscription of Rudradaman
(d) Sopara Rock Inscription of Ashoka
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996, 39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994, U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010]
Ans. (c) Junagarh Rock Inscription of Rudradaman
- The Junagarh rock inscription of Rudradaman shows that Pushya Gupta, the Mauryan provincial governor, built an irrigation dam.
- This proves that the western part of India was once part of the Mauryan Empire.
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20. In which of the following metals do the Karddamaka Kshatrapas issue very rare coins?
(a) Copper
(b) Silver
(c) Potin
(d) Gold
[U.P.B.E.O. (Pre.) 2019]
Ans. (a) Copper
- The coins issued by the Karddamaka ruler can be divided into two parts.
- One is silver coins, which were common during the time of the Kshatrapas.
- The other is potin coins.
- Chastana, the Karddamaka ruler, released both silver and copper coins.
- The correct answer to the question about rare coins is copper, as copper coins were not often used during the Karddamaka rule.
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21. Which Indian king defeated Seleucus, the administrator of Sindh and Afghanistan appointed by Alexander –
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Ashok
(c) Bindusara
(d) Chandragupta
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (d) Chandragupta
- Chandragupta Maurya won against the army of Seleucus, who was the ruler of the eastern part of the Macedonian kingdom, in 305 BC.
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22. In which year Chandragupta Maurya had defeated Seleucus?
(a) 317 B.C.
(b) 315 B.C.
(c) 305 B.C.
(d) 300 B.C.
[U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2014]
Ans. (c) 305 B.C.
- Chandragupta Maurya won against the army of Seleucus, who was the ruler of the eastern part of the Macedonian kingdom, in 305 BC.
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23. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the codes given below :
List-I List-II
|
Samudra Gupta’s
Contemporary Kings
|
Their Kingdoms |
| A. Dhananjaya |
1. Avamukta |
| B. Nilaraja |
2. Kanchi |
| C. Ugrasena |
3. Kushalpura |
| D. Vishnugopa |
4. Palaka |
Codes :
A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4
(b) 2 1 4 3
(c) 3 1 4 2
(d) 4 3 2 1
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (c) 3 1 4 2
- The correctly matched list is as follows –
| List-I |
List-II |
| Samudra Gupta’s Contemporary Kings |
Their Kingdoms |
| A. Dhananjaya |
Kushalpura |
| B. Nilaraja |
Avamukta |
| C. Ugrasena |
Palaka |
| D. Vishnugopa |
Kanchi |
|
24. Who established ‘Rajdharma’ on the triplex bases of longanimity, liberty, and compassion?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Akbar
(c) Ranjit Singh
(d) Shivaji
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993]
Ans. (a) Ashoka
- Ashoka shared a practical set of rules, called ‘Dhamma Niti’.
- His ‘Dhamma’ was based on ethical principles that were meant to benefit all people, not just one community.
- The three key principles were Longanimity, liberty, and compassion.
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25. Which one territory of the following was not a part of Ashoka’s empire?
(a) Afghanistan
(b) Bihar
(c) Sri Lanka
(d) Kalinga
[42nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (c) Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka was not part of the kingdom ruled by Ashoka.
- The second inscription of Ashoka said that Chola, Pandayas, Sattiyaputta, Keralaputta, and Tamraparni (Sri Lanka) were not part of the Mauryan Empire.
- Therefore they were called edge states.
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26. Ashoka won the Avanti Maharaj pad and merged into the Mauryan empire during Bindusara’s rule. What text does it refer to?
(a) Samant Pasadika of Buddha Ghosh
(b) Arthashastra of Kautilya
(c) Ashtadhyayi of Panini
(d) Mahabhashya of Patanjali
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2020]
Ans (a) Samant Pasadika of Buddha Ghosh
- Ashoka conquered the Avanti Mahajanpad and added it to the Mauryan empire while his father Bindusara was in charge.
- This is recorded in the Samant Pasadika by Buddha Ghosh.
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27. In which of the following inscriptions of Ashoka, mention has been made of South Indian kingdoms?
(a) Third Major Rock Edict
(b) Second Major Rock Edict
(c) Ninth Major Rock Edict
(d) First Pillar Inscription
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016]
Ans. (b) Second Major Rock Edict
- Ashoka had 14 important rock edicts.
- The second one mentions the Pandyas, Sattiyaputta, Keralputta, and Tamraparni kingdoms of the south of India.
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28. India’s first hospital and herbal gardens were built by?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Chandragupta Maurya
(c) Lord Mahavir
(d) Dhanvantari
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Mains) 2015]
Ans. (a) Ashoka
- Ashoka constructed India’s first hospital and herbal garden.
- He built hospitals, parks, and gardens to cultivate medical herbs.
- He also had wells dug and trees planted for shade and started a ministry to care for the native and minority people of India.
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29. “In spite of being Buddhist, Ashoka did not leave belief in Hinduism” Validation of this fact is:–
(a) Pilgrims
(b) Belief in Moksha
(c) Epithet of “Devanampriya.”
(d) establishment of veterinary hospitals
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999]
Ans. (c) Epithet of “Devanampriya.”
- Ashoka became king in 269 B.C.
- His inscriptions named him ‘Devanampriya’ and ‘Devanam Priyadarshi’, meaning he was loved by the Gods and good-looking.
- This showed his faith in the Hindu religion.
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30. Which of the following sources mention the occurrence of the third Buddhist Council during the reign of Ashoka:
1. Inscriptions of Ashoka
2. Dipavamsa
3. Mahavamsa
4. Divyavadana
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2
(b) 2, 3
(c) 3, 4
(d) 1, 4
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999]
Ans. (b) 2, 3
- The two Sinhalese folk tales, “Dipavamsa” and “Mahavamsa”, say that the Third Buddhist Council was held in Pataliputra during the time when Ashoka was the ruler.
- The leader of this Buddhist Council was Moggaliputta Tissa.
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31. A Buddhist Council during the reign of Ashoka was held at –
(a) Magadha
(b) Pataliputra
(c) Samastipur
(d) Rajgriha
[45th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2001]
Ans. (b) Pataliputra
- The Maurya Dynasty’s Ashoka held a meeting at Patliputra in 250 BCE.
- It was run by Moggaliputta Tissa.
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32. The following Mauryan rulers were followers of Buddhism –
1. Chandragupta 2. Ashoka
3. Bindusara 4. Dasaratha
Select the correct answer –
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4
(e) 1 and 3
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (d) 2 and 4
- Ashoka and his grandson Dasaratha were both Buddhists.
- Dasaratha also took on the same title as his grandfather Ashoka, which was “Devanama”.
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33. Rajjuka’s were:
(a) Traders in the Chola Kingdom
(b) Officers in the Mauryan administration
(c) Feudal Lords in the Gupta Empire
(d) Soldiers in the Saka army
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996]
Ans. (b) Officers in the Mauryan administration
- The edicts of Ashoka mentioned people called Rajjukas.
- These were officials responsible for judicial functions with assessment duties.
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34. What was “Sarthwah”?
(a) Brokers
(b) Convoy of Merchants
(c) Moneylender
(d) Pilgrims
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008]
Ans. (b) Convoy of Merchants
- The group of traders was referred to as Sarthwah, which was mentioned in Kautilya’s “Arthashastra”.
|
35. Which one of the following officials was not a part of the Mauryan administration?
(a) Agraharika
(b) Yukta
(c) Pradeshika
(d) Rajjuka
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (a) Agraharika
- From Ashoka’s edicts, the names of several officials were discovered.
- The third edict mentioned three such officials – Yukta, Rajjuka, and Pradeshika.
- Yukta was responsible for collecting taxes in districts, Rajjuka were surveyors in rural areas, and Pradeshika were the highest officials of divisions, similar to modern-day commissioners.
- They also did judicial work.
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36. Sarnath Pillar was built by –
(a) Harshavardhana
(b) Ashoka
(c) Gautam Buddha
(d) Kanishka
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (b) Ashoka
- The Sarnath Pillar was built by Ashoka.
- It has a lion on top, which is a symbol of strength and was adopted by India as its national emblem.
- These pillars are a great example of Mauryan architecture, made out of sandstone from Chunar.
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37. Which one of the following is considered the best Stupa?
(a) Amravati
(b) Bharhut
(c) Sanchi
(d) Sarnath
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008]
Ans. (c) Sanchi
- The Stupa of Sanchi in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, built by Ashoka in 3rd century B.C., and is considered the best in terms of architecture.
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38. Who of the following rulers constructed the ‘Sanchi Stupa’?
(a) Bimbisara
(b) Ashoka
(c) Harshavardhana
(d) Pusyamitra
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991, M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995, M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2006, M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (b) Ashoka
- The Bharhut Stupa is located in Satna district of Madhya Pradesh and it was discovered by Alexander Cunningham.
- The Amravati Stupa is on the right side of the Krishna River in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh and Lord Mackenzie discovered it in 1797.
- The Dhamekh Stupa in Varanasi is from the Gupta period and was built on a flat plain.
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39. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below :
List-I (Place) List-II (Monuments/Ruins)
| A. Kaushambi |
1. Dhamek Stupa |
| B. Kushinagar |
2. Ghositarama Monastery |
| C. Sarnath |
3. Ranabhar Stupa |
| D. Shravasti |
4. Sahet-Mahet |
Code :
A B C D
(a) 2 1 3 4
(b) 4 3 2 1
(c) 2 3 1 4
(d) 4 2 1 3
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010]
Ans. (c) 2 3 1 4
- The correctly matched list is as follows :
| List-I (Place) |
List-II (Monuments/Ruins) |
| A. Kaushambi |
Ghositarama Monastery |
| B. Kushinagar |
Ranabhar Stupa |
| C. Sarnath |
Dhamek Stupa |
| D. Shravasti |
Sahet-Mahet |
|
40. Who among the following had made Varanasi his second capital?
(a) Ajatshatru
(b) Kalashok
(c) Mahapadmanand
(d) Shishunag
[U.P. P.C.S. (GIC) 2017]
Ans. (d) Shishunag
- In the 6th century BC, Varanasi was the capital of Kashi Mahajanapada.
- Bimbisara, the ruler of the Haryank dynasty, got Kashi as a wedding gift when he married Mahakoshala, the sister of the Kosala king Prasenjit.
- Shishunag later made Girivraj his main capital and appointed his son as the Deputy king of Varanasi.
- It is not known for certain if Varanasi was made Shishunag’s second capital.
- The correct option is (d).
|
41. In the course of the pilgrimage, Emperor Ashoka visited the following places. Which route did he follow?
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
- Gaya
- Kapilavastu
- Kushinagar
- Lumbini
- Sarnath
- Shravasti
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
(b) 1, 3, 4, 2, 5 and 6
(c) 4, 5, 6, 3, 2 and 1
(d) 4, 2, 1, 5, 3 and 6
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999]
Ans. (d) 4, 2, 1, 5, 3 and 6
- After becoming a Buddhist, Ashoka stopped hunting and began to make pilgrimages.
- Ten years after he was crowned king, he went to Bodhgaya and twenty years later he visited Rummandai.
- Vincent Arthur Smith, a historian, wrote in his book Indian Legends of Ashoka that Ashoka made a journey (dhamma yatra) in the following order – Lumbini, Kapilvastu, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Shravasti.
|
42. The language used in the inscriptions of Ashoka is?
(a) Sanskrit
(b) Prakrit
(c) Pali
(d) Hindi
[44th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000]
Ans. (b) Prakrit
- Ashoka’s inscriptions tell us about his history.
- They are divided into three categories: rock inscriptions found in 8 different places, column inscriptions, and cave inscriptions.
- Most of the inscriptions are written in the Prakrit language and Brahmi script.
- Only two inscriptions, Shahbajgarhi and Mansehra are in the Kharoshti script.
- One ruined inscription, written in Aramaic script, was found in Taxila.
- Shar-i-Kuna (Kandhar Inscription) is in the bilingual (Greek-Aramaic) script while one Aramaic script of Ashokan inscription was obtained from Laghman.
|
43. Which one of the following Ashokan inscriptions is in the “Kharosthi” script?
(a) Khalsi
(b) Girnar
(c) Shahbazgarhi
(d) Meerut
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (c) Shahbazgarhi
- Only two inscriptions, Shahbazgarhi and Mansehra are in the Kharosthi script.
|
44. The earliest inscription on the stone was in which language?
(a) Pali
(b) Sanskrit
(c) Prakrit
(d) Brahmi
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009]
Ans. (c) Prakrit
- Most of the inscriptions are written in the Prakrit language and Brahmi script.
|
45. Ashokan inscriptions in the north-western part of the Mauryan Empire near Peshawar were in:
(a) Brahmi Script
(b) Aramaic Script
(c) Devanagari Script
(d) Kharosthi Script
[Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021]
Ans. (d) Kharosthi Script
- The majority of Ashoka’s inscriptions are in the Parkrit language and written in the Brahmi script.
- The only two inscriptions that are different are the Shahbajagarhi and Manshera near Peshawar, Pakistan which are written in the Kharoshthi.
|
46. Which one of the following scripts of ancient India was written from right to left?
(a) Brahmi
(b) Sharada
(c) Kharosthi
(d) Nandanagari
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2019m I.A.S. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (c) Kharosthi
- Kharosthi Script is an old writing system used by the old Gandhara people who lived in parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- It was a cursive style of writing that went from right to left.
|
47. The Brahmi script was first deciphered by letters inscribed on –
(a) Stone tablets
(b) Seal
(c) Pillars
(d) Coins
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008]
Ans. (a) Stone tablets
- Sir James Prinsep was able to figure out how to read the Brahmi script found on stone tablets.
- He was the first to do so and, therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
|
48. Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?
(a) George Buhler
(b) James Prinsep
(c) Max Muller
(d) William Jones
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2016, U.P.P.C.S. (GIC) 2010, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006, I.A.S. (Pre) 1993, Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2003, U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008, 48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (b) James Prinsep
- Sir James Prinsep was the first person to be able to understand the Brahmi script, which was written on stone tablets.
- He accomplished the task of decoding the script of the Ashokan inscription.
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49. Pre-Ashokan Brahmi script was found at :
(a) Nagarjunakonda
(b) Anuradhapura
(c) Brahmagiri
(d) Maski
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (b) Anuradhapura
- In Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, Pre-Ashokan Brahmi writing was discovered.
- The three places where this old script was found are Piparaha, Sohgoura, and Mahasthan.
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50. The name by which Ashoka is referred to his inscriptions is :
(a) Chakravarti
(b) Dharmadeva
(c) Dharmakirti
(d) Priyadarshi
[65th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2019, I.A.S. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (d) Priyadarshi
- Ashoka is known by the names “Priyadarshi” and “Devanampiya Piyadasi”, which mean “Loved by the Gods”.
- He is also referred to as “Ashok Vardhan” in puranas.
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51. Which of the kings has been mentioned as ‘Piyadassi’ and ‘Devanampriya’ in inscriptions?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Ashoka
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Harshavardhana
[M.P.P. C.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (b) Ashoka
- Inscription calls him “Priyadarshi” or “Devanampiya Piyadasi” which means “Loved by the Gods”.
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52. Which one of the following statements regarding Ashokan stone pillars is incorrect?
(a) These are highly polished
(b) These are monolithic
(c) The shaft of pillars is tapering in shape
(d) These are parts of architectural structures
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (d) These are parts of architectural structures
- Ashokan stone pillars are not part of any architectural structures, they are separate sculptures.
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53. Which one of the following edicts mentions the personal name of Ashoka?
(a) Kalsi
(b) Rummindei
(c) Special Kalinga Edict
(d) Maski
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (d) Maski
- The history of Ashok is mostly found in his inscriptions.
- 40+ edicts from Ashok have been found.
- His name is written in edicts from Gujarra, Maski, Nettur, and Udgolam.
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54. In which of the following inscriptions the name of ‘Ashoka’ has been mentioned?
(a) Bhabru Edict
(b) Rock Edict XIII
(c) Rummindei Pillar Inscription
(d) Minor Rock Edict of Maski
[R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2007]
Ans. (d) Minor Rock Edict of Maski
- Ashoka’s personal name is mentioned in inscriptions found in Gujarra, Maski, Nettur, and Udgolam.
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55. Which one of the following inscriptions contains the name of Ashoka?
(a) Gujarra
(b) Ahraura
(c) Brahmagiri
(d) Sarnath
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (a) Gujarra
- Ashoka’s personal name is mentioned in inscriptions found in Gujarra, Maski, Nettur, and Udgolam.
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56. The Rummindei Pillar of Ashoka was put up to mark –
(a) Birth of Buddha
(b) Enlightenment of Buddha
(c) First Sermon of Buddha
(d) Demise of Buddha
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008]
Ans. (a) Birth of Buddha
- In the twentieth year of his coronation, Ashoka went to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.
- He put up a pillar and some stone structures there to honor this special place.
- He also stopped the religious taxes in Lumbini and lowered the amount of land revenue from one-sixth to one-eighth.
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57. Which of the following is not correctly matched?
(a) Kumargupta I: Mandsore Inscription
(b) Patika: Takshila Inscription
(c) Prabhavatigupta: Udaigiri Cave Inscription
(d) Samudragupta: Erana Inscription
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017]
Ans. (c) Prabhavatigupta: Udaigiri Cave Inscription
- No records of Prabhavati Gupta have been discovered in the Udaigiri caves.
- All the other choices are correctly connected.
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58. The Gujarra minor rock edict, in which the name of Ashoka is mentioned, is located in
(a) Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh
(b) Datia district of Madhya Pradesh
(c) Jaipur district of Rajasthan
(d) Champaran district of Bihar
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (b) Datia district of Madhya Pradesh
- The Gujarra minor rock edict in Datia district, Madhya Pradesh has a mention of Ashoka’s name.
- It was placed along the main road connecting Ujjain and Bharuch.
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59. The only pillar on which Ashoka declares himself as the emperor of Magadha –
(a) Minor pillar of Maski
(b) Rummindei pillar
(c) Queen pillar
(d) Bhabru pillar
[39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994]
Ans. (d) Bhabru pillar
- The Bhabru inscription shows that Ashoka was a Buddhist.
- He also referred to himself as the king of Magadha in the same inscription using the name ‘Piyadasi Raja’ Magadha.
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60. Kalsi is famous for –
(a) Buddhist Chaityas
(b) Persian Coins
(c) Rock edicts of Ashoka
(d) Temples of the Gupta period
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (c) Rock edicts of Ashoka
- Kalsi is a place in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
- It is known for the ancient Ashokan carvings on a rock.
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61. Where in Uttarakhand, was a copy of Emperor Ashok’s Rock Edicts discovered?
(a) Nainital
(b) Pauri
(c) Tehri
(d) Kalsi (Dehradun District)
[Uttrakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2007]
Ans. (d) Kalsi (Dehradun District)
- Kalsi is found in the Dehradun part of Uttarakhand.
- It is well-known for the Ashokan rock inscription.
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62. In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka?
(a) Kanganahalli
(b) Sanchi
(c) Shahbazgarhi
(d) Sohgaura
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (a) Kanganahalli
- The Kanganahalli Buddha stupa is situated near the Bhima River in Gulbarga district in Karnataka.
- There is a stone sculpture of King Ashoka and his Queen with the words ‘Ranya Ashoka’ inscribed below them.
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63. Which Ashokan Rock Edict describes the victory and injuries of the Kalinga War?
(a) Rock edict I
(b) Rock edict II
(c) Rock edict XII
(d) Rock edict XIII
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1998]
Ans. (d) Rock edict XIII
- Ashoka’s victory in the Kalinga War was the most important part of his reign.
- The 13th rock edict proves that the war happened.
- It says that King Piyadasi (Ashoka) won Kalinga eight years after becoming king.
- He wrote this edict to express his regret for conquering Kalinga in 261 B.C.
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64. The accounts of the Kalinga War are known to us by the
(a) Rock Edict-XIII
(b) Rummindei Pillar Inscription
(c) Accounts of Hiuen Tsang
(d) Minor Rock Edict-I
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (a) Rock Edict-XIII
- The Kalinga War and its victory was the most important event of Ashoka’s rule.
- His 13th rock edict provides proof of this war.
|
65. Which of the following Ashokan inscriptions is devoted to the principle of religious tolerance completely?
(a) Rock edict XIII
(b) Rock edict XII
(c) Pillar inscription VII
(d) Bhabru minor rock edict
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (b) Rock edict XII
- In Ashoka’s 12th major rock edict, he declared that all religions should be tolerant and should have freedom to grow (declaration of religious longanimity).
|
66. Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription?
“Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.”
(a) Ashoka
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Harshavardhana
(d) Krishnadeva Raya
[I.A.S. (Pre.) 2020]
Ans. (a) Ashoka
- Ashoka was a leader in India who belonged to the Maurya family, and who was in charge of most of India from 273 BCE to 232 BCE.
- The mentioned statement is found on his 12th major Rock Edict of Ashoka about religious harmony.
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67. The central point in Ashoka’s Dhamma is -:
(a) loyalty to the king
(b) peace and non-violence
(c) respect to elders
(d) religious toleration
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017]
Ans. (e) None of the above/More than one of the above
- Ashoka’s Dhamma was focused on peace, non-violence, and religious toleration.
- In his 12th rock edict, he asked people to be kind to everyone and allow different beliefs to grow.
- Therefore, option (e) is the correct answer.
|
68. The Asokan major rock edicts tell us about the Sangam Kingdom includes rock edicts :
(a) I and X
(b) I and XI
(c) II and XIII
(d) II and XIV
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1998]
Ans. (c) II and XIII
- Ashoka’s Rock Edict II and XIII tell us about the Sangam kingdom, which included the Chola, Pandya, Satiyaputta and Kerelaputta, as well as the island of Tamraparni (Sri Lanka).
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69. Which of the following South Kingdoms is not mentioned in the Ashokan inscriptions?
(a) Chola
(b) Pandya
(c) Satiyaputta
(d) Satavahana
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005]
Ans. (d) Satavahana
- The Ashoka’s Rock Edict II and XIII tell us about the Sangam kingdom, which included the Chola, Pandya, Satiyaputta and Kerelaputta, as well as the island of Tamraparni (Sri Lanka).
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70. With reference to the Satavahana Rulers which of the following statement/s is/are true?
1. The Satavahana Kings were the nurturers of the Prakrit language.
2. Public aspect of the arts got more encouragement during the Satavahana period.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Codes
(a) Only 1
(b) Both 1 and 2
(c) Only 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021]
Ans. (b) Both 1 and 2
- The Satavahana rulers preferred Prakrit over Sanskrit.
- Information from political documents shows that Sanskrit literature was not used much. During the Satavahana period, public art and architecture were given more support.
- Many sculptures and other forms of art from this era were related to Buddhism.
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71. Which of the following inscriptions of Ashoka bans animal sacrifice on certain festive gatherings, that probably included a ban on animal killing as well?
(a) Rock Edict I
(b) Pillar Edict V
(c) Rock Edict IX
(d) Rock Edict XI
[R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2013]
Ans. (b) Pillar Edict V
- King Ashok declared in 1st rock eddit that no living beings should be killed or sacrificed.
- Before, in the king’s kitchen, a lot of animals were slaughtered every day for meat.
- But now, only three creatures – two peacocks and a deer – are killed, and in the future even these three won’t be killed.
- According to 5th Pillar edict, he also said that parrots, mainas, arumna, ruddy geese, and fish must not be sold or harmed on certain festive gatherings.
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72. Ptolemy Philadelphus who had diplomatic relations with Ashoka, was king of:
(a) Cyron
(b) Egypt
(c) Macedonia
(d) Syria
[U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (b) Egypt
- The 13th inscription written by Ashoka suggests that he had a friendly relationship with five foreign kings:
- Antiochus II Theos (Syria)
- Ptolemy II Philadelphus (Egypt)
- Antigonus Gonatas (Macedonia)
- The ruler of Cyrene
- Alexander Epirus (Epirus).
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73. Turamaya, a contemporary of Ashoka was the ruler of –
(a) Egypt
(b) Corinth
(c) Macedonia
(d) Syria
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (a) Egypt
- Ashoka’s 13th inscription shows that he had a friendly relationship with five Yavana kings:
- Antiochus II Theos of Syria
- Turmaya or Turamaya (Ptolemy II Philadelphus – The ruler of Egypt)
- Antigonus Gonatas of Macedonia
- The ruler of Cyrene
- Alexander Epirus, the king of Epirus.
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74. Rulers of which of the following dynasties had diplomatic relations with distant countries like Syria and Egypt?
(a) Chola
(b) Gupta
(c) Maurya
(d) Pallavas
[U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010]
Ans. (c) Maurya
- Ashoka’s 13th inscription shows that he had a friendly relationship with five Yavana kings:
- Antiochus II Theos of Syria
- Turmaya or Turamaya (Ptolemy II Philadelphus – The ruler of Egypt)
- Antigonus Gonatas of Macedonia
- The ruler of Cyrene
- Alexander Epirus, the king of Epirus.
|
75. Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve food grains to be utilized during the crisis in the country?
(a) Sohgavra Copper-plate
(b) Rummindei Pillar -edict of Asoka
(c) Prayaga-Prasasti
(d) Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1998]
Ans. (a) Sohgavra Copper-plate
- The oldest known record of copper, called the Sohgaura, is from the Mauryan era and talks about the first royal order to store food to deal with famine.
- Another inscription, the Mahasthan inscription from the Bogra district, also mentions relief provided during a famine.
|
76. Assertion (A): Ashoka annexed Kalinga to the Mauryan Empire.
Reason (R): Kalinga controlled the land and sea routes to South India.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Code :
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
- Ashoka invaded Kalinga for both political and economic reasons.
- Kalinga was located between the north and south, and the people of Kalinga held control of the Indian Ocean and overseas trade, preventing Magadhan merchants from using the eastern sea routes.
- Additionally, Kalinga had control of the land routes from the Gangetic valley to the Deccan, which would have affected Magadha’s overseas and land trades if Kalinga was independent.
- Therefore, Ashoka had to invade Kalinga for the Mauryan dynasty, making both the assertion and reason correct.
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77. Assertion (A): The Mauryan kings did not bestow land grants on a religious basis.
Reason (R): The peasants revolted against land grants.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
Code :
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
- The oldest written evidence of land being given in India based on religion is found in the writing of Satavahana.
- The Mauryan rulers did not give out any land because of religion.
- There is no information about peasants rebelling against land being given out.
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78. In which inscription, Kalinga’s victory is mentioned?
(a) Maski Inscription
(b) Rudradaman Inscription
(c) Junagarh Inscription
(d) Hathigumpha Inscription
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[66th B.P.S.C. Re-Exam (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (e) None of the above/More than one of the above
- Ashoka’s Rock Edict Number 13th talks about the Kalinga Victory.
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79. In the Mauryan period, tax evasion was punished with –
(a) Death
(b) Confiscation of goods
(c) Imprisonment
(d) None of the above
[Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (a) Death
- In Magesthenes’ book ‘Indica’, the way Pataliputra town was run is described.
- It was managed by a 30-person council which was divided into 6 committees, each having 5 members.
- The 6th committee was responsible for collecting sales taxes from the citizens, who had to pay 10% of their earnings.
- People who didn’t pay the taxes were punished with death.
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80. Famous Greek ambassador Megasthenes came to the court of which emperor?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Harsha Vardhana
(c) Chandragupta Maurya
(d) None of the above
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (c) Chandragupta Maurya
- Megasthenes was a Greek historian who visited India in the fourth century B.C. as an envoy of Seleucus Nicator.
- He resided in the court of Chandragupta Maurya and wrote about life in India at that time and Chandragupta’s rule in a book called “Indica.”
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81. Megasthenes was the ambassador of -:
(a) Seleucus
(b) Alexander
(c) Darius
(d) the Greeks
(e) None of the above/ More than one of the above
[63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017]
Ans. (a) Seleucus
- Megasthenes was a Greek historian who visited India in the 4th century BC as an ambassador of Seleucus Nicator.
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82. During whose rule did Megasthenes come to India?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Harshvardhan
(c) Chandragupta Maurya
(d) Kumaragupta
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017]
Ans. (c) Chandragupta Maurya
- Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Maurya Empire, a geographically-extensive empire based in Magadha. He reigned from 320 BCE to 298 BCE.
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83. In how many categories did Megasthenes divide the Indian Society?
(a) Four
(b) Five
(c) Six
(d) Seven
[46th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (d) Seven
- Megasthenes separated Indian society into seven different groups: Philosophers, Farmers, Herdsmen, Artisans, Soldiers, Overseers or Spies, and Assessors.
- He didn’t mention slavery in India.
- According to him, people had to marry within their caste and were limited to the job their caste was allowed to do.
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84. Which of the following sources states that there was no slavery in ancient India?
(a) Arthashastra
(b) Mudrarakshasha
(c) Megasthenes’ Indica
(d) Vayupuran
[U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013]
Ans. (c) Megasthenes’ Indica
- Megasthenes categorized the people of the Mauryan Empire into seven groups: philosophers, farmers, herdsmen, artisans, soldiers, supervisors, and tax collectors.
- He did not mention slavery in India.
- He believed that people had to marry within their own caste and stick to the job that was assigned to that caste based on the varna system.
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85. The division of Mauryan ‘Society into seven classes’ is particularly mentioned in
(a) Kautilya’s Arthashastra
(b) Ashokan Edicts
(c) The Puranas
(d) Megasthenes’ Indica
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (d) Megasthenes’ Indica
- Megasthenes split the Mauryan society into seven parts: Philosophers, Farmers, Herdsmen, Artisans, Military (Soldiers), Overseers or Spies, and Assessors.
- He didn’t talk about slavery in India.
- He said that people could not marry someone from a different caste, and everyone had to stick to the job that was assigned to their caste in the varna system.
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86. The division of Mauryan society into seven classes is particularly mentioned in -:
(a) Kautilya’s Arthashastra
(b) Ashokan edicts
(c) the Puranas
(d) the Indica of Megasthenes
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017]
Ans. (d) the Indica of Megasthenes
- Megasthenes believed that Mauryan society was divided into seven groups: Philosophers, Farmers, Herdsmen, Artisans, Soldiers, Overseers or Spies, and Assessors.
- He didn’t mention slavery in India.
- He thought that people had to marry within their caste, and couldn’t do a job that wasn’t the one assigned to their varna.
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87. The description of the administration of Pataliputra is available in
(a) Divyanadan
(b) Arthashastra
(c) Indica
(d) Ashoka’s inscriptions
[46th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (c) Indica
- Megasthenes wrote about Pataliputra in his book ‘Indica’.
- He said there were six groups of five people in charge of managing the city, which he called ‘Astynomi’.
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88. Which of the following statements is true regarding Pataliputra, the capital of the Magadha Kindom?
(a) Pataliputra was surrounded by the river Ganges in the East and by the river Champa in the North
(b) Pataliputra was surrounded by the river Ganges in the North and by the river Sone in the West
(c) Pataliputra was surrounded by the Vindhya mountain in the South and by the river Ganges in the East
(d) Pataliputra was surrounded by the Vindhya mountain the South and by the river Champa in the West
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (b) Pataliputra was surrounded by the river Ganges in the North and by the river Sone in the West
- Udayin built a fort on the bank of the Ganges River in the city of Pataliputra (now Patna).
- The Ganges River was on the north side and the Sone River was on the west side.
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89. Which of the following sources gives a detailed account of city administration of the Mauryas ?
(a) Kautilya’s Arthashastra
(b) Megasthenes’ Indica
(c) Mudrarakashasa of Vishakha Datta
(d) Inscription of Ashoka
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009]
Ans. (b) Megasthenes’ Indica
- Udayin built a small fort, called Pataliputra (which is now known as Patna), on the bank of the Ganges River.
- The Ganges was to the north and the Sone River was to the west of the city.
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90. What is the name of Megasthenes’ book?
(a) Economics
(b) Rig Veda
(c) Purana
(d) Indica
[47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005]
Ans. (d) Indica
- Indica is the name of a short military history about interior Asia, particularly the Indian subcontinent, written by Arrian in the 2nd century CE.
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91. ‘Indica’ was originally written by –
(a) Nearchus
(b) Megasthenes
(c) Plutarch
(d) Diodorus
[Uttrakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2007]
Ans. (b) Megasthen
- Megasthenes was an ancient Greek historian, diplomat, ethnographer and explorer in the Hellenistic period.
- He described India in his book Indica, which is now lost, but has been partially reconstructed from literary fragments found in later authors that quoted his work.
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92. Who was the author of ‘Indica’?
(a) Vishnugupta
(b) Megasthenes
(c) Deimachus
(d) Pliny
[56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (b) Megasthenes
- Megasthenes was an ancient Greek historian, diplomat, ethnographer and explorer in the Hellenistic period.
- He described India in his book Indica, which is now lost, but has been partially reconstructed from literary fragments found in later authors that quoted his work.
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93. Who was the author of ‘Indica’?
(a) Plutarch
(b) Justin
(c) Herodotus
(d) Megasthenes
[M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (d) Megasthenes
- Megasthenes was an ancient Greek historian, diplomat, ethnographer and explorer in the Hellenistic period.
- He described India in his book Indica, which is now lost, but has been partially reconstructed from literary fragments found in later authors that quoted his work.
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94. Read the following statements :
1. Harisena was the famous poet of Samudragupta’s Court.
2. He composed the epic ‘Devichandraguptam’.
3. He was also the author of ‘Prayag Prashasti’.
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1, 2, and 3 are correct.
(b) 1 and 2 are correct
(c) 2 and 3 are correct
(d) 1 and 3 are correct
(e) Only 1 is correct
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (d) 1 and 3 are correct
- Harisena was the poet for the Gupta emperor Samudragupta.
- He wrote a poem that praised the emperor’s courage which was carved on the Allahabad Pillar (Prayag Prashasti).
- Vishakha Deva, who is likely Vishakhadatta, wrote an Indian Sanskrit language play about politics called Devichandraguptam.
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95. Which of the following statements are correct about Mauryan Kings? They developed –
A. Culture, Art, and Literature
B. Gold coins
C. Provincial Division
D. Kingship to Hindukush
Code :
(a) Only A
(b) Only B
(c) A, B, and C
(d) A, C, and D
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990]
Ans. (d) A, C, and D
- The Mauryan rulers had an important part to play in the progress of culture, art, and literature.
- Chandragupta’s kingdom was wide-ranging, stretching from Iran in the northwest to the north of Karnataka in the south.
- According to the historian Smith, the Hindukush mountains formed the boundary of India.
- Ashoka’s inscriptions listed five provinces; Uttarapath, Avantiratha, Kalinga, Dakshinapath, and Prachyapatha.
- The establishment of gold coins in India is attributed to the Indo Greek kings.
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96. Among Mauryan idols, the idol inscribed with the name Manibhadra (Yaksha) was found in which place?
(a) Jhing-ka-Nagra
(b) Noh village
(c) Besnagar
(d) Parkham
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre.) 2021]
Ans. (d) Parkham
- An idol with the name Manibhadra (Yaksha) was discovered near Mathura in a place called Parkham.
- This is a significant object of Mathura art and can now be seen in the Mathura museum.
- It is linked to an old Indian god called Manibhadra, who was popular in ancient India.
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97. ‘Bhaga’ and ‘Bali’ were:
(a) Military Departments
(b) Sources of Revenue
(c) Religious Ceremonies
(d) Administrative Divisions
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996]
Ans. (b) Sources of Revenue
- In ancient India, taxes were collected from the land in two ways, “Bhaga” and “Bali”.
- According to Arthashastra, the King owned the land and was entitled to a portion of its produce, which was known as ‘Bhaga’.
- ‘Bali’ was another form of tax.
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98. Land revenue, which was the chief source of income during the Mauryan period, was collected by which officer?
(a) Agronomoi
(b) Shulk Adhyaksha
(c) Sitadhyaksha
(d) Akradhayaksha
[R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2010]
Ans. (c) Sitadhyaksha
- Sitadhyaksha was the leader in charge of farms in the Mauryan empire and was responsible for collecting land taxes.
- The Agronomoi were district officers and Shulkadhyaksha collected taxes from trading and providing services.
- Akradhyaksha was in charge of mines, making option (c) the right answer.
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99. The official ‘Agronomai’ during the Mauryan age was related to which of the following field?
(a) Weight and measurement
(b) Administrative management
(c) Construction of roads
(d) Revenue management
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2020]
Ans. (c) Construction of roads & (d) Revenue management
- During the Mauryan era, ‘Agronomai’ was used to collect taxes, manage irrigation systems, take care of legal matters, and build roads. UPPSC has agreed that (c) is the correct answer.
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100. ‘Sita’ in the Mauryan period means:
(a) A goddess
(b) A religious sect
(c) Revenue from Crown land
(d) Barren land.
[U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (c) Revenue from Crown land
- During the Mauryan period, the management of public land was taken care of by Sitadhyaksha.
- The revenues collected from this tax was called ‘Sita’.
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101. Which of the following was associated with the collection of revenue in Mauryan Mantriparishad?
(a) Samaharta
(b) Vyabharika
(c) Antapala
(d) Pradeshtha
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (a) Samaharta
- Samaharta was in charge of collecting taxes in the Mauryan government.
- Antapal was responsible for control of the border and Pradeshtha managed districts.
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102. Which of the following Mauryan officers was in charge of weights and measures?
(a) Pautavadhyaksha
(b) Panyadhyaksha
(c) Sitadhyaksha
(d) Sunadhyaksha
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012]
Ans. (a) Pautavadhyaksha
- The Mauryan officer Pautavadhyaksha monitored weights and measurements, Panyadhyaksha supervised trade, Sitadhyaksha was the leader of farming, and Sunadhyaksha was the boss of the slaughterhouse.
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103. ‘Pankodakasannirodhe’ was the Penalty in Mauryan administration, charged for –
(a) Filthy drinking water
(b) Slushing the road
(c) Throwing garbage
(d) Stenching temples
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (b) Slushing the road
- In Mauryan administration, ‘Pankodakasannirodhe’ was the punishment for throwing dirt or creating a situation where water and silt would build up on the roads.
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104. The most famous center of learning during the Mauryan period was
(a) Vaishali
(b) Nalanda
(c) Taxila
(d) Ujjain
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010, 47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005]
Ans. (c) Taxila
- Vaishali is currently a district of Bihar.
- In ancient times, it was related to both Buddhism and Jainism.
- It was created in the 6th century B.C. before the time of Gautama Buddha’s birth (563 B.C.) and the birth of Mahavira Swami.
- Nalanda was an important center for Buddhist education and the first Buddha temples were built here during the Gupta period.
- Studies show that the university in Nalanda covered an area of one mile long and half mile wide.
- Taxila was a major learning center for Hindus and Buddhists from all over the world.
- It was located a few miles west of Islamabad and was most popular during the Mauryan period.
- Ujjain was the main city of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya).
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105. According to the ‘Arthashastra’ of Kautilya, the following courts existed in the judicial system of the Mauryan Age
1. Dharmamahamatra
2. Dharmasthiya
3. Rajjuka
4. Kantakshodhana
Code :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 4
(e) 1 and 4
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (d) 2 and 4
- The Arthashastra talks about two kinds of courts.
- The first one is like the civil courts that we have nowadays and it is called Dharmasthiya.
- The second one is like the criminal courts, called Kantakshodhana.
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106. Which aspect of municipal administration of today is continuing since the period of Mauryans
(a) Inspection of weight measure reamer
(b) Determination of prices of goods
(c) Registration of birth and death certificate
(d) Protection of artisans
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (c) Registration of birth and death certificate
- During the Mauryan period, the town government was run by municipalities, whose leader was called a ‘Nagrak’ or ‘Purmukhya’.
- Megasthenes wrote about a municipal council in Pataliputra that had six groups of five people.
- This council kept track of birth and death certificates, which is still done by the municipal government today.
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107. With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of Chronicles, dynastic histories, and epic tales was the profession of which of the following?
(a) Shramana
(b) Parivraajaka
(c) Agrahaarika
(d) Maagadha
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (d) Maagadha
- In Magadha, memorizing Chronicles, dynastic histories, and epic tales was a job.
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108. The system governing villages through autonomous elected panchayats were evolved by –
(a) Kushans
(b) Dravids
(c) Aryans
(d) Mauryans
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (b) Dravids
- Dravid (Chola) developed a system of having elected panchayats governing villages.
- This was the foundation of village government during that period.
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109. Which one of the following texts of ancient India allows divorce to a wife deserted by her husband?
(a) Kamasutra
(b) Manavadharmashastra
(c) Sukra Nitisara
(d) Arthashastra
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1996]
Ans. (d) Arthashastra
- During the Mauryan period, divorce was common.
- The Arthashastra allowed a wife to get divorced if her husband had left her or if she had been away from him for a long time or if she was physically disabled.
- The husband could also divorce his wife if she was unable to have children or if she was unfaithful.
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110. Which among the following prohibits remarriage?
(a) Jataka
(b) Manusmriti
(c) Yagyavalkya
(d) Arthshastra
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2003, U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (b) Manusmriti
- Manusmriti states that a widower could get remarried, but a widow was not allowed to marry again.
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111. The social status assigned to foreigners in Indian society by Manu was of the –
(a) Kshatriyas
(b) Fallen Kshatriyas
(c) Vaishyas
(d) Sudras
[U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014]
Ans. (b) Fallen Kshatriyas
- Manusmriti referred to foreign invaders who did not observe religious practices or beliefs (Shakas, Kushans, Hunas, Pratihar) as ‘Fallen Kshatriyas
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112. The following persons came to India at one time or another :
1. Fa-Hien
2. I-Tsing
3. Megasthenes
4. Hyeon-Tsang
The correct chronological sequence of their visits are :
(a) 3, 1, 2, 4
(b) 3, 1, 4, 2
(c) 1, 3, 2, 4
(d) 1, 3, 4, 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1999]
Ans. (b) 3, 1, 4, 2
- Megasthenes visited Chandragupta Maurya’s court, FaHien went to India in the time of Chandra Gupta II’s rule, Hyeon–Tsang went to the court of Harshavardhana, and I-Tsing from China arrived in India in the 700
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113. Which of the following is not correctly matched? Foreign Year/s of Tour Travelers to India
(a) Fa-Hien – 399-414 A.D.
(b) Hiuen-Tsang – 629-645 A.D.
(c) I-tsing – 679-695 A.D.
(d) Al-Masudi – 957 A.D.
[U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre.) 2021]
Ans (c) I-tsing – 679-695 A.D.
- I-tsing went to India from 671-695 AD.
- Al Masudi came to India in 915-916 AD.
- Fa-Hien spent 10 years in India from 402-412 AD, but his journey from China to India lasted from 399-414 AD.
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114. Match List-I with List-II selects the correct answer by using the codes given below.
List -I List- II
| A. Chandragupta |
1. Piyadarshi |
| B. Bindusara |
2. Sandrocottus |
| C. Ashoka |
3. Amitraghat |
| D. Chanakya |
4. Vishnugupta |
Code :
A B C D
(a) 2 3 4 1
(b) 1 3 2 4
(c) 2 3 1 4
(d) 3 4 2 1
[U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001]
Ans. (c) 2 3 1 4
- The correctly matched list is as follows –
| List -I |
List- II |
| A. Chandragupta |
Sandrocottus |
| B. Bindusara |
Amitraghata |
| C. Ashoka |
Priyadarshi |
| D. Chanakya |
Vishnugupta |
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115. The last Mauryan emperor was?
(a) Jaloka
(b) Avanti Verma
(c) Nandi Vardhana
(d) Brihadratha
[48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (d) Brihadratha
- The final Mauryan emperor was Brihadratha.
- In 184 B.C., he was killed by his lieutenant Pushyamitra Shunga, who then created the Shunga Dynasty.
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116. Consider the following statements:
1. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadaratha was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga.
2. The last Sunga King, Devabhuti, was assassinated by his Brahmana minister Vasudeva Kanva who usurped the throne.
3. The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty was deposed by the Andhras.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) only 2
(c) only 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (d) 1, 2 and 3
- In 184 B.C., Pushyamitra Shunga killed the last Mauryan king, Brihadrath, and became known in history as the founder of the Shunga dynasty.
- Later, Devabhuti, the last Shunga ruler, was overthrown in a plot by his advisor Vasudeva.
- According to Vayupurana, Susharma of the Kanva dynasty was overthrown by his
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117. Who among the following rulers paid attention to the resource management in Girnar region some centuries before the Christian era?
1. Mahapadma Nanda
2. Ashoka
3. Chandragupta Maurya
4. Rudradaman
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
Code :
(a) 1, 2
(b) 2, 3
(c) 3, 4
(d) 2, 3, 4
[U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (b) 2, 3
- Centuries before the birth of Jesus, Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka, the Mauryan emperors, worked on managing water resources in the Girnar region.
- Chandragupta Maurya built a dam on the Sudarshan Lake, and Ashoka created canals coming out of it.
- The Junagarh inscription of Shaka ruler Rudradaman tells of their achievements.
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118. Realizing the need for water, the first ruler who got a lake constructed in the Girnar area was
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Ashoka
(c) Rudradaman
(d) Skanda Gupta
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007]
Ans. (a) Chandragupta Maurya
- Centuries before the start of Christianity, Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka of the Mauryan empire focused on water resource management in the Girnar region.
- Chandragupta Maurya built a dam on the Sudarshan Lake and Ashoka dug canals from the lake.
- According to the Junagarh inscription by Shaka ruler Rudradaman, these were works of Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka.
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119. In which of the following inscription mentioned Chandragupta and Ashoka both?
(a) Nasik inscription of Gautamiputra Satakarni.
(b) Junagarh inscription of Maha Kshatrapa Rudradaman
(c) Girnar inscription of Ashoka
(d) Junagarh inscription of Skandagupta.
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (b) Junagarh inscription of Maha Kshatrapa Rudradaman
- Centuries before the Christian era, the Mauryan emperors Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka focused on managing water resources in the Girnar region.
- Chandragupta Maurya built a dam on Sudarshan Lake and Ashoka created canals from the lake.
- According to the Junagarh inscription of the Shaka ruler Rudradaman, these works were done by Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka.
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120. In which of the following inscriptions, Ashoka’s edicts are also found?
(a) Junagarh Inscription of Maha Kshatrapa Rudradaman
(b) Nashik Prashasti regarding Gautamiputra Satakarni
(c) Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharavela
(d) None of the above
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016]
Ans. (a) Junagarh Inscription of Maha Kshatrapa Rudradaman
- The Inscription of Maharashtra Rudradaman in Junagarh includes the edicts of Ashoka and Gupta ruler Skandagupta.
- There was a big rock with fourteen edicts of Ashoka near Uparkot Fort, which was about two kilometers away.
- The edicts also tell the story of Rudradaman-I fixing Sudarshan Lake.
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121. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
1. Lothal – Ancient Dockyard
2. Sarnath – First Sermon of Buddha
3. Rajgir – Lion Capital of Ashoka
4. Nalanda – Great Seat of Buddhist Learning
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2, and 4
(d) 1 and 2
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (c) 1, 2, and 4
- Lothal, Sarnath, and Nalanda are all correct answers, but Rajgir is not.
- The right answer is (c).
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