From a Kingdom to an Empire - Class 6 1000+ MCQ Questions Free Test

The Arthashastra is an ancient Indian Sanskrit treatise on statecraft, economic policy and military strategy. Kautilya, also identified as Vishnugupta and Chanakya, is traditionally credited as the author of the text. The latter was a scholar at Takshashila, the teacher and guardian of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. Hence the answer is option (B).

Ashoka conveyed his message to the people through carving on inscriptions.
- Carving on inscriptions: Ashoka used rocks and pillars to inscribe his messages. These inscriptions were carved in various places across his empire, such as in major cities, along trade routes, and near important religious sites.
- Content of inscriptions: The inscriptions contained Ashoka's edicts, which were his policies and principles for good governance and moral conduct. They covered a wide range of topics, including social and religious tolerance, non-violence, respect for elders, and welfare measures for the people.
- Multilingual approach: Ashoka's inscriptions were written in multiple languages of the time, including Prakrit, Greek, and Aramaic. This ensured that people from different regions and linguistic backgrounds could understand his message.
- Wide distribution: The inscriptions were strategically placed in prominent locations, accessible to a large number of people. This allowed for widespread dissemination of Ashoka's message and ensured that it reached a diverse audience.
- Educational purpose: Along with conveying his policies, Ashoka's inscriptions also served an educational purpose. They aimed to educate and enlighten the people about moral values and the principles of good governance.
- Enduring legacy: Ashoka's inscriptions have survived through the centuries, and many can still be found in present-day India, Nepal, and Afghanistan. They continue to provide valuable insights into Ashoka's reign and his efforts to promote peace, harmony, and ethical conduct among his subjects.

Bimbisara was the son of Bhattiya, a chieftain. He ascended to throne at the age of 15 in 543 BC. He established the Haryanka dynasty laid the foundations of Magadha by fortification of a village, which later became the city of Pataliputra. Bimbisara's first capital was at Girivraja (identified with Rajagriha).

Kautilya's teachings and principles continue to be studied and revered in the field of political science and administration. His contributions to the Maurya Empire and his strategic insights have had a lasting impact on Indian history.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: Kautilya, as he was the adviser of Chandragupta Maurya.

• The term 'Dhamma' is derived from 'Dharma', which is a concept in Indian philosophy and religion.
• 'Dharma' is primarily a Sanskrit term, which means duty, righteousness, or the law that upholds the cosmic order.
•  ‘Dhamma’ is the Prakrit word for the Sanskrit term 'Dharma.’
• Therefore, the correct answer is C: Prakrit

• Taxes are mandatory payments imposed by a government or ruler on individuals and businesses.
• They are collected to fund public services and governance.
• Unlike gifts or subsidies, taxes are not voluntary and must be paid by those within the ruler's jurisdiction.
• In this context, the officials collected taxes from the area, indicating a structured system of revenue collection under the ruler's authority.

The national emblem of India is derived from the pillar at Sarnath, which originally featured a sculpture of lions.

• This sculpture is known as the Lion Capital of Ashoka.
• It depicts four lions standing back to back.
• The lion symbolises power, courage, and confidence.

As the empire was so large, different parts were ruled differently. The area around Pataliputra was under the direct control of the emperor. This meant that officials were appointed to collect taxes from farmers, herders, crafts persons and traders, who lived in villages and towns in the area. There were other areas or provinces. Each of these was ruled from a provincial capital such as Taxila or Ujjain. Although there was some amount of control from Pataliputra, and royal princes were often sent as governors, local customs and rules were probably followed.

Ashoka was a great ruler and on his instructions inscriptions were carved on pillars.This stone pillar has carvings which tell us this pillar was built by Ashoka.