MCQ: From a Kingdom to an Empire - UPSC MCQ

Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Empire, established with the guidance of Chanakya, a key advisor known for his strategic acumen. Chanakya, who authored the Arthashastra, helped Chandragupta overthrow the Nanda dynasty and expand the empire across India. Their collaboration marked the rise of one of ancient India's most powerful dynasties.

Delhi was not a principal city of the Mauryan Empire. The main cities of the Mauryan Empire included Pataliputra, Ujjain, and Taxila. Delhi was not part of the empire’s primary administrative and economic centers during the Mauryan period.

Ashoka was profoundly affected by the immense suffering and death caused by the Kalinga war. He realized that the human cost of warfare was too great, which led him to abandon his aggressive expansionist policies and adopt a policy of non-violence. An interesting fact is that Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism and his subsequent promotion of dhamma (moral law) were directly influenced by this traumatic experience.

Pataliputra played a significant role in the governance of the provinces within the Mauryan Empire. Here are the key points regarding its influence:

• The area around Pataliputra was under the direct control of the emperor.
• Officials were appointed to collect taxes from local farmers, herders, and traders.
• These officials also enforced the ruler's orders and were often paid a salary.
• While Pataliputra had some level of control, local customs and rules were likely respected.
• Royal princes were frequently sent as governors to oversee the provinces.
• Despite the oversight from Pataliputra, local governance allowed for a degree of autonomy.

This structure ensured that while Pataliputra maintained authority, it also recognised the importance of local traditions and practices.

Roads and rivers were crucial for the Mauryan Empire because they facilitated trade, communication, and the collection of resources and taxes. Controlling these transportation routes was essential for maintaining the empire's economic and administrative efficiency.

Ashoka's inscriptions were primarily written in the Brahmi script. This script is one of the earliest writing systems used in India and is the precursor to many modern Indian scripts. The Brahmi script played a crucial role in the dissemination of Ashoka's messages and was foundational in the development of various other scripts.

• The term 'Dhamma' originates from 'Dharma', a key concept in Indian philosophy and religion.
• 'Dharma' is mainly a Sanskrit word that signifies duty, righteousness, or the law that maintains cosmic order.
• Sanskrit is an ancient language of India, used in many significant religious texts, including those of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
• Thus, the correct answer is C: Prakrit, as 'Dhamma' is the Prakrit equivalent of the Sanskrit term.

• Ashoka the Great is the king who chose not to fight anymore after he saw how horrible the war in Kalinga was.
• He felt sad about all the pain and suffering caused by the battle.
• This decision was very special because it showed he cared about peace and kindness instead of just winning.
• Ashoka became known for his good actions after this.
• Many people remember him for his kindness and efforts to help others.

Ashoka stopped fighting after the battle of Kalinga because he saw a lot of hurt and sadness. He wanted peace instead of more fighting.

Ashoka was a great king who ruled the Mauryan Empire.

Ashoka, one of the most notable rulers in history, made significant contributions during his reign:

• Inscriptions: He was the first ruler to communicate his ideas to the public through inscriptions.
• Language: Most of his inscriptions were written in Prakrit and used the Brahmi script.
• Kalinga War: Ashoka fought a significant war in Kalinga, which deeply affected his outlook on violence and governance.
• Dhamma: He promoted the principles of dhamma, focusing on non-violence and moral conduct.

His empire, founded by his grandfather, Chandragupta Maurya, was established over 2300 years ago and included major cities like Pataliputra, Taxila, and Ujjain.

These cities served as important trade and cultural centres, facilitating connections across regions.