Test: The Mauryan Empire - 1 - UPSC MCQ

1. Asoka's Inscriptions - Written only in Brahmi script - Incorrect. Asoka's inscriptions were primarily in the Prakrit language and Brahmi script across most of his empire, but in the north-western regions, inscriptions appeared in the Kharosthi script. In Kandahar, inscriptions were in Aramaic using Greek script and language.

2. Kalinga War - Led to Asoka becoming an extreme pacifist - Incorrect. After the Kalinga War, Asoka shifted from physical conquest to cultural influence, but he did not become an extreme pacifist. He retained conquered lands and maintained a substantial military force, although he emphasized Dhamma and peace.

3. Asoka's Buddhism - Influenced his domestic policies significantly - Correct. Asoka embraced Buddhism and it significantly influenced his domestic policies. He promoted Dhamma, undertook pilgrimages, and supported Buddhist causes generously, chairing a Buddhist council and sending missionaries to various regions.

4. Dhamma Yatras - Pilgrimages undertaken by Asoka to Buddhist shrines - Correct. Asoka undertook pilgrimages to Buddhist shrines, which were referred to as 'dharma yatras' in inscriptions.

Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched.

Answer: Option B

The usurpation by Pushyamitra Sunga marked a pivotal moment in the decline of the Maurya Empire. Pushyamitra Sunga, a Brahmana and a general of the last Maurya king, orchestrated a coup by killing Brihadratha and taking control of Pataliputra. This event not only symbolized a shift in power but also initiated a period of persecution of Buddhists under the Sunga rule, marking the beginning of a new era in Indian history.

- Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. While domestic slavery was present since Vedic times, the Maurya period marked the employment of slaves in large-scale agricultural operations, which was a significant departure from earlier practices.

- Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. The Maurya rulers did not have to manage a large population, and the size of the army did not exceed 650,000 men, indicating a relatively small population.

- Statement 3: This statement is correct. The Maurya period indeed saw remarkable contributions to art and architecture, including the initiation of stone masonry, the construction of impressive structures, and the development of cave architecture.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

Statement 1 is correct. The financial crisis in the Maurya Empire was indeed due to the enormous expenditure on the army and bureaucracy, coupled with the large grants made by Asoka to Buddhist monks, which left the royal treasury empty.

Statement 2 is correct. The spread of new material knowledge, including the use of iron tools, to regions like the Deccan and Kalinga did contribute to the decline of the strategic and economic importance of the Gangetic basin, leading to the emergence of new kingdoms.

Statement 3 is incorrect. While it is true that Shih Huang Ti constructed the Great Wall of China to protect against Scythian attacks, the statement is misleading because Asoka's failure to emulate this was due to his preoccupation with missionary activities rather than a direct failure to follow a model.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

- The Fourteen Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka are inscriptions carved on rocks that convey his policies and beliefs.
- These edicts are located at various sites in the Indian subcontinent.
- Kalsi and Manshera are notable sites in present-day India and Pakistan, respectively.
- Sopara and Yerragudi are additional locations in India where these edicts can be found.
- Shahbazgarhi in Pakistan and Dhauli in India also host these important inscriptions.
- Thus, the correct answer is "All of the Above" because all listed locations have Ashoka's edicts.

Bindusara was the second Mauryan emperor of India and ruled between 297-272 BCE. - Megasthenes was a Greek historian and diplomat who served as an ambassador of Seleucus I to the court of Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusara's father. - After Megasthenes, Deimachos was appointed as the ambassador of Antiochos I, who was the ruler of the Seleucid Empire, in the court of Bindusara. Main points:

• Megasthenes was the ambassador of Seleucus I to Chandragupta Maurya's court.
• Bindusara was the second Mauryan emperor of India.
• Deimachos replaced Megasthenes as the ambassador of Antiochos I in Bindusara's court.

Statement-I highlights Asoka's advocacy for peace, non-aggression, and cultural expansion, which is historically accurate. However, Statement-II inaccurately suggests that Asoka's peaceful policies endured beyond his rule, leading to lasting peace and prosperity in the Mauryan Empire. In reality, Asoka's peaceful approach did not endure after his reign; viceroys and vassals asserted independence post his rule, and neighboring states were not significantly influenced, leading to incursions within 25 years of his departure from power in 232 B.C. Thus, while Statement-I is correct, Statement-II is incorrect, making option (d) the accurate choice.

Statement I correctly highlights how the Mauryas established a well-organized state machinery within the heart of the empire. This is in line with historical records and the achievements of the Mauryan Empire. However, Statement II is incorrect as the use of burnt bricks was not limited to northeastern India during the Maurya period. Burnt bricks were indeed used in places like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, contributing to the development of towns in various parts of the empire, not limited to just northeastern India. Hence, Statement I is accurate, but Statement II is inaccurate, making option (c) the correct choice.

Statement-I correctly highlights that the Maurya rulers did not manage a large population, and their army size was around 650,000 men, suggesting a relatively small population under Maurya rule. Statement-II accurately mentions that the Mauryas used punch-marked silver coins as their imperial currency, enabling tax collection and payments in cash, thus facilitating market exchange. However, Statement-II does not directly explain Statement-I but rather provides additional information about the economic practices of the Mauryas, making option (b) the correct choice.

Let's analyze each statement in the context of Asoka's achievements and policies:

1. Asoka promoted a policy of peace and non-aggression, which was an unprecedented stance for his time.

- This statement is correct. Asoka's advocacy for peace and non-aggression was indeed unique and unprecedented during his era, especially given his substantial military power.

2. Asoka's peaceful approach endured long after his reign, influencing neighboring states and preventing incursions.

- This statement is incorrect. While Asoka's policies were progressive, his peaceful approach did not endure beyond his reign. Viceroys and vassals asserted their independence, and neighboring states conducted incursions within 25 years of his departure from power.

3. Asoka's reign was marked by the promotion of a single dharma, language (Sanskrit), and script (Brahmi) through inscriptions.

- This statement is correct. Asoka promoted a unified dharma, used Sanskrit as a common language, and employed the Brahmi script for his inscriptions, which facilitated cultural unity and administrative efficiency.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

1. Asoka's Missionary Zeal - Correctly matched. Asoka did send officials across the empire to administer and promote cultural exchanges between regions.

2. Political Unity under Asoka - Incorrectly matched. While Asoka did unify India politically and promoted a single dharma, the language he promoted through inscriptions was Prakrit, not Pali, and the script was Brahmi, not Kharosthi.

3. Asoka's Pacifist Policy - Correctly matched. Asoka did advocate for a policy of peace, non-aggression, and cultural expansion, which was unprecedented in his time.

4. Cultural Spread under Asoka - Correctly matched. Asoka extended the material culture from the central Gangetic basin to regions like Kalinga, lower Deccan, and northern Bengal.

Hence, only two pairs are correctly matched.

During the Maurya period, a significant social development occurred with the emergence of large-scale agricultural use of slaves. This marked a departure from earlier times when slaves were mainly employed for domestic purposes. The utilization of slaves in agricultural operations during this era signified a shift in labor practices, reflecting the changing economic and social landscape of the time.

Statement-I correctly highlights Asoka's shift in approach towards expanding his empire through ideological means rather than physical conquest after the Kalinga war. This is in line with historical accounts of how Asoka altered his strategies.

Statement-II accurately reflects Asoka's post-Kalinga policies, emphasizing the abandonment of militaristic actions and the focus on cultural influence, Dhamma propagation, and welfare measures. This statement provides a complementary explanation for Statement-I, indicating how Asoka's actions aligned with his ideological and cultural objectives following the Kalinga conflict.

1. Punch-marked coins - Satavahana Empire: Incorrect. Punch-marked coins were widely used during the Maurya period, not specifically the Satavahana Empire.

2. Burnt bricks - Northeastern India during the Maurya period: Correct. Burnt bricks were used for the first time in northeastern India during the Maurya period.

3. Ringwells - Introduced during the Maurya period: Correct. Ringwells were introduced during the Maurya period and served as water supply and soakage-pits.

4. Steel technology - Spread to Kalinga through Maurya contacts: Correct. The spread of steel technology to regions like Kalinga occurred through Maurya contacts, leading to improved cultivation methods.

So, pairs 2, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option C: Only three pairs.

Answer: A. Kunala

Explanation:

• Kunala was the son of Emperor Ashoka and his wife Padmavati.
• He was appointed as the governor of Taxila by his father, Emperor Ashoka.
• During his rule, the people of Taxila suffered from the oppression of wicked ministers.
• When Kunala arrived in Taxila to take charge as the governor, he was welcomed by the citizens with the words "We neither oppose the prince, nor the king, but the wicked ministers who oppress us."
• This statement reflects the people's hope and trust in Kunala to bring justice and end the oppression caused by the corrupt ministers.

• Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador to India during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya around 300 BCE.
• He wrote a book called 'Indica' in which he described his observations about India and its people.
• In 'Indica,' Megasthenes mentioned that Indians do not know the art of writing, which was an incorrect observation.
• India had a rich tradition of writing and literature, including scripts like Brahmi and Kharosthi, which were in use during Megasthenes' time.
• The statement reflects Megasthenes' limited understanding of Indian culture and society during his visit.

Chandragupta Maurya's military strength during his reign notably encompassed a large army consisting of foot-soldiers, cavalry, elephants, and chariots. This comprehensive force was a strategic asset in maintaining and expanding the Mauryan Empire's territorial control. The incorporation of various types of troops showcased the Mauryan military's versatility and ability to adapt to diverse battlefield scenarios, contributing to Chandragupta's successful campaigns and the establishment of a formidable empire.

Asoka's significant achievement was pioneering direct communication with people through inscriptions. This innovative approach allowed him to convey his thoughts, policies, and messages directly to his subjects, contributing to a more connected and informed empire.

- Statement 1: Correct. The Maurya period indeed saw the first use of burnt bricks in northeastern India, which contributed significantly to the growth of towns in the region.

- Statement 2: Incorrect. Iron technology during the Maurya period was not limited to the Gangetic basin; it spread to distant parts of the empire.

- Statement 3: Correct. Asoka implemented a deliberate and systematic policy of acculturation, which aimed at integrating tribal people into a settled, taxpaying, peasant society.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option B the correct answer.

Answer: A. Ashoka wanted to control both the land and sea routes to south India, and any hostile power obstructing the route would have had to be conquered.

Explanation:
- The Kalinga war took place in 261 BCE when the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka invaded the kingdom of Kalinga, which lay along the eastern coast of India.
- There were multiple factors that contributed to the war, but the primary reason was Ashoka's ambition to control both the land and sea routes to south India.
- South India was a major source of wealth and resources for trade, and controlling these routes would enhance the prosperity and power of the Mauryan empire.
- Kalinga was a strategically important region as it lay between the Mauryan Empire and the southern kingdoms, and its control would ensure uninterrupted access to these trade routes.
- The hostile power of Kalinga obstructing the route made it necessary for Ashoka to conquer the region in order to secure the trade routes and further expand the Mauryan empire.
- Although other factors such as Kalinga's growing power, the piracy by the Nagas, and its potential threat to the Mauryan empire might have played a role, the primary cause of the war was Ashoka's ambition to control the land and sea routes to south India.

1. Brahmanical Reaction - Discontent due to Asoka's policies: Correctly matched. The Brahmanical reaction was indeed a result of Asoka's policies, which were perceived to affect the income and privileges of the Brahmanas.

2. Financial Crisis - Excessive military expenditure: Correctly matched. The financial crisis in the Maurya Empire was largely due to enormous expenditure on the army and bureaucracy.

3. Oppressive Rule - Rebellion in Taxila: Correctly matched. Oppressive rule, particularly during Bindusara's reign, led to dissatisfaction and rebellion in places like Taxila.

4. Neglect of the North-West Frontier - Construction of the Great Wall of China by Asoka: Incorrectly matched. The neglect of the North-West Frontier was due to Asoka's preoccupation with missionary activities, and the Great Wall of China was constructed by the Chinese ruler Shih Huang Ti, not Asoka.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

The rise of towns in northeastern India during the Maurya period was marked by the use of burnt bricks. Structures made of burnt bricks were found in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, contributing to the development of towns in various parts of the Mauryan empire. The use of burnt bricks was a notable architectural advancement during this period, showcasing the sophistication of urban planning and construction techniques employed by the Mauryan civilization.

1. Chandragupta Maurya - Conquered north-western India from Seleucus: Correct. Chandragupta Maurya did conquer north-western India from Seleucus and secured territories like eastern Afghanistan, Baluchistan, and regions west of the Indus River through a peace deal.

2. Chanakya - Advisor and mentor to Chandragupta Maurya: Correct. Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, was indeed the advisor and mentor to Chandragupta Maurya and played a crucial role in the establishment of the Mauryan Empire.

3. Megasthenes - Author of Arthasastra: Incorrect. Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador who wrote about his observations of the Mauryan Empire in his work 'Indica.' The Arthasastra, however, was authored by Chanakya.

4. Pataliputra - Capital of the Mauryan Empire: Correct. Pataliputra was indeed the capital of the Mauryan Empire, serving as the political and administrative center.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

1. Superintendents - Appointment of 27 officials to regulate economic activities
This statement is correctly matched. The state appointed 27 superintendents primarily to regulate economic activities, including agriculture, trade, commerce, weights and measures, crafts, and mining.

2. Employment of Slaves - Initiation in domestic operations during the Maurya era
This statement is incorrectly matched. The employment of slaves in agricultural operations, not domestic operations, was suggested during the Maurya period by the Arthasastra of Kautilya.

3. Royal Road - Connecting Pataliputra to various regions like Nepal and Peshawar
This statement is correctly matched. The existence of a royal road from Pataliputra to various regions, including Nepal, Vaisali, Champaran, Kapilavastu, and Peshawar, facilitated transportation.

4. Maurya Currency - Use of punch-marked gold coins for tax collection
This statement is incorrectly matched. The Mauryas used punch-marked silver coins as imperial currency for tax collection and payments to officers.

Only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched. Hence, the correct answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

1. Ashoka's inscriptions were primarily written in the Prakrit language and Brahmi script.
This statement is correct. Ashoka's inscriptions are predominantly in Prakrit language and Brahmi script, which was widely used across his empire. In the north-western regions, Kharosthi script was used, and in Kandahar, inscriptions were in Aramaic and Greek.

2. The Kalinga War led Ashoka to completely abandon militaristic actions and embrace extreme pacifism.
This statement is incorrect. Although the Kalinga War had a profound impact on Ashoka and led him to adopt and propagate the principles of Dhamma, he did not completely abandon militaristic actions. Ashoka continued to maintain a substantial military force and retained conquered territories.

3. Ashoka sent peaceful envoys to Greek kingdoms as part of his diplomatic efforts.
This statement is correct. Ashoka did send peaceful envoys to Greek kingdoms, which was part of his broader diplomatic efforts to propagate Dhamma and establish peaceful relations.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

1. Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya dynasty with the assistance of Chanakya. - This statement is correct. Chandragupta Maurya, with the strategic guidance and support of Chanakya, overthrew the Nanda rulers and established the Maurya dynasty.

2. The reign of Chandragupta Maurya included the regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. - This statement is incorrect. The Maurya Empire under Chandragupta did not extend to the regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Most of the Indian subcontinent was under Mauryan rule except for Kerala, Tamil Nadu, parts of northeastern India, and some areas in the northwest.

3. Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador, provided detailed accounts of the Maurya empire. - This statement is correct. Megasthenes, who visited the Mauryan court, wrote extensively about Pataliputra and the Maurya empire, providing valuable insights into the administration and society of that time.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option C the correct answer.

Asoka's policy of Dhamma primarily focused on promoting cultural assimilation and religious tolerance throughout his empire. This approach aimed at fostering a spirit of inclusivity and respect for various religions and languages, contributing to a more harmonious and unified society during his reign.

Statement-I:

• The brahmanical reaction played a significant role in the decline of the Maurya Empire, particularly due to perceived impacts on Brahmanas' income and privileges.
• This statement suggests that the decline of the Maurya Empire was influenced by the reaction of the Brahmanas, who were unhappy with the policies under the Mauryan rule, which they perceived as detrimental to their income and privileges.

Statement-II:

• The financial crisis within the Maurya Empire was primarily a result of excessive spending on the military and bureaucracy, exacerbated by significant grants to Buddhist monks under Asoka's rule.
• This statement suggests that the financial issues in the Maurya Empire were due to high expenditures on the military and bureaucracy, and further worsened by generous grants to Buddhist monks by Emperor Asoka.

Both statements provide reasons for the decline of the Maurya Empire, with Statement-I focusing on the brahmanical reaction and Statement-II on financial crises. Statement-II offers a financial explanation that does not directly explain the brahmanical reaction mentioned in Statement-I.

• Statement-I is correct as Chandragupta Maurya is indeed believed to have had a large army of around 600,000 soldiers, according to ancient sources like Plutarch and other historical texts.
• Statement-II is also correct because during Chandragupta's reign, he established a vast empire, covering large parts of India, including regions like Bihar, Orissa, Bengal, western and northwestern India, and even reaching towards the Deccan.

Since both statements are correct and Statement-II explains the extent of the empire that was built through the use of such a large army, Answer A is the correct choice.