What significant discovery did James Prinsep make in the 1830s regarding early Indian inscriptions?

James Prinsep deciphered the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts, which were used in the earliest inscriptions and coins.

The king referred to as Piyadassi in early inscriptions is also known by what other name?

Asoka

True or False: The inscriptions discovered by Prinsep only referred to economic conditions in ancient India.

False. The inscriptions referred to political figures and helped reconstruct the political history of India.

Prinsep's work on inscriptions led to a new direction in the study of early Indian history by focusing on the connections between political changes and ___ developments.

Economic and social

Fill in the blank: The term 'Piyadassi' means ___ to behold.

Pleasant

What were the sixteen states known as during the sixth century BCE?

The sixteen states were known as mahajanapadas.

Magadha became the most powerful mahajanapada due to its ___ and ___ resources.

Agriculture and natural resources

True or False: The mahajanapadas were solely ruled by kings.

False. Some were ruled as oligarchies known as ganas or sanghas.

Who were the best-known ambitious kings of Magadha?

Bimbisara, Ajatasattu, and Mahapadma Nanda.

Fill in the blank: Each mahajanapada had a capital city, which was often ___.

Fortified

What significant shift occurred in the capital of Magadha in the fourth century BCE?

The capital was shifted from Rajagaha to Pataliputra.

What role did Brahmanas play in the governance of the mahajanapadas?

They composed Dharmasutras that laid down norms for rulers.

Who was the Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya, and what is significant about his accounts?

Megasthenes was the Greek ambassador, and his accounts are significant because they provide valuable insights into the Mauryan Empire, even though they survive only in fragments.

The inscriptions of Asoka were primarily used to proclaim ___ to his subjects.

Dhamma

True or False: Asoka's dhamma included promoting only the interests of Brahmanas and not respecting other religions.

False. Asoka's dhamma included respect for other religions and traditions.

Fill in the blanks: The five major political centres of the Mauryan Empire included Pataliputra, Taxila, Ujjayini, ___, and ___.

Tosali and Suvarnagiri

What role did the army play in the administration of the Mauryan Empire according to Megasthenes?

The army was crucial for protection and included a committee with six subcommittees for military coordination, managing various aspects such as transport, provisions, and different types of soldiers.

How did Asoka attempt to unify his empire?

Asoka attempted to unify his empire by propagating dhamma and appointing dhamma mahamatta to spread his messages, aimed at ensuring the well-being of the people.

What impact did the Mauryan Empire have on the perception of Indian history in the nineteenth century?

Historians viewed the emergence of the Mauryan Empire as a major landmark while reconstructing early Indian history, which was significant during the colonial period.

Multiple Choice: Which of the following was NOT a political centre of the Mauryan Empire? A) Pataliputra B) Taxila C) Ujjayini D) Delhi

D) Delhi

The chiefdoms of the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas were prominent in which historical region?

Tamilakam, which included parts of present-day Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

What title did the Kushanas adopt to claim high status and divine legitimacy?

Devaputra, meaning 'son of god'.

The Prayaga Prashasti, composed by Harishena, serves as an important historical record for which Gupta ruler?

Samudragupta.

True or False: The Satavahanas primarily controlled the northern regions of India during the second century BCE.

False. They ruled over parts of western and central India.

Fill in the blank: The Kushanas ruled from Central Asia to ___ India during their reign.

Northwest