Test: The Mauryan Empire - 2 - UPSC MCQ

Explanation:

• Division of Indian society into seven castes: The source that informed us about the division of Indian society into seven castes is the Indica.

Indica:

• The Indica is a work by the Greek historian Megasthenes, who was an ambassador of Seleucus Nicator in the court of Chandragupta Maurya.


• In his work, Megasthenes describes the social structure of India, including the division of society into seven castes.


• He mentions that the Indian society was divided into seven principal castes, each with its own occupation and duties.


• This division of society into seven castes is an important insight into the social structure of ancient India.

Foreign Kings Contemporary to Ashoka:

• Ptolemy Philadelphos: Ptolemy Philadelphos, also known as Ptolemy II, was a contemporary foreign king of Ashoka. He ruled over Egypt and was a contemporary ruler during the Mauryan Empire.


• Antioches: Antioches, also known as Antiochus II Theos, was another foreign king who was contemporary to Ashoka. He ruled over the Seleucid Empire, which was another powerful kingdom during Ashoka's reign.


• Magas: Magas, the ruler of the Greek-influenced kingdom of Cyrene, was also a contemporary of Ashoka. He was involved in various political and military activities during the same period as Ashoka.

Conclusion:

• All of the above: Therefore, all of the foreign kings mentioned - Ptolemy Philadelphos, Antioches, and Magas - were contemporaries of Ashoka, the Mauryan Emperor.

Explanation:

• Devanampiyah and Piyadarshi: These were the titles given to Ashoka in his inscriptions.


• Minor Pillar Inscriptions: These were inscriptions found on pillars erected by Ashoka across his empire.


• Sarnath Inscription: The inscription at Sarnath is one of the Minor Pillar inscriptions that refer to Ashoka as Devanampiyah and Piyadarshi.


• Kausambi Inscription: The inscription at Kausambi does not refer to Ashoka with these titles.


• Sanchi Inscription: The inscription at Sanchi also refers to Ashoka as Devanampiyah and Piyadarshi.


• All of the above: Since both the inscriptions at Sarnath and Sanchi refer to Ashoka as Devanampiyah and Piyadarshi, the correct answer is D.

Explanation:

• 'Mudra-Rakshasa' by Visakhadatta: This historical play is set during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire.


• Relevance to Chandragupta Maurya: The play revolves around the political intrigues and power struggles during the time of Chandragupta Maurya.


• Character of Rakshasa: The play also features the character of Chanakya, who is instrumental in the rise of Chandragupta Maurya to power.


• Connection to the Maurya Empire: 'Mudra-Rakshasa' provides insight into the administration and governance of the Maurya Empire under Chandragupta Maurya.


• Impact of the Play: The play serves as a valuable historical source for understanding the political landscape of ancient India during the Mauryan period.

Incorrect Statement on Mauryan Provincial Administration:

• Statement E: The viceroys had autonomous powers to administer the provinces.

Detailed

• Statement A: Important provinces had princes of the royal blood as their viceroy.


• Statement B: The Ashokan inscriptions refer to three viceroys stationed at Taxila, Tosali, and Brahmagiri.


• Statement C: Buddhist tradition refers to a fourth viceroy at Ujjaini and a later Saka inscription incidentally refers to a fifth viceroy at Girnar.


• Statement D: The viceroy at Girnar under Chandragupta was a Vaisya named Pushyagupta and the one under Ashoka was a Yavana named Tushashpa.

The administrative system during the Mauryan period was highly organized, with viceroys overseeing various provinces on behalf of the central authority. The viceroys were appointed by the emperor and were expected to follow the directives given to them. They did not have autonomous powers but acted as representatives of the central government in administering the provinces.

The correct option is B.
 Saurashtra — Junagarh

The correct answer is  A as the names of the officers at the district level in the correct descending order is 
Pradeshika, Rajuka, Yukta

Function of the Parisad in the Mauryan Period

• To implement the king's orders: The Parisad was responsible for carrying out the commands and directives of the Mauryan king, ensuring that his decisions were effectively put into action.



• To decide matters in the absence of the kings: In the absence of the king, the Parisad acted as a governing body, making decisions on behalf of the ruler to ensure the smooth functioning of the administration.



• To keep a check on the administrative system: The Parisad played a crucial role in monitoring and evaluating the administrative processes and systems in place, identifying any shortcomings or areas for improvement.



• Not a function of the Parisad: Keeping a watch on the conduct of wars was not a function typically associated with the Parisad in the Mauryan Period. This task was usually carried out by the king and his military advisors separately from the council.

By understanding the various functions of the Parisad during the Mauryan Period, we can see that while it played a significant role in assisting the king in governance and decision-making, monitoring the administration, and acting as a substitute ruling body in the absence of the king, overseeing military matters was not within its purview.

Explanation:

• Astynomois: The special urban official who formed into six councils or boards and who looked after Pataliputra were known as Astynomois. This term refers to the administrative officials in ancient Greek cities who were responsible for maintaining law and order.


• Antamahamatras: This term does not relate to the special urban officials in Pataliputra.


• Nagarsashakas: This term does not relate to the special urban officials in Pataliputra.


• Rajukas: This term does not relate to the special urban officials in Pataliputra.

Therefore, the correct answer is Astynomois.

Standard Coin During the Mauryan Period

• Nishka: Nishka was a standard unit of measurement during the Mauryan period, but it was not the standard coin.



• Krishnala: Krishnala was a type of coin used in ancient India, but it was not the standard coin during the Mauryan period.



• Pana: Pana was considered the standard coin during the Mauryan period. It was a common currency used for trade and transactions.



• Suvarna: Suvarna was a valuable coin made of gold, but it was not the standard coin during the Mauryan period.

Therefore, the correct answer is Pana, which was regarded as the standard coin during the Mauryan period.

What is Vishti?

• Definition: Vishti refers to forced labor in ancient Indian society.


• Origin: The term Vishti is derived from the Sanskrit word "Vashti," which means forced or compulsory labor.


• Practice: Vishti was a common practice in ancient India where individuals were forced to perform labor without their consent or will.


• Usage: Vishti was often used as a form of punishment or as a means to complete public works projects in ancient Indian society.


• Significance: The practice of Vishti was often associated with social and economic exploitation, where individuals were subjected to harsh working conditions and little to no compensation.

Overall, Vishti was a form of forced labor that was prevalent in ancient Indian society and was often used as a means of punishment or to complete public works projects.

Fiscal Measures in Emergency

• Raising of Tax to one-third or one-fourth: This measure involved increasing the tax burden on the people during emergencies to raise additional revenue for the government.



• Levy of Pranaya (a gift of affection): This was a voluntary contribution or gift given by the people as a form of support during emergencies. It was not a compulsory tax but a gesture of goodwill.



• Imposition of Vishti: This measure was not one of the fiscal measures that could be adopted in an emergency. Vishti was a ritualistic offering of food made to appease the gods and was not related to financial measures.



• Forcing the Cultivators to Raise Two Crops: This measure aimed at increasing agricultural productivity during emergencies by mandating cultivators to grow two crops instead of one, thereby ensuring food security.

Conclusion

• Therefore, out of the options provided, the imposition of Vishti was not a fiscal measure that could be adopted in an emergency. The other options, such as raising taxes, levying gifts of affection, and promoting agricultural production, were more directly related to financial measures to address emergency situations.

Explanation:

• Bhaga (Land tax): Bhaga was a type of land tax that was collected in the form of a share of the produce. It was not typically paid in cash but rather in kind.


• Bali (Extra impost on special tracts): Bali was an extra impost imposed on special tracts of land. It was also usually paid in kind rather than cash.


• Kara (A special harsh tax): Kara was a special harsh tax imposed on the people. It was not specifically mentioned to be paid in cash, but it was likely collected in whatever form was available.


• Hiranya (Tax on special classes crops): Hiranya was a tax imposed on special classes of crops. Unlike the other revenue items mentioned, this tax could potentially have been paid in cash as it was directly related to the crops themselves.

Therefore, during the Mauryan period, the revenue item that was most likely paid in cash was the Hiranya (Tax on special classes crops).

Reasoning:
- Megasthenes, a Greek historian, mentioned that there were no slaves in India.
- This statement contradicts the existence of slaves in Indian sources.

Explanation:
- Option A: Since they could own property, earn for themselves and even in some cases buy back their freedom, they were very different from their Greek counterparts.
- This could be a likely reason for Megasthenes' statement. The system of servitude in India might have been different from the traditional concept of slavery in Greece.

- Option B: They formed part of the larger group of outcastes.
- This might not directly explain Megasthenes' statement about the absence of slaves in India. The status of outcastes does not necessarily mean the absence of slavery.

- Option C: The human treatment meted out to them made their position unrecognizable.
- This option suggests that the treatment of slaves in India was so humane that they were not easily recognizable as slaves. However, this does not fully explain why Megasthenes claimed there were no slaves.

- Option D: The position of the slaves was indistinguishable from that of hired laborers.
- This could also be a possible reason for Megasthenes' statement. If the status of slaves and hired laborers was similar in India, it might have led to confusion for someone from a different cultural background like Megasthenes.

Explanation:

• Their caste names referred directly to their profession or work: Outcastes were often identified by their occupation or work, which was considered lower in the social hierarchy.


• They lived together with their families outside the towns: Outcastes were segregated from the rest of society and often lived on the outskirts of towns or villages.


• They accepted the position of social ostracism: Outcastes were aware of their lower social status and generally accepted the discrimination and ostracism they faced.


• They were banded into guilds: This statement is incorrect. Outcastes were not typically organized into guilds like other social groups. They often lacked the same level of social organization and support.

Therefore, the correct statement about outcastes is that they were not banded into guilds.

Explanation:

• Pativedakas: Pativedakas were special reporters who had direct access to the king. They were responsible for conveying important information and messages to the king.


• Pulisani: Pulisanis were not special reporters with direct access to the king. They were officials responsible for maintaining law and order in the kingdom.


• Lipikas: Lipikas were clerks or record keepers who were responsible for maintaining official records and documents.


• Tirthas: Tirthas were officers responsible for overseeing religious and ceremonial functions in the kingdom.

Explanation:

• Enlightened despotism: This term refers to a ruler who exercises absolute authority but uses their power for the benefit of their subjects. While Ashoka did implement policies that promoted the welfare of his people, his rule was not solely based on absolute authority.



• Paternal despotism: This term accurately describes Ashoka's monarchy as he was seen as a father figure to his subjects, guiding them with a sense of care and responsibility. His policies focused on promoting social welfare, religious tolerance, and non-violence.



• Guided democracy: This term implies a system where the ruler guides the democratic process, which does not accurately describe the Maurya monarchy under Ashoka. While he did take into account the opinions of his council and people, ultimate authority still lay with him.



• Centralized autocracy: This term refers to a system where power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruler, which accurately describes the Maurya monarchy under Ashoka. He had centralized authority over a vast empire and ruled with a strong hand, implementing policies that affected all aspects of society.

Therefore, the most accurate description of the Maurya monarchy under Ashoka would be Paternal despotism, as it reflects his role as a caring and responsible ruler who wielded absolute authority for the benefit of his subjects.

Officers charged with superintendence of women:

• Ithijhakha-mahamattas:

Explanation:

• Incorrect Statement: They alone were responsible for the working of dhamma.


• Corrected Statements:

Correct Statements:

• During the reign of Ashoka they were given wide powers and responsibilities.


• They looked into the complaints of law-abiding people and ensured fair treatment to them.


• They also attended the welfare of prisoners and the inspection of the judiciary.

While the dhamma-mahamattas introduced by Ashoka were indeed given significant powers and responsibilities, they were not solely responsible for the working of dhamma. Instead, they played a crucial role in various aspects of governance and administration, such as addressing complaints, ensuring fair treatment, and overseeing the welfare of prisoners and the judiciary. Therefore, the statement that they alone were responsible for the working of dhamma is not correct.