The Mauryan and Post-Mauryan ages stand as pivotal epochs in the tapestry of ancient Indian history, characterized by sweeping political transformations, cultural advancements, and significant socio-economic shifts. Aspirants preparing for the UPSC Prelims delve into the intricacies of this period, aiming to grasp the nuances of governance, societal structures, and the enduring legacies left by emperors like Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka the Great, and the subsequent dynasties that shaped the Indian subcontinent. Through a meticulous examination of historical texts, archaeological findings, and scholarly interpretations, candidates unravel the complexities of administration, religion, art, and trade, seeking to navigate the diverse array of questions posed in the UPSC Prelims pertaining to this era of antiquity.
Q1. The name by which Ashoka is generally referred to his inscriptions is (1995)
(a) Chakravarti
(b) Dharmadeva
(c) Dharmakirti
(d) Priyadarshi
Ans. (d)
Exp. – Ashoka is commonly known by the title “Priyadarshi” in his inscriptions. His edict at Maski in Karnataka’s Raichur district confirms his name as ‘Devanam Priyadarshi,’ signifying ‘He who is the beloved servant of God and regards everyone amiably.’ Additionally, Emperor Ashoka is also referred to as ‘Chakravarti Samrat,’ meaning ’emperor of emperors.’
Q2. Which one of the following edicts mentions the personal name of Ashoka? (1997)
(a) Kalsi
(b) Rummindei
(c) Special Kalinga Edict
(d) Maski
Ans. (d)
Exp. – Among the options provided, the Maski edict uniquely includes the personal name of Ashoka, namely Devanam Priyadarshi. Situated in the Raichur district of Karnataka, the Maski edict was unearthed in 1915 by C. Beadon, a British engineer. Unlike the Maski edict, the edicts of Kalsi, Rummindei, and Kalinga, while attributed to Ashoka, do not mention his personal name. The rock edicts of Kalsi, dating back to 250 BC, are a collection of Indian rock inscriptions commissioned by Emperor Ashoka. The Rummindei pillar inscription, also referred to as the Lumbini pillar edict, stands in Nepal. Meanwhile, the Kalinga rock edict, also known as the Dhauli rock edict, is situated in the Dhauli Hills near Bhubaneshwar, associated with the Ashokan era.
Q3. Assertion (A) According to Ashoka’s edicts social harmony among the people was more important than religious devotion.
Reason (R) He spread ideas of equity instead of 5 A E promotion of religion. Codes (1998)
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true
Ans. (a)
Exp. – Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. Ashoka’s edicts, which consist of 33 inscriptions on pillars, boulders, and cave walls dating from his reign between 269 BC to 232 BC, convey his perspective on Dhamma. According to these edicts, Ashoka prioritized social harmony among the populace over religious devotion. He advocated for principles of equity rather than the propagation of any specific religion. Ashoka’s governance was characterized by a commitment to peace and compassion, which facilitated the consolidation of his culturally diverse empire under a centralized administration. His edicts emphasized respectful behavior towards elders, monks, and Brahmans, aiming to foster a cohesive and harmonious society.
Q4. The given map relates to (1998)
(a) Kanishka at the time of his death
(b) Samudragupta after the close of his South Indian campaign
(c) Ashoka towards close of his reign
(d) Empire of Thaneswar on the eve of Harsha’s accession
Ans. (c)
Exp. – The provided map depicts Ashoka’s empire nearing the end of his reign. It encompassed territories extending from present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan in the west to present-day Bangladesh and the Indian state of Assam in the east, reaching as far south as northern Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.
Q5. Many of the Greeks, Kushanas and Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hinduism because (1998)
(a) Buddhism was in the ascendant at that time
(b) They had renounced the policy of war and violence
(c) Caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them
(d) Buddhism provided easier access to Indian society
Ans. (c)
Exp. – Many Greeks, Kushanas, and Shakas chose to adopt Buddhism instead of Hinduism due to their dissatisfaction with the caste system within Hinduism. They sought legitimacy for their rule, and Buddhism offered a more accessible pathway compared to the rigid caste structure of Hinduism. By embracing Buddhism, these rulers aimed to consolidate their authority over the populace.
However, statements (a), (b), and (d) are inaccurate. Buddhism was not dominant during this period; its peak popularity was during the Mauryan era. Additionally, while Greeks, Kushanas, and Shakas engaged in warfare, it was typically against other ruling powers rather than the general population. These rulers also promoted social harmony and welfare, contradicting the notion that they solely relied on violence.
Moreover, it is incorrect to claim that Buddhism provided these rulers with an easier means of integrating into Indian society, as Hinduism was the predominant religion in the Indian subcontinent at the time, with the majority of the population following its teachings.
Q6. The Indo-Greek kingdom set up in North Afghanistan in the beginning of the 2nd century BC was (1999)
(a) Bactria
(b) Scythia
(c) Zedrasia (Gedrosia)
(d) Aria
Ans. (a)
Exp. – The establishment of the Indo-Greek kingdom in North Afghanistan at the onset of the 2nd century BC was centered in Bactria, thus leading to the Indo-Greeks being commonly referred to as Bactrians. Situated amidst the Hindu Kush mountain range and the region surrounding the Amu Darya river in Central Eurasia, it marked the initial Greek ingress into India from the Northwest. Scythia, encompassing parts of modern-day Iran and Eastern Europe, flourished between the 9th and 4th centuries BCE, governed by the Eastern Iranian Scythians. Zedrasia, known as Gedrosia in Hellenistic terms, represented the coastal region of Balochistan, corresponding roughly to present-day Makran, and held significant importance within the Mauryan empire. Aria, a prominent Achaemenid territory, centered around Herat in contemporary Afghanistan, with its original capital noted as Artacoana according to Ptolemy.
Q7. From the 3rd century AD when the Hun invasion 100ended the Roman Empire, the Indian merchants relied more and more on the (2000)
(a) African trade
(b) West-European trade
(c) South-East Asian trade
(d) Middle-eastern trade
Ans. (c)
Exp. – Since the 3rd century AD, following the decline of the Roman Empire due to the Hun invasion, Indian merchants increasingly turned to trade in South-East Asia. The invasion compelled Indian merchants to seek out markets in eastern regions, thereby presenting opportunities in the South-East Asian trade. This invasion hastened the economic downturn, disrupting India’s trade with Central Asia and causing turbulence along trade routes, leading to closures. Subsequently, with trade routes to Central Asia cut off, Indian traders shifted their focus to South-East Asia.
Q8. Assertion (A) Ashoka annexed Kalinga to the Mauryan empire.
Reason (R) Kalinga controlled the land and sea routes to South India. (2000)
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation E of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true
Ans. (a)
Exp. – Both statement A and statement R are accurate. Statement R appropriately explains statement A. Ashoka’s annexation of Kalinga into the Mauryan Empire in 261 BC was driven primarily by its strategic significance. Despite initially employing a policy of physical occupation, Ashoka transitioned to a strategy of cultural assimilation following the Kalinga war. However, he still retained control over Kalinga and integrated it into his empire due to its crucial position. Kalinga’s strategic location allowed it to dominate both land and sea routes leading to South India, essential for Mauryan trade. Ashoka’s desire to regulate these vital trade routes motivated his annexation of Kalinga.
Q8. Which one of the following dynasties was ruling over North India at the time of Alexander’s invasion? (2000)
(a) Nanda
(b) Maurya
(c) Shunga
(d) Kanva
Ans. (a)
Exp. The Nanda dynasty governed North India when Alexander launched his invasion in 326 BC. Originating in the 4th-5th century BC, the Nandas seized power from the Shishunanga dynasty in the Magadha region of eastern India, expanding their dominion across a significant portion of northern India. Alexander’s incursion coincided with the reign of the last Nanda king, Dhananda. Subsequently, Chandragupta Maurya established the Maurya dynasty in 322 BC, ruling until 185 BC. Following the Mauryan era, the Shunga dynasty was inaugurated by Pushyamitra Shunga, reigning from 185 BC to 75 BC. The Kanva dynasty then held sway from 75 BC to 30 BC under the leadership of Vasudeva Kanva.
Q9. The practice of military governorship was first introduced in India by the 1000 (2000)
(a) Greeks
(b) Shakas
(c) Parthians
(d) Mughals
Ans.(a)
Exp. – The concept of military governorship was initially introduced by the Greeks. It was Alexander the Great who, upon his return from India, distributed his conquered territories among his military generals. These Greek governors, known as ‘Strategos’, assumed the role of the principal political executives in their assigned regions under military administration. The Shakas, along with the Parthians, also implemented a similar system of governance known as the Satrap system, reminiscent of the Achaemenid Empire in Iran. However, it was the Greeks who first established the institution of military governorship in India following the establishment of their empire.
Moving forward in history, the Mughals emerged as one of the most significant rulers during medieval India. They introduced a land revenue system called Zabt.
Q10. Who among the following presided over the Buddhist council held during the reign of Kanishka at Kashmir?
(a) Parsva
(b) Nagarjuna
(c) Sudraka
(d) Vasumitra
Ans. (d)
Exp. – During Kanishka’s reign in Kashmir, Vasumitra chaired the fourth Buddhist council, convened at Kundalvana. This pivotal gathering notably marked the division of Buddhism into two distinct sects: Mahayana and Hinayana. The lineage of councils began with the inaugural one in 400 BCE, patronized by King Ajatasatru and overseen by the monk Mahakasyapa in Rajgriha (Rajgir). The second council, in the 4th century BCE, was under the auspices of King Kalashoka, with Monk Sabakamim presiding in Vaishali. In 251 BCE, King Ashoka sponsored the third council, with Monk Moggaliputta Tissa presiding in Patliputra. Among the luminaries in Kanishka’s court were Parsva, Nagarjuna, and Sudraka.
Q10. The ancient Indian play Mudrarakshasa of Visha khadatta has its subject on (2002)
(a) a conflict between Gods and Demons of ancient Hindu lore
(b) a romantic story of an Aryan prince and a tribal woman
(c) the story of the power struggle between two Aryans
(d) the court intrigues at the time of Chandraguptan
Ans. (d)
Q11. Consider the following statements. (2003)
1. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha was assassinated by his Commander-in-Chief, Pushyamitra Shunga.
2. The last Shunga king, Devabhuti was assassinated by his Brahmana Minister Vasudeva Kanva who usurped the throne.
3. The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty was deposed by the Andhras.
Which of these statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(c) Only 3
Ans. (d)
Exp. – All three statements are accurate. Brihadratha, the final ruler of the Mauryan Empire, was indeed assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Shunga, as mentioned in the ‘Harshacharita’. Similarly, Devabhuti, the last Shunga King, met his end through assassination orchestrated by his Brahman minister Vasudeva Kanva, who seized power. Known also as ‘Dev Bhomi’, Devabhuti’s demise is described in Bana’s ‘Harshacharita’, detailing Vasudeva Kanva’s involvement, aided by the daughter of a servant woman disguised as his queen. Moreover, according to the Puranas, Susharman, the final ruler of the Kanva dynasty, was slain by Balipuccha, who went on to establish the Andhra dynasty.
Q12. Who among the following was not a contemporary of the other three? (2005)
(a) Bimbisara
(b) Gautama Buddha
(c) Milinda
(d) Prasenjit
Ans. (c)
Exp. – Milinda, the ruler of the Indo-Greek kingdom, governed a vast empire centered at Sagala. His reign spanned from the 2nd century BC to the early 1st century AD. Although not living during the same era as Gautama Buddha, Milinda was a devoted supporter of Buddhism. According to Buddhist texts, Bimbisara, the king of Magadha, encountered Buddha before his enlightenment. Meanwhile, Prasenjit, the ruler of Kosala, enjoyed a close friendship with Buddha and actively embraced his teachings as a prominent follower (Upasaka) of Gautama Buddha.
Q13. Between which of the following was the ancient town of Takshasila located? (2006)
(a) Indus and Jhelum
(b) Jhelum and Chenab
(c) Chenab and Ravi
(d) Ravi and Beas
Ans. (a)
Exp. – The ancient town of Takshasila, nestled between the Indus and Jhelum rivers, holds historical significance. Its name, Takshasila, translates to ‘city of cut stone’ or ‘Rank of Taksha,’ indicating its architectural prowess or a possible royal association. Positioned at a crucial juncture connecting India, Western Asia, and Central Asia, Takshasila is now situated in the Rawalpindi district of the Punjab province in Pakistan. Recognized for its cultural value, the site earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1980. Its treasures include a Mesolithic cave and remnants of four early settlements alongside Buddhist monasteries. In antiquity, Taxila was renowned as a hub of learning and a prominent center for the development of Gandhara art.
Q14. With reference to the invaders in ancient India, which one of the following is the correct chronological order? (2006)
(a) Greeks-Sakas-Kushanas
(b) Greeks-Kushanas-Sakas
(c) Sakas-Greeks-Kushanas
(d) Sakas-Kushanas-Greeks
Ans. (a)
Exp. – Regarding the historical invaders of ancient India, the correct chronological sequence is Greeks-Sakas-Kushanas. Alexander led the Greek invasion of India in 326 BC. Following this, the Indo-Greek kingdom was established and governed by 30 Hellenistic kings in North-West and North India from the 2nd century BC to the early 1st century AD, with their rule extending from 180 BC to around 55 BC. The Sakas, also referred to as Indo-Scythians, commenced their invasion of North-West India from the 1st century BC onwards. Subsequently, the Kushanas held dominion over India from 30 AD to 375 AD, until the arrival of the Kidarites invasions.
Q15. With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy, which of the following statements correct? (2012)
1. Every guild was registered with the central is/are the authority of the state and the king was the chief administrative authority on them.
2. The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the guild.
3. The guild had judicial powers over its own members.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1,2 and 3
Ans. (c)
Exp. – Only statements (2) and (3) accurately depict the role of the guilds (Shreni) in ancient India’s economy. Guilds, comprising traders, merchants, and artisans, collaborated to regulate production quality, ensure fair wages and prices, and set standards and market prices. They possessed judicial authority over their members, empowering them to impeach and penalize a chief for misconduct.
Statement (1) is inaccurate as each guild had its own chief, supported by others, and played a pivotal role in safeguarding the interests of traders and craftsmen against royal oppression and legal discrimination.
Additionally, guilds were registered with town authorities, and members adhered to strict guidelines known as the ‘Shreni Dharma’ to govern their activities.
Q16. Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of emperor Ashoka? (2016)
(a) Georg Buhler
(b) James Princep
(c) Max Muller
(d) Willaim Jones
Ans. (b)
Exp. – James Princep, a prominent figure within the ranks of the British East India Company in Bengal, achieved a significant milestone in 1837 by deciphering the edicts of Emperor Ashoka. His breakthrough in understanding the Brahmi script unveiled crucial insights into ancient Indian history. Among his discoveries was the frequent mention of a monarch known as ‘Devanampiya Piyadassi,’ translating to ‘pleasant to behold,’ on early inscriptions and coins. Princep’s decipherment opened avenues for fresh explorations into the political landscape of early India.
Q16. In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka? (2019)
(a) Kanaganahalli
(b) Sanchi
(c) Shahbazgarhi
(d) Sohgaura
Ans. (a)
Exp. – The inscription found on the relief sculpture at Kanaganahalli mentions ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka), accompanied by a stone portrait of Ashoka himself. Situated in Sannati, Karnataka, this sculptural masterpiece portrays the emperor, his queen, and attendants carved onto a slab, marking the first-ever depiction of Ashoka with his name inscribed.
Furthermore, the Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh stands as one of India’s earliest and most significant Buddhist monuments, commissioned by Emperor Ashoka. Meanwhile, Shahbazgarhi, located in present-day Pakistan, is renowned for its rock edicts attributed to the Mauryan emperor. Lastly, Sohgaura hosts a copper plate inscription inscribed in Prakrit using the Brahmi script, situated in the Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh.
Q17. Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription? “Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.” (2020)
(a) Ashoka
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Harshavardhana
(d) Krishnadeva Raya
Ans. (a)
Exp. – In his inscription, Emperor Ashoka imparts wisdom to his people, cautioning against the detrimental effects of excessive devotion to one’s own religious sect. He stresses that praising one’s sect while disparaging others ultimately harms one’s own sect. Ashoka, renowned for spreading Buddhist principles, conveyed these teachings in the 12th major rock edict, which also includes guidelines for the conduct of Bhikshuks, or Buddhist monks.
Q18. Consider the following pairs. (2022)
Site of Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts – Location in the State of
1. Dhauli Odisha
2. Erragudi Andhra Pradesh
3. Jaugada Madhya Pradesh
4. Kalsi Karnataka
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs to
(d) All four pairs
Ans. (b)
Exp. – Only two pairs, (1) and (2), are accurately matched:
- Dhauli Rock Edict: Located on the Dhaulagiri hills in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Discovered in 1837.
- Erragudi Edict: Situated in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Discovered in 1916.
Pairs (3) and (4) are mismatched:
- Jaugada Edict: Situated near the Tara Tarini Temple in Ganjam district, Odisha. Discovered in 1850.
- Kalsi Edict: Located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Discovered in 1837.
These edicts collectively constitute a group of duplicated edicts, each with slight variations, found across 10 known locations.
Q20. According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which of the (2 following are correct? (2022)
1. A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial punishment.
2. If a female slave born her master a son. She was Bisbe legally free.
3. If a son born to a female slave was fathered by her master. The son was entitled to the legal stats of the master’s son.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. (d)
- Statements (1), (2), and (3) align with the teachings of Kautilya’s Arthashastra.
- According to the ‘Arthashastra,’ individuals could become slaves through birth, voluntary sale, capture in war, or as a form of judicial punishment.
- In accordance with the Arthashastra, if a female slave bore her master’s child, she gained freedom from bondage. However, during her pregnancy, she couldn’t be sold or mortgaged without ensuring her well-being. Upon giving birth to her master’s child, both the slave and the child were emancipated.
- Additionally, any slave under the age of eight, lacking relatives, regardless of birth circumstances, was entitled to a portion of the master’s inheritance.
FAQs
Question: Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire?
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya is considered the founder of the Mauryan Empire. He established the empire around 322 BCE after defeating the Nanda dynasty.
Question: Which Mauryan emperor is known for his role in spreading Buddhism?
Answer: Emperor Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, is renowned for his propagation of Buddhism. After the Kalinga War, he embraced Buddhism and worked to spread its teachings throughout his empire and beyond.
Question: What was the administrative system of the Mauryan Empire?
Answer: The Mauryan Empire had a well-organized administrative system. It was divided into provinces called “Janapadas,” which were further subdivided into districts. Each district was headed by a royal officer called a “Mahamatya.” Additionally, there were officials responsible for revenue collection, law enforcement, and maintaining records.
Question: Which post-Mauryan dynasty ruled over a significant part of India after the decline of the Mauryan Empire?
Answer: The Sunga dynasty succeeded the Mauryan Empire. Established by Pushyamitra Sunga, who assassinated the last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha Maurya, the Sunga dynasty ruled over a considerable portion of India from around 185 BCE to 73 BCE.
Question: What were the major achievements of the Mauryan Empire?
Answer: The Mauryan Empire witnessed several notable achievements. Under the reign of Ashoka, the empire flourished culturally and economically. Ashoka’s rock edicts spread moral and ethical values throughout the empire. Additionally, the empire saw significant advancements in architecture, evidenced by structures like the Ashoka Pillars and the construction of capital cities such as Pataliputra. Furthermore, the Mauryan Empire established a vast network of roads and promoted trade and commerce.
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