A. Choose the correct answer
1. The rise of Chandragupta Maurya is described in:
(c) Mudrarakshasa
2. Ashoka was the son of:
(b) Bindusara
3. The founder of the Mauryan Empire was:
(d) Chandragupta
4. Ashokan inscriptions near Peshawar are written in:
(d) Kharosthi
5. Among the following, which kings were referred to as “the Great”?
(b) Ashoka and Alexander
B. Write T for True and F for False statements
1. The last Mauryan ruler was Brihadratha.
True
2. Ashoka defeated Seleucus Nicator.
False
3. Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the Sungas to set up the Mauryan Empire.
False (He defeated the Nandas.)
4. Tax on produce was fixed between one-fourth to one-sixth of the total produce.
True
5. Indika was written by Megasthenes.
True
C. Fill in the blanks
1. Chanakya is also known as Kautilya and Vishnugupta.
2. Megasthenes was sent as an envoy by Seleucus Nicator to Chandraguptaโs court.
3. The Kalinga kingdom was brought under Mauryan rule by Ashoka.
4. Chandragupta Maurya defeated the Nandas to set up the Mauryan Empire.
5. Most of the Ashokan edicts were written in the Kharosthi script.
D. Very Short Answer Type Questions (20โ30 words)
1. Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire? Where did he set up his capital?
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire and set up his capital at Pataliputra (modern-day Patna).
2. Who was Chanakya or Kautilya?
Answer: Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, was a teacher, economist, and advisor to Chandragupta Maurya. He authored the Arthashastra.
3. Who is considered as the greatest of the Mauryan kings? Write a few lines about him.
Answer: Ashoka is considered the greatest Mauryan king. He adopted Buddhism after the Kalinga War, promoted non-violence, and spread Buddhist teachings across Asia through edicts and inscriptions.
4. How did the Kalinga battle influence Ashoka?
Answer: The Kalinga battle caused immense suffering, leading Ashoka to renounce violence and embrace Buddhism. He adopted a policy of Dhamma and worked for the welfare of his people.
5. What is dhamma?
Answer: Dhamma refers to Ashoka’s principles of moral and ethical living, emphasizing non-violence, kindness, tolerance, and respect for all life forms.
E. Short Answer Type Questions (50โ60 words)
1. Discuss various sources available for studying the Mauryan period.
Answer: The Mauryan period is studied through literary sources like Arthashastra and Indika, inscriptions like Ashokan edicts, archaeological remains, coins, and accounts of foreign travelers like Megasthenes.
2. Write a note on Chandragupta Maurya.
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Empire. With the guidance of Chanakya, he defeated the Nandas and established his capital at Pataliputra. He later embraced Jainism.
3. Write a few lines about Bindusara.
Answer: Bindusara, the son of Chandragupta Maurya, was the second Mauryan ruler. Known as Amitraghata (Slayer of Enemies), he expanded the empire further south and maintained peace.
4. Write a few lines on Ashokan edicts.
Answer: Ashokan edicts are inscriptions engraved on rocks and pillars. They propagate his policies of Dhamma, non-violence, and welfare. These inscriptions are found in Brahmi, Kharosthi, and Greek scripts.
5. Examine the taxation system of the Mauryas.
Answer: The Mauryan taxation system was well-organized. Farmers paid a tax ranging from one-fourth to one-sixth of their produce. Taxes were also levied on trade, crafts, and land revenue. The income was used for administration and welfare.
F. Long Answer Type Questions (80โ100 words)
1. Write some of the main principles of Ashokaโs dhamma.
Answer: Ashokaโs dhamma emphasized non-violence, compassion, and tolerance. It advocated respect for all religions, kindness towards animals, and proper treatment of servants. Ashoka encouraged truthfulness, generosity, and good behavior. His dhamma sought to promote harmony and unity among people. It focused on moral and ethical living instead of rituals and sacrifices, aiming for societal welfare and peace.
2. What were the methods used by Emperor Ashoka to spread the message of dhamma?
Answer: Ashoka spread his dhamma through inscriptions on rocks and pillars written in scripts like Brahmi and Kharosthi. He appointed dhamma mahamatras (officials) to teach these principles. He sent emissaries to neighboring kingdoms, including Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, to promote dhamma. Additionally, he conducted public welfare works like building roads, hospitals, and rest houses.
3. Discuss the use of different scripts in different parts of the empire to spread Ashokaโs message.
Answer: Ashoka used Brahmi script in most parts of India and Kharosthi in the northwest, as these were the regional scripts of their respective areas. For areas with Greek and Aramaic influence, such as Afghanistan, Ashoka inscribed his messages in these languages to make them understandable. This ensured the widespread reach of his dhamma.
4. Describe the administration of the Mauryan art and architecture in detail.
Answer: The Mauryan administration was centralized and efficient, with a strong bureaucracy. Art and architecture flourished under their reign, evident in structures like the Ashokan pillars, stupas, and rock-cut caves. The pillars were polished, carved with inscriptions, and topped with animal capitals like the Lion Capital at Sarnath. The stupas, like Sanchi, served as important religious monuments.
G. Differentiate between the following
1. Arthashastra and Indika
Arthashastra: Written by Chanakya, it is a treatise on statecraft, economics, and governance.
Indika: Written by Megasthenes, it is an account of Mauryan society, culture, and administration.
2. Purohita and Senapati
Purohita: The royal priest responsible for religious ceremonies and advising the king on spiritual matters.
Senapati: The military commander-in-chief responsible for the empire’s defense and leading the army.
H. Higher-Order Thinking Skills
1. Why was Ashoka a changed man after the Kalinga War?
The Kalinga War caused widespread destruction and immense suffering, resulting in over 100,000 deaths. Witnessing this brutality deeply affected Ashoka. He renounced violence, embraced Buddhism, and adopted the policy of dhamma, focusing on peace, non-violence, and welfare.
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