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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, who were referred to as โthe Greatโ?
(b) Ashoka and Alexander
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B. Write T for True and F for False
1. The last Mauryan ruler was Brihadratha. โ T
2. Ashoka defeated Seleucus Nicator. โ F
3. Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the Sungas to set up the Mauryan Empire. โ F
4. Tax on produce was fixed between one-fourth to one-sixth of the total produce. โ T
5. Indica was written by Megasthenes. โ T
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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.
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D. Very Short Answer Type Questions (20โ30 words)
1. Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire?
Answer:
Where did he set up his capital?
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire. He established his capital at Pataliputra.
2. Who was Chanakya or Kautilya?
Answer:
Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, was Chandragupta Mauryaโs chief advisor and the author of the Arthashastra. He helped establish the Mauryan Empire.
3. Who is considered the greatest of the Mauryan kings?
Answer:
Ashoka is considered the greatest Mauryan ruler. He expanded the empire, embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War, and promoted dharma and non-violence.
4. How did the Kalinga battle influence Ashoka?
Answer:
The huge loss of life in the Kalinga War deeply shocked Ashoka. He gave up warfare, accepted Buddhism, and dedicated his life to spreading peace and dharma.
5. What is dhamma?
Answer:
Dhamma means moral teachings and righteous conduct. Ashokaโs dhamma promoted kindness, non-violence, respect towards elders, and welfare of people.
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E. Short Answer Type Questions (50โ60 words)
1. Discuss various sources available for studying the Mauryan period.
Answer:
The Mauryan period is known from literary sources like Arthashastra, Indica by Megasthenes, Buddhist texts, and the Mudrarakshasa. Archaeological sources such as Ashokan inscriptions, pillars, rock edicts, coins, and sculptures also give information about administration, society, economy, and religion during the Mauryan rule.
2. Write a note on Chandragupta Maurya.
Answer:
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire with the guidance of Chanakya. He defeated the Nandas and united northern India. His capital was Pataliputra. He built a strong administration and army. After ruling successfully, he abdicated the throne and spent his last years at Shravanabelagola as a Jain monk.
3. Write a few lines about Bindusara.
Answer:
Bindusara was the son of Chandragupta Maurya. He extended the empire further south and maintained friendly relations with foreign rulers. His reign kept the empire stable and prosperous. Bindusara was the father of Ashoka, who later became the greatest Mauryan ruler.
4. Write a few lines on Ashokan edicts.
Answer:
Ashokan edicts are inscriptions engraved on rocks and pillars throughout his empire. Written mainly in Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts, they explain his dhamma, administrative orders, concern for welfare, and messages on peace and non-violence. They are valuable sources for understanding Ashokaโs rule.
5. Examine the taxation system of the Mauryas.
Answer:
The Mauryan taxation system was well-organized. Farmers paid land revenue of about one-sixth of their produce. Taxes were also collected on goods, forests, mines, and trade. Artisans paid taxes in cash or goods. The revenue supported administration, army, public works, and welfare activities.
F. Long Answer Type Questions (80โ100 words)
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1. Write some of the main principles of Ashokaโs dhamma.
Answer:
Ashokaโs dhamma was based on moral values meant to create a just and peaceful society. Its main principles included non-violence, respect for elders, kindness towards servants, and good behaviour towards family and neighbours. Ashoka encouraged tolerance towards all religions and discouraged useless rituals. He promoted truthfulness, purity of mind, and compassion towards animals. He also stressed the importance of charity, welfare works, and obedience to parents and teachers. The aim of dhamma was to improve peopleโs conduct and ensure harmony in the empire.
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2. What were the methods used by Emperor Ashoka to spread the message of dhamma?
Answer:
Ashoka used several effective methods to spread his dhamma. The most important was the engraving of edicts on rocks, pillars, and caves across the empire in different scripts and languages so people could read them easily. He appointed Dhamma Mahamatras, officials who travelled widely to teach moral behaviour. Ashoka also sent missionaries to different parts of India and foreign regions like Sri Lanka. He encouraged public welfare works, including building roads, planting trees, digging wells, and establishing rest houses, all of which reflected the spirit of dhamma.
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3. Discuss the use of different scripts in different parts of the empire to spread Ashokaโs message.
Answer:
Ashoka ruled a vast empire with people speaking many languages. To ensure everyone understood his message, he used different scripts in different regions. In most of north and central India, his edicts were written in the Brahmi script, which was widely used by common people. In the north-west regions like Peshawar and Afghanistan, he used the Kharosthi script, as it was locally understood. In far-off areas, especially near present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan, Greek and Aramaic scripts were used. This multilingual approach helped Ashoka reach all communities.
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4. Describe the administration of the Mauryas in detail.
Answer:
The Mauryan administration was highly organized and efficient. The king was the supreme authority, assisted by a Council of Ministers. The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by princes or officials. Provinces were further divided into districts and villages. A large number of officials handled revenue, justice, trade, and public works. The Arthashastra mentions departments for mining, forests, agriculture, and defence. The capital, Pataliputra, had a city council with committees managing sanitation, roads, and security. A strong spy system kept the king informed. The Mauryan administration ensured peace and prosperity.
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5. Discuss in detail the Mauryan art and architecture.
Answer:
Mauryan art and architecture represent one of the earliest examples of advanced craftsmanship in India. The most famous creations are the Ashokan pillars, made of polished sandstone, with beautifully carved capitals like the Lion Capital of Sarnath, now Indiaโs national emblem. Ashoka also built rock-cut caves, such as the Barabar caves, used by monks for meditation. The Mauryan period saw the growth of stupas, including the great stupa at Sanchi. Their architecture shows high skill, smooth stone polishing, and symbolic carvings. Mauryan art reflected simplicity, strength, and religious values.
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G. Differentiate between the following
1. Arthashastra and Indica
Arthashastra Indica
Written by Kautilya/Chanakya. Written by Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador.
Deals with administration, economy, politics, and governance. Describes Indian society, culture, and administration during Chandraguptaโs reign.
A theoretical guidebook for rulers. A foreign account based on observation.
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2. Purohita and Senapati
Purohita Senapati
The chief priest of the king. The commander-in-chief of the army.
Performed religious rituals and guided the king spiritually. Responsible for protecting the kingdom and leading the army.
Advised the king on dharma and ceremonies. Advised the king on military matters.
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H. Higher-Order Thinking Skills
1. Why was Ashoka a changed man after the Kalinga War?
Ashoka was deeply shocked by the massive bloodshed and suffering caused by the Kalinga War. More than one lakh people were killed, and many were wounded or displaced. Seeing this misery, Ashoka felt regret and abandoned warfare. He adopted Buddhism and dedicated his life to non-violence, compassion, and moral living. This transformation made him a changed and humane ruler.
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2. On most rock and pillar inscriptions Brahmi is used, but in a few Kharosthi, Greek, and Aramaic scripts are used. What could be the reason?
Ashokaโs empire included people of many languages and cultures. Different regions used different scripts. Brahmi was common in northern and central India, so most edicts were written in it. In the north-west, especially present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan, people used Kharosthi, Greek, and Aramaic because of earlier Persian and Greek influence. Ashoka chose scripts understood by local people so that everyone could read and understand his message.