Mauryan Empire and Ashoka's Dhamma

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Questions and Answers

Who founded the Mauryan empire?

Chandragupta Maurya

What are the main sources of information about the Mauryan empire? (Select all that apply)

The Indica of Megasthenes (correct)

The Arthashastra of Chanakya (correct)

The edits of Ashoka (correct)

The Upanishads

The Ramayana

How did Chandragupta Maurya gain control of territories across the River Indus?

Chandragupta made a gift of 500 elephants to the Greek general Seleucus I Nicator and obtained the territory across the River Indus.

Which of the following cities were important cities of the Mauryan Empire? (Select all that apply)

Taxila Signup and view all the answers

Why was the conquest of Kalinga a turning point in Ashoka's life?

Ashoka was horrified by the suffering caused by the war and renounced war after conquering Kalinga. Signup and view all the answers

What was Ashoka's policy after the conquest of Kalinga?

He adopted a policy of dhamma. Signup and view all the answers

What were the principles of Ashoka's dhamma? (Select all that apply)

Proper treatment of all living beings Signup and view all the answers

How did Ashoka spread his message of dhamma?

Ashoka engraved the principles of dhamma on rock and pillar edits. There were fourteen rock edits and seven pillar edits. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary language used for the inscriptions of Ashoka's dhamma?

Prakrit Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Dhamma mahamatta?

They were officials who taught people about dhamma. Signup and view all the answers

What were the main problems that Ashoka aimed to solve through dhamma? (Select all that apply)

Conflicts between different religious groups Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions best exemplifies Ashoka's commitment to dhamma? (Select all that apply)

He abolished the policy of physical conquest. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Ashoka considered a Great Emperor?

Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism and his adoption of a non-violent, humanitarian policy of dhamma, focused on the welfare of his subjects, earned him recognition as a compassionate and progressive leader. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following were prominent rulers of the Mauryan Empire? (Select all that apply)

Ashoka Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the main factors that contributed to the decline of the Mauryan Empire?

Weak rulers succeeding Ashoka, a financial crisis due to excessive military expenditure, and invasions in the northwest. The combination led to instability and eventual decline Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the sources from which the Mauryan Empire collected taxes? (Select all that apply)

Water tax Signup and view all the answers

What evidence is there of irrigation systems and taxation related to irrigation during the Mauryan Empire?

The Mauryan government provided irrigation facilities to farmers, and a water tax was collected wherever the state provided irrigation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the river where Chandragupta Maurya defeated Seleucus Nicator?

The Indus River Signup and view all the answers

What was the capital city of the Mauryan Empire?

Pataliputra Signup and view all the answers

Which city was a capital of a Mauryan province and a gateway to northwest central Asia?

Taxila Signup and view all the answers

Which city was a capital of a Mauryan province and on the route from North to South India?

Ujjain Signup and view all the answers

What was the location where a major battle took place that changed Ashoka's life?

The place was Kalinga Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the place, located northeast of Varanasi, that has the Ashoka Stamb?

The place is Sarnath near Varanasi. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mauryan Empire

Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire.
Key sources of information about the Mauryan Empire include Ashoka's edicts, Megasthenes' Indica, and Kautilya's Arthashastra.
Chandragupta Maurya gained control of territories across the Indus River by gifting 500 elephants to Seleucus I Nicator.
Important cities of the Mauryan Empire include Pataliputra, Taxila, and Ujjain.
The Kalinga War was a turning point for Ashoka. He renounced war after conquering Kalinga, feeling remorse, and adopted the policy of dhamma. He converted to Buddhism.

Ashoka's Dhamma

Ashoka's dhamma was not focused on rituals or sacrifices.
Key principles of Ashoka's dhamma included obedience to elders and respectable people, proper treatment of all (ascetics, dependents, poor, etc.), non-violence, and morality.
Ashoka spread his message through edicts inscribed on rocks and pillars.

Governance and Administration

Ashoka appointed Dhamma Mahamattas to spread and enforce dhamma.
He implemented measures to improve the welfare of the people, including digging wells, planting trees, building canals, and hospitals.
The Mauryan Empire was divided into provinces and the capital city, Pataliputra, had direct control. Provincial capitals had local governors.
Different administrative mechanisms were used depending on the region.

Decline of the Mauryan Empire

Factors that contributed to the decline of the Mauryan Empire included weak rulers after Ashoka, financial crisis due to large military expenditure, and invasions.
The empire's administrative machinery collapsed after Ashoka's death.

Irrigation and Taxation

Mauryan governance supported irrigation systems for the peasantry.
Water tax was collected in areas where the state assisted in irrigation.

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Description

Explore the significant aspects of the Mauryan Empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya, and the impactful reign of Ashoka. This quiz covers key historical sources, important cities, the transformative Kalinga War, and the principles of Ashoka's dhamma. Test your knowledge on how these elements defined a pivotal era in Indian history.