Nanda and Mauryan Empire

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the role of the Mantri Parishad in the Mauryan administration?

To oversee the collection of revenue and manage the treasury.
To administer justice and resolve legal disputes within the kingdom.
To command the army and ensure the security of the empire.
To advise the king on matters of governance and policy. (correct)

How did the Mauryan administration handle the governance of its vast empire?

By directly appointing officials from Pataliputra to oversee all regions.
By granting autonomy to local kingdoms in exchange for annual tributes.
By establishing a system of elected governors in each district.
By dividing the empire into provinces ruled by royal princes or viceroys. (correct)

What was the primary purpose of Ashoka's edicts during the Mauryan period?

To document trade agreements with neighboring kingdoms.
To serve as legal codes for settling disputes among citizens.
To disseminate royal commands and proclamations to the public. (correct)
To record the history of the Mauryan dynasty for future generations.

What was the role of the committees in Pataliputra's city administration?

To manage specific departments such as industries, registration, and trade. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Mauryan army kept in a high state of readiness, even during Ashoka's reign?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Chanakya's Arthashastra influence the Mauryan administration?

By outlining principles of good governance and statecraft. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How can the use of Prakrit language in Ashokan edicts be best interpreted?

It facilitated communication and understanding between the rulers and the general population. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately assesses the nature of the Mauryan spy system?

It was an essential tool for maintaining control and preventing dissent within the empire. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for Chandragupta Maurya's success in overthrowing the Nanda dynasty?

The strategic guidance and training provided by Chanakya. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Mauryan Empire's establishment in Indian history?

It politically unified a substantial portion of the Indian subcontinent for the first time. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Chanakya's role in the Mauryan Empire?

An advisor and strategist instrumental in establishing the empire. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did Chandragupta Maurya liberate north-western India from Greek control?

By decisively defeating Seleucus in battle. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What were the key outcomes of the treaty signed between Chandragupta Maurya and Seleucus?

Seleucus ceded territories including eastern Afghanistan and sent Megasthenes as an ambassador. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Dhana Nanda's rule?

Appointed Chanakya as his chief advisor. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary influence on Mauryan art during Ashoka's reign?

Buddhism, inspiring the creation of stupas and other religious structures. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the duration of Mahapadma Nanda's reign compared to other Nanda kings?

The longest. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The Lion Capital of Sarnath, now India's national emblem, features which of the following?

Four lions sitting back-to-back on a circular base adorned with various animals and dharma chakras. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Besides Indika, which other primary source provides information about the Mauryan period?

Arthashastra. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the monolithic pillars erected during the Mauryan period?

To display the edicts of Ashoka and promote moral and ethical principles. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Mauryan rulers contribute to the economic prosperity of the empire?

By encouraging agriculture through irrigation projects and bringing more land under cultivation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials were primarily used in the construction of stupas during the Mauryan era?

Stones and bricks, forming solid, dome-like structures. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role did the 'dharma chakra' play in Mauryan symbolism, as seen in the Lion Capital and national flag?

Symbolizing motion, progress, and righteousness. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Besides agriculture, what were some other significant economic activities during the Mauryan period?

Mining, forestry, carpentry, pottery, and masonry. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What items were typically placed at the base of stupas during the Mauryan period?

Relics of Buddha, such as his hair or tooth. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What strategic advantage did Kalinga offer that motivated Ashoka's invasion in 261 BCE?

Control over vital land and sea trade routes connecting South India and Southeast Asia. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did Ashoka's policy of Dhamma Vijaya differ from the earlier Dig Vijaya?

Dhamma Vijaya involved conquest through moral principles, whereas Dig Vijaya relied on territorial conquest. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which geographic boundary did the Mauryan Empire, under Chandragupta Maurya, NOT reach by the end of his reign?

Mysore in the south (C) Signup and view all the answers

What key principle of Ashoka's Dhamma emphasizes the importance of minimizing harm to living beings?

Ahimsa (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a transformation that was caused by the Kalinga War?

Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism and adoption of non-violent policies. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for Seleucus giving Chandragupta Maurya territory?

To receive war elephants (A) Signup and view all the answers

Based on Ashoka's Dhamma, how should a person treat others according to the principles?

With respect and tolerance, regardless of their religious beliefs. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the reign of Bindusara contribute to the Mauryan Empire?

He extended the empire to Mysore. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What factor most significantly contributed to the weakening of the Mauryan Empire following Ashoka's reign?

The empire becoming exceedingly vast coupled with ineffective leadership among Ashoka's successors. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The Mauryan Empire maintained its infrastructure and military through:

Taxes levied on various economic activities such as mining, forestry, and professions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best characterizes the administrative structure of the Mauryan Empire under Ashoka?

A highly centralized system with power concentrated in the hands of the emperor and his officials. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the absence of a robust central authority affect the Mauryan Empire after Ashoka?

It caused provincial viceroys to assert their independence, fragmenting the empire. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the definitive end of the Mauryan dynasty?

The assassination of the last Mauryan emperor by the founder of the Sunga dynasty. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a key principle emphasized during the Mauryan period?

Expansion of territory through warfare. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant drain in the Mauryan state treasury?

Supporting a large bureaucratic system and a standing army. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The Mauryan Empire had trade ties with which of the following regions?

Sri Lanka, Egypt and Greece (A) Signup and view all the answers

Assertion (A): Dhana Nanda, the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty, was overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya. Reason (R): Chandragupta Maurya had the assistance of Chanakya, a diplomat and strategist, to overthrow Dhana Nanda. Which of the following is correct?

Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was one economic consequence of the Mauryan Empire's decline?

The disruption of established trade routes and economic networks. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Assertion (A): The Mauryan Empire was the first large political unification of India. Reason (R): Chandragupta Maurya was able to unify the entire Indian subcontinent, including Kalinga. Which of the following is correct?

Both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following historical figures with their roles or associations:

Megasthenes

Chanakya

Dhana Nanda

Seleucus

i. Advisor to Chandragupta Maurya ii. Ambassador in Chandragupta's court iii. Ruler of territory from Asia Minor to Indus iv. Last Nanda ruler

1-ii, 2-i, 3-iv, 4-iii (B) Signup and view all the answers

The Sanchi Stupa, Lion Capital, and Ashokan Pillar are significant artifacts from the Mauryan period. What do these artifacts collectively represent about the empire?

They exemplify the artistic and architectural skills, along with the propagation of Buddhist principles and royal authority. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nanda Dynasty

Ruled Magadha from 343 BCE to 321 BCE.

Mahapadma Nanda

First and longest-reigning king of the Nanda Dynasty.