- Who was the founder of the Maurya Empire?
A) Chandragupta Maurya
B) Bindusara
C) Ashoka
D) Dhana Nanda
Answer: A) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya established the Maurya Empire in 321 BCE after overthrowing the Nanda dynasty. - Which battle marked a turning point in Ashoka’s life?
A) Battle of Kurukshetra
B) Battle of Kalinga
C) Battle of Taxila
D) Battle of Pataliputra
Answer: B) Battle of Kalinga
Explanation: The Battle of Kalinga in 261 BCE led to massive bloodshed, deeply impacting Ashoka, who then embraced Buddhism and adopted a policy of non-violence. - What was the primary purpose of Ashoka’s edicts?
A) To glorify his conquests
B) To spread Buddhist principles and ethical values
C) To display his administrative skills
D) To expand trade routes
Answer: B) To spread Buddhist principles and ethical values
Explanation: Ashoka’s edicts focused on moral teachings, religious tolerance, and welfare of his people, inspired by his Buddhist beliefs. - Which script was predominantly used in Ashoka’s inscriptions?
A) Sanskrit
B) Pali
C) Brahmi
D) Kharosthi
Answer: C) Brahmi
Explanation: Most of Ashoka’s inscriptions were written in the Brahmi script, though Kharosthi was used in the northwest regions. - What title did Ashoka adopt after embracing Buddhism?
A) Devanampriya Priyadarshi
B) Chakravarti
C) Dharma Raja
D) Param Bhakt
Answer: A) Devanampriya Priyadarshi
Explanation: “Devanampriya” means “Beloved of the Gods,” and “Priyadarshi” means “One who looks at others with kindness,” reflecting his transformation. - What was the main focus of Ashoka’s Dhamma policy?
A) Military conquest
B) Religious tolerance and moral conduct
C) Tax collection reforms
D) Expansion of trade
Answer: B) Religious tolerance and moral conduct
Explanation: Ashoka’s Dhamma policy emphasized harmony, tolerance, non-violence, and welfare of all beings. - The Ashokan edicts were discovered first in which location?
A) Sanchi
B) Girnar
C) Dhauli
D) Kandahar
Answer: C) Dhauli
Explanation: The first discovery of Ashokan edicts was made at Dhauli in Odisha, associated with the Kalinga War. - Which Mauryan ruler was known as the “Constantine of Buddhism”?
A) Chandragupta Maurya
B) Bindusara
C) Ashoka
D) Samudragupta
Answer: C) Ashoka
Explanation: Ashoka is called the “Constantine of Buddhism” for his significant role in propagating Buddhism both within and beyond India. - What is the name of the council Ashoka convened to settle Buddhist disputes?
A) First Buddhist Council
B) Second Buddhist Council
C) Third Buddhist Council
D) Fourth Buddhist Council
Answer: C) Third Buddhist Council
Explanation: The Third Buddhist Council, held at Pataliputra, was convened by Ashoka to resolve disputes among Buddhist monks. - Which of the following regions was added to the Maurya Empire after the Kalinga War?
A) Magadha
B) Gandhara
C) Kalinga
D) Avanti
Answer: C) Kalinga
Explanation: Kalinga, located in modern-day Odisha, was annexed after the devastating war during Ashoka’s reign.
- Which symbol is closely associated with Ashoka and the Mauryan Empire?
A) Peacock
B) Lion Capital
C) Chakra
D) Lotus
Answer: B) Lion Capital
Explanation: The Lion Capital at Sarnath, featuring four lions, is a symbol of Ashoka’s rule and was adopted as the National Emblem of India. - What is the language of the edicts found in Kandahar?
A) Sanskrit
B) Greek and Aramaic
C) Brahmi
D) Pali
Answer: B) Greek and Aramaic
Explanation: Ashoka’s edicts in Kandahar were written in Greek and Aramaic, showing his reach and diplomacy with Hellenistic kingdoms. - What does the term “Dhamma Vijaya” mean in Ashoka’s context?
A) Victory through conquest
B) Victory through Dhamma (moral conquest)
C) Victory through diplomacy
D) Victory through war
Answer: B) Victory through Dhamma (moral conquest)
Explanation: Ashoka propagated “Dhamma Vijaya” as his philosophy, promoting moral and ethical conquests instead of military campaigns. - Which river is mentioned in the Kalinga edicts?
A) Ganga
B) Godavari
C) Mahanadi
D) Yamuna
Answer: C) Mahanadi
Explanation: The Mahanadi River is associated with the Kalinga region, where Ashoka’s edicts highlight the aftermath of the war. - Which of the following Buddhist stupas is credited to Ashoka?
A) Sanchi Stupa
B) Amaravati Stupa
C) Bharhut Stupa
D) Nagarjunakonda Stupa
Answer: A) Sanchi Stupa
Explanation: The Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh was originally built by Ashoka to house Buddhist relics. - Ashoka sent missionaries to which of the following regions?
A) Sri Lanka
B) Greece
C) Southeast Asia
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and Hellenistic kingdoms, spreading Buddhism widely. - What is the significance of the Rock Edict XIII?
A) Details the principles of administration
B) Describes the horrors of the Kalinga War
C) Mentions the promotion of trade
D) Highlights Ashoka’s genealogy
Answer: B) Describes the horrors of the Kalinga War
Explanation: Rock Edict XIII vividly describes the suffering caused by the Kalinga War and Ashoka’s subsequent embrace of non-violence. - What was Ashoka’s relationship with Buddhism before the Kalinga War?
A) He was a devout follower
B) He was indifferent to Buddhism
C) He opposed Buddhism
D) He was a Jain
Answer: B) He was indifferent to Buddhism
Explanation: Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism happened after witnessing the horrors of the Kalinga War. - The Ashokan pillar inscriptions are primarily located in which part of India?
A) Northern India
B) Southern India
C) Western India
D) Northeastern India
Answer: A) Northern India
Explanation: Most of Ashoka’s pillar inscriptions are found in northern India, reflecting the administrative and cultural importance of this region. - Who succeeded Ashoka on the throne?
A) Bindusara
B) Dasaratha
C) Samprati
D) Kunala
Answer: B) Dasaratha
Explanation: Dasaratha, Ashoka’s grandson, succeeded him and ruled a fragmented Mauryan Empire.
- Which foreign ruler is mentioned in Ashoka’s edicts?
A) Seleucus Nicator
B) Alexander the Great
C) Antiochus II
D) Darius I
Answer: C) Antiochus II
Explanation: Antiochus II, a Hellenistic ruler, is mentioned in Ashoka’s edicts, indicating diplomatic interactions. - How many major rock edicts of Ashoka have been discovered?
A) 10
B) 14
C) 20
D) 25
Answer: B) 14
Explanation: There are 14 major rock edicts that provide insights into Ashoka’s policies and governance. - What is the “Ashokan Wheel” on the Indian flag known as?
A) Dharma Chakra
B) Samrat Chakra
C) Maurya Chakra
D) Victory Chakra
Answer: A) Dharma Chakra
Explanation: The 24-spoke Dharma Chakra symbolizes the eternal cycle of life and was inspired by Ashoka’s emphasis on Dhamma. - Where did Ashoka convene the Third Buddhist Council?
A) Sarnath
B) Taxila
C) Pataliputra
D) Nalanda
Answer: C) Pataliputra
Explanation: The Third Buddhist Council was convened by Ashoka at Pataliputra under the chairmanship of Moggaliputta Tissa. - Ashoka’s inscriptions often refer to him as which of the following?
A) Maharaja Ashoka
B) Devanampriya
C) Chakravarti Ashoka
D) Dharma Ashoka
Answer: B) Devanampriya
Explanation: “Devanampriya” or “Beloved of the Gods” reflects Ashoka’s moral and spiritual transformation. - What does Minor Rock Edict I emphasize?
A) Promotion of trade
B) Importance of Dhamma
C) Construction of roads
D) Collection of taxes
Answer: B) Importance of Dhamma
Explanation: Minor Rock Edict I focuses on the importance of Dhamma and moral values for societal harmony. - Ashoka sent his son Mahinda and daughter Sanghamitta to which country to propagate Buddhism?
A) Burma
B) China
C) Sri Lanka
D) Tibet
Answer: C) Sri Lanka
Explanation: Mahinda and Sanghamitta were sent to Sri Lanka, where they played a significant role in spreading Buddhism. - What is the meaning of the term “Rajuka” in Ashoka’s administration?
A) Tax collector
B) Judge and administrator
C) Military officer
D) Diplomat
Answer: B) Judge and administrator
Explanation: Rajukas were officials appointed to oversee justice and administrative matters in Ashoka’s empire. - Which of the following pillars is known for its architectural brilliance and inscriptions?
A) Allahabad Pillar
B) Delhi-Meerut Pillar
C) Sanchi Pillar
D) Vaishali Pillar
Answer: A) Allahabad Pillar
Explanation: The Allahabad Pillar contains Ashoka’s inscriptions and showcases Mauryan architectural excellence. - Ashoka’s policy of religious tolerance was directed towards which communities?
A) Only Buddhists
B) Only Hindus
C) All religious communities
D) Only Jains
Answer: C) All religious communities
Explanation: Ashoka’s Dhamma policy emphasized respect and tolerance for all religions, promoting harmony across his empire.
