Q1. Consider the following statements about the Mauryan administration:
- The term Amatya in Mauryan records refers to high officials involved in policy-making.
- Samaharta was the chief judicial officer of the empire.
- Sannidhata was associated with treasury functions.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Answer: (B) Only two
Explanation :
- Amatya — Correct
- Mentioned in Arthashastra as senior state officials.
- Assisted the king in policy formulation, administration, and supervision.
- Comparable to high-ranking bureaucrats in modern governance.
- Samaharta — Incorrect
- Chief revenue collector, not judicial head.
- Supervised taxation, assessment, and revenue collection.
- Judicial matters handled by Dharmasthiya and Kantakashodhana courts.
- Sannidhata — Correct
- Treasurer and custodian of the royal treasury.
- Maintained records of income, expenditure, and storage.
- Worked alongside Samaharta, showing fiscal checks and balances.
Q2. Arrange the following Mauryan rulers in chronological order:
- Bindusara
- Chandragupta Maurya
- Dasharatha
- Ashoka
A. 2 → 1 → 4 → 3
B. 1 → 2 → 4 → 3
C. 2 → 4 → 1 → 3
D. 2 → 1 → 3 → 4
Answer: (A)
Explanation :
- Chandragupta Maurya (c. 321–297 BCE)
- Founder of the Mauryan Empire.
- Defeated Nandas with Chanakya’s strategy.
- Treaty with Seleucus led to territorial gains and diplomatic ties.
- Bindusara (c. 297–273 BCE)
- Known as Amitraghata (slayer of enemies).
- Expanded empire southward except deep peninsular regions.
- Ashoka (c. 268–232 BCE)
- Empire reached maximum extent.
- Kalinga war triggered ideological shift toward Dhamma.
- Dasharatha
- Grandson of Ashoka.
- Donated Barabar caves to Ajivikas, showing continued religious patronage.
Q3.
Assertion (A): Ashoka appointed Dhamma Mahamatras.
Reason (R): They were meant to promote moksha.
A. Both A and R true; R explains A
B. Both true; R not explanation
C. A true; R false
D. A false; R true
Answer: (C)
Explanation :
- Assertion — True
- Dhamma Mahamatras mentioned in Ashokan Rock Edicts.
- Special officers for propagation of Dhamma and welfare oversight.
- Reason — False
- Ashokan Dhamma was not about moksha or spiritual liberation.
- It was an ethical-social code stressing:
- Respect to elders
- Religious tolerance
- Non-violence
- Welfare of subjects
- Focused on social morality and harmony, not salvation.
Q4. Which inscription mentions the Kalinga War and its aftermath?
A. Maski inscription
B. Major Rock Edict XIII
C. Bhabru Edict
D. Rummindei Pillar Inscription
Answer: (B)
Explanation :
- Major Rock Edict XIII
- Key political inscription of Ashoka.
- Records:
- 100,000 deaths
- 150,000 deported
- Ashoka’s remorse
- Shift to conquest by Dhamma (Dhammavijaya)
- Primary source for Ashoka’s moral transformation.
- Other inscriptions
- Maski: Confirms the name “Ashoka”
- Bhabru: Expresses faith in Buddhism
- Rummindei: Records Buddha’s birthplace and tax remission
Q5. Consider the following about Mauryan economy:
- State monopoly existed over mining and metallurgy.
- Land revenue was generally one-third of produce.
- Guilds (Shrenis) were absent under Mauryas.
How many are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Answer: (A) Only one
Explanation :
- State monopoly — Correct
- Arthashastra notes state control over mines, salt, forests, and arms.
- Indicates strong state intervention in the economy.
- Land revenue — Incorrect
- Standard rate was one-sixth (Shadbhaga), not one-third.
- Could vary based on irrigation and fertility.
- Guilds absent — Incorrect
- Shrenis were active.
- Acted as production units and financial institutions.
- Reflect early corporate and banking features.
