Static Quiz 02 May 2026 (History)

Q1. With reference to Ashokan Major Rock Edicts (MRE), consider the following statements:

1. The Major Rock Edicts are found only at locations that were on the frontiers of the Mauryan Empire.
2. Sanchi is a key site for the 14 Major Rock Edicts, documenting Ashoka’s shift toward non-violence.
3. The Kandahar Greek Edict is unique because it is the only Major Rock Edict not inscribed on a natural rock surface.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Q1 Answer: (b) 3 only

• Statement 1 is incorrect: While many MREs were on frontiers (like Shahbazgarhi or Dhauli), others like Kalsi (Uttarakhand) and Erragudi (Andhra Pradesh) were situated near significant internal trade routes or administrative hubs.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Sanchi is famous for its Stupa and a Minor Pillar Edict (the Schism Edict), but it does not contain the 14 Major Rock Edicts.
• Statement 3 is correct: Most MREs are on natural rock. The Kandahar inscriptions are often classified separately due to their bilingual nature (Greek/Aramaic) and different physical medium.
  
  

Q2. Match the following Ashokan sites with their unique characteristics:

List I (Site)	List II (Characteristic)
A. Maski	1. Mention of the name “Ashoka”
B. Rummindei	2. Mention of the Kalinga War
C. Shahbazgarhi	3. Reduction of the ‘Bali’ tax
D. Erragudi	4. Written in Kharosthi script

Select the correct code:

(a) A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2

(b) A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3

(c) A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2

(d) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4

Q2 Answer: (a) A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2

• Maski (Karnataka): Historically significant for being the first site where the name “Ashoka” was found associated with the title Devanampiya.
• Rummindei (Nepal): Commemorates Ashoka’s visit to Buddha’s birthplace; it records that he made the village free of Bali (religious tribute) and reduced Bhaga (land tax) to 1/8
• Shahbazgarhi (Pakistan): Located in the northwest, hence written in the Kharosthi script (right-to-left).
• Erragudi (Andhra Pradesh): A unique site in the south containing a full set of the 14 Major Rock Edicts.
  
  

Q3. Consider the following pairs of Ashokan Inscriptions and their contents:

1. Major Rock Edict II: Mentions the Chola, Pandya, and Satyaputra kingdoms.
2. Major Rock Edict XIII: Detailed account of the Kalinga War and victory through Dhamma.
3. Pillar Edict IV: Details the duties and judicial powers of the Rajukas.
4. Minor Rock Edict III: Lists specific Buddhist scriptures for the clergy to study.

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair

(b) Only two pairs

(c) Only three pairs

(d) All four pairs

Q3 Answer: (d) All four pairs

• MRE II is vital for understanding Mauryan international relations and “neighboring” southern states.
• MRE XIII is the primary source for the Kalinga war’s psychological impact on Ashoka.
• Pillar Edict IV shows administrative evolution—the Rajukas were given independent authority over rewards and punishments.
• Minor Rock Edict III (Bhabru/Bairat) is the “Buddhist” edict, proving Ashoka’s deep personal involvement in Sangha affairs.

Q4. Why are the “Separate Kalinga Edicts” (found at Dhauli and Jaugada) considered unique in the corpus of Ashokan Inscriptions?

1. They omit Major Rock Edicts XI, XII, and XIII.
2. They introduce the famous phrase “All men are my children” (Sabbe Munisse Paja Mama).
3. They were specifically addressed to the high officials (Mahamatras) of Tosali and Samapa.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Q4 Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3

• Context: After the Kalinga war, Ashoka replaced MRE XI, XII, and XIII (which described the war and its horrors) at the Kalinga sites with two separate edicts.
• Statement 1: It was deemed insensitive to display the details of the Kalinga slaughter in the conquered region itself.
• Statement 2 & 3: These edicts outline a paternalistic theory of kingship, specifically instructing the Mahamatras (administrators) of Tosali and Samapa to win the trust of the “unconquered” forest tribes through impartial justice.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Ashokan Pillars and their capitals:

1. The Sarnath Lion Capital features four animals on the abacus: a lion, a bull, an elephant, and a horse.
2. The Lauriya Nandangarh pillar is unique because it is the only Ashokan pillar found in its original in-situ position with its capital intact.
3. Ashokan pillars were generally monolithic and made of Chunar sandstone.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 3 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Q5 Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

• Statement 1 is correct: The abacus of the Sarnath capital depicts four animals representing the four directions (and stages of Buddha’s life).
• Statement 2 is incorrect: While Lauriya Nandangarh (Bihar) is remarkably well-preserved, there are other pillars (like the Vaishali Pillar) that are also in-situ. However, the Vaishali pillar is crowned by a single lion and has no inscription, leading some to debate its date.
• Statement 3 is correct: The use of Chunar sandstone (near Varanasi) and the monolithic (single-stone) nature of the shafts are defining characteristics that distinguish Mauryan pillars from the multi-jointed Achaemenid (Persian) pillars.

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