Q1.Regarding the geopolitical expansion under Chandragupta Maurya, consider the territorial exchange following the conflict with Seleucus I Nicator in 303 BCE.
Which of the following modern-day regions corresponds to Arachosia and Paropamisadae?
A) Taxila and Gandhara
B) Herat and Baluchistan
C) Fergana and Bactria
D) Kandahar and Kabul
Q1. (D)
Explanation:
- Arachosia → corresponds to Kandahar (Southern Afghanistan)
- Paropamisadae → corresponds to Kabul valley / Hindukush region
- These regions came via treaty, not conquest alone
- In exchange → 500 war elephants given to Seleucus
- Taxila/Gandhara → already under Mauryan control earlier
- Bactria/Fergana → remained outside Mauryan Empire (Seleucid sphere)
Q2.The Mauryan administration utilized ‘Gudha-purushas’. What was their primary function?
A) Revenue collection
B) Moral regulation
C) Intelligence and espionage
D) Military logistics
Q2. (C)
Explanation:
- Gudha-purushas = secret agents/spies in Arthashastra
- Key role in internal security + political surveillance
Functions included:
– Monitoring corrupt officials
– Detecting rebellions/conspiracies
– Gathering foreign intelligence - Reflects centralized and surveillance-heavy statecraft
- Distinct from:
– Dhamma Mahamatras → ethical governance
– Samaharta → revenue
Q3.Which Ashokan edict provides evidence of psychological transformation after Kalinga War?
A) Rummindei Pillar
B) 7th Pillar Edict
C) Bhabru Edict
D) Major Rock Edict XIII
Q3. (D)
Explanation:
- Major Rock Edict XIII → most critical inscription
Mentions:
– ~1,00,000 killed
– ~1,50,000 deported - Expresses deep remorse of Ashoka
- Marks ideological shift:
– Bherighosha (war) → Dhammaghosha (moral conquest) - Only source combining quantitative + emotional evidence
Others:
– Rummindei → Buddha’s birthplace
– Bhabru → personal faith declaration
– Pillar Edicts → administrative ethics
Q4.Bindusara’s patronage reflects religious diversity. Which sect did he support?
A) Charvakas
B) Digambara Jains
C) Mahasanghika Buddhists
D) Ajivikas
Q4. (D)
Explanation:
- Bindusara titled Amitraghata (slayer of foes)
- Patron of Ajivika sect (heterodox tradition)
- Ajivikas believed in:
– Niyati (determinism/fatalism) - Shows:
– Early Mauryan religious pluralism
– State neutrality before Ashoka’s Dhamma - Ajivikas later supported by Ashoka too (Barabar caves)
Q5.‘Jaladurga’ in Mauryan military architecture refers to what?
A) Underground canal-based fort
B) Naval base
C) Flood-based defense system
D) Water-protected fort
Q5. (D)
Explanation:
- Jaladurga = water fort (natural defense)
- One of four classical fort types:
– Jaladurga (water)
– Giridurga (hill)
– Vanadurga (forest)
– Dhanvadurga (desert) - Pataliputra located at:
– Ganga + Son confluence - Advantages:
– Natural moat-like protection
– Easier defense against invasions
– Control over riverine trade routes - NOT artificial flooding or naval base
