Maurya Empire

Q.1 The first Empire was established by which ruler in India? (66th B.P.S.C. Re-Exam (Pre) 2020)

(a) Chandragupta Maurya

(b) Ashoka

(c) Kanishka

(d) Chandragupta II Vikramaditya

(e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans (a)

Exp:

1. Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire around 322 BCE and is generally regarded as the founder of the first large empire in Indian history. He established Mauryan power in Magadha after overthrowing the Nanda dynasty and subsequently expanded his territory across a very large part of the Indian subcontinent.
2. Ashoka was the greatest ruler of the Mauryan dynasty and expanded the empire considerably, particularly after the Kalinga War. But he did not establish the empire.
3. Kanishka was a major ruler of the Kushana dynasty, much later than Chandragupta Maurya. He is especially associated with: Mahayana Buddhism, Gandhara art, Buddhist Council traditionally associated with Kashmir. But he did not establish India's first empire.
4. Chandragupta II Vikramaditya was a powerful Gupta ruler. The Gupta Empire had already been established before his reign. He is particularly known for: Expansion into western India, Gupta cultural achievements, Patronage of arts and literature, The period often described as a Golden Age.

Q.2 The Arthashastra of Kautilya is a – (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012)

(a) Play about Chandragupta Maurya

(b) Biography

(c) History of Chandragupta Maurya

(d) Book on Principles of Government

Ans. (d)

Exp:

1. The Arthashastra, traditionally attributed to Kautilya (Chanakya/Vishnugupta), is a comprehensive treatise on statecraft, administration, economics, diplomacy, law, taxation, espionage and warfare. It is not a biography or history of Chandragupta Maurya. It deals extensively with the functioning of the state and government, including: Duties and powers of the king, Administration, Taxation and revenue, Law and justice, Espionage/intelligence, Foreign policy and diplomacy, War and military strategy, and Agriculture and economic management.
2. “Play about Chandragupta Maurya”, that is a Mudrarakshasa, a Sanskrit political drama traditionally attributed to Vishakhadatta.
3. Very Important: Don't confuse these texts:

Q.3 Kautilya's Arthashastra is a book on – (63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017)

(a) economic relations

(b) principles and practice of statecraft

(c) foreign policy

(d) wealth accumulation

(e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans. (b)

Exp:

• Arthashastra, the classical work of Indian political thought, focuses primarily on Principles and practice of statecraft.

Key Points:

1.  The book on statecraft was written in the Mauryan period.
2. The Arthashastra is traditionally divided into 15 books (Adhikaranas), comprising numerous chapters. 
3. The book was written in Sanskrit.
4. Even before the final version of Arthashastra was written around the fourth century BC. by Kautilya, there appeared a tradition of writing on and teaching of statecraft because Kautilya acknowledges his debt to his predecessors in the field.
5. • Kautilya was the Prime Minister of Chandragupta Maurya.

Additional Information:

• Bhasha Kautilya, a commentary on Arthashastra and Kokash Nisan are the two great works done in Malayalam.

Q.4 Which one of the following is the seventh part of the State according to Saptang Theory of State? (U.P.P.C.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2015)

(a) Janapada (b) Durga (c) Mitra (d) Kosha

Ans. (c)

Exp:

1. Kautilya's Saptanga Theory describes the state as consisting of seven limbs/elements (Saptanga). The Seven Elements are:

·  Therefore: 7th limb → Mitra.

Q.5 Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the codes given below: (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018)

          List-I                  List-II

(Samudra Gupta's        (Their Kingdoms)

Contemporary Kings)

A. Dhananjaya            1. Avamukta

B. Nilaraja                2. Kanchi

C. Ugrasena              3. Kushalpura

D. Vishnugopa            4. Palaka

Codes :

     A B C D

(a) 1 2 3 4

(b) 2 1 4 3

(c) 3 1 4 2

(d) 4 3 2 1

Ans. (c)

Exp:

1. These rulers are among the southern rulers mentioned in Samudragupta's Allahabad Pillar Inscription, which records his Dakshinapatha (Southern Campaign).

·  Dhananjaya was the ruler of Kushalpura.

·  Nilaraja was associated with the kingdom of Avamukta.

·  Ugrasena was the ruler of Palaka.

·  Vishnugopa was the ruler of Kanchi (Kanchipuram). Samudragupta's southern campaign included Kanchi, and Vishnugopa was one of the rulers defeated and subsequently reinstated by Samudragupta.

·   Samudragupta's Allahabad Pillar Inscription mentions a group of 12 southern rulers whom he defeated and then released/reinstated. This is different from his treatment of many northern rulers, whose territories were more directly incorporated into his empire.

Q.6 In which of the following inscriptions of Ashoka, mention has been made of South Indian kingdoms? (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016)

(a) Third Major Rock Edict

(b) Second Major Rock Edict

(c) Ninth Major Rock Edict

(d) First Pillar Inscription

Ans. (b)

Exp:

1. Ashoka's Second Major Rock Edict is the correct answer. It mentions the Cholas, Pandyas, Satiyaputras and Keralaputras, along with Tambapanni (Sri Lanka), in the context of welfare measures and neighbouring regions.
2. These southern kingdoms lay outside the direct political control of the Mauryan Empire. Their mention indicates that Ashoka's concern for welfare extended beyond the territories directly administered by him.
3. The Second Major Rock Edict refers to the provision of: medical treatment for humans, medical treatment for animals, medicinal herbs, and wells and other welfare measures in his own territories and in neighbouring regions.
4. Third Major Rock Edict: Deals mainly with the promotion of Dhamma, including respect for parents, teachers, Brahmanas and Shramanas, and related moral instructions.
5. Ninth Major Rock Edict: Criticizes ceremonial rituals and emphasizes the importance of Dhamma instead.
6.  First Pillar Inscription: Does not contain the specific list of South Indian kingdoms asked about here.

Q.7 Who among the following had made Varanasi his second capital? (U.P.P.C.S. (GIC) 2017)

(a) Ajatshatru (b) Kalashok (c) Mahapadmanand (d) Shishunag

Ans. (d)

Exp:

1. Shishunaga, the founder of the Shishunaga dynasty of Magadha, is traditionally associated with making Varanasi (Kashi) his second capital. Therefore, the correct answer is Shishunaga. 
2. Ajatashatru was a major ruler of the Haryanka dynasty and shifted attention toward Pataligrama, which later developed into Pataliputra.
3. Kalashoka was a later Shishunaga ruler, particularly associated with the Second Buddhist Council at Vaishali.
4. Mahapadmananda founded the Nanda dynasty and greatly expanded Magadha, but he is not the ruler associated with making Varanasi his second capital in this question.

Therefore, the correct answer is (d) Shishunag.

1. Note: The historical accounts regarding capitals of the Shishunaga dynasty contain some variations. However, for this UPPCS/GIC question, Shishunaga → Varanasi as second capital is the expected association.

Q.8 Which one of the following scripts of ancient India was written from right to left? (B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2019)

(a) Brahmi (b) Sharada (c) Kharosthi (d) Nandanagari (e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans. (c)

Exp:

1. Kharosthi was an ancient script primarily used in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, particularly in present-day Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan. Unlike most Indian scripts, it was written from right to left. It was widely used during the Mauryan, Indo-Greek and Kushan periods.
2. Brahmi was generally written from left to right. It is regarded as the ancestor of most later Indian scripts, including Devanagari, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Telugu and Tamil scripts.
3. Sharada was a later script used mainly in Kashmir and northwestern India and was written from left to right.
4. Nandinagari was a later script used mainly in South India, particularly for writing Sanskrit manuscripts, and was written from left to right.

Therefore, the correct answer is (c) Kharosthi.

Q.9 Ashokan inscriptions were first deciphered by – (U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014)

(a) James Prinsep (b) George Buhler (c) Vincent Smith (d) Ahmad Hasan Dani

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. James Prinsep, an English scholar and secretary of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, successfully deciphered the Brahmi script in 1837. This breakthrough allowed scholars to read many of Ashoka's inscriptions. The inscriptions frequently referred to their author as "Devanampiya Piyadassi", which was later identified with Ashoka.
2.  Don't confuse him with George Bühler, who made major contributions to the study of several ancient Indian scripts and inscriptions but is not credited with the first decipherment of Ashokan Brahmi.

Q.10 Who of the following had first decipher the edicts of Emperor Ashoka? (UPSC - 2016)

(a) George Buhler (b) James Prinsep (c) Max Muller (d) William Jones

Ans. (b)

1. James Prinsep, an English scholar and secretary of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, successfully deciphered the Brahmi script in 1837. This breakthrough allowed scholars to read many of Ashoka's inscriptions. The inscriptions frequently referred to their author as "Devanampiya Piyadassi", which was later identified with Ashoka.

Q.11 The name by which Ashoka is referred to his inscriptions is : (65th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2019)

(a) Chakravarti (b) Dharmadeva (c) Dharmakirti (d) Priyadarshi

Ans. (d)

Exp:

1. In his inscriptions, Ashoka generally does not use the name “Ashoka” alone. He is prominently referred to as: Devanampiya Piyadassi, Devanampriya Priyadarshi.
2. Meaning approximately:
3. Devanampiya / Devanampriya → Beloved of the Gods.
4. Piyadassi / Priyadarshi → He who looks upon others with affection / benevolent-looking.
5. For a long time, inscriptions mentioning Devanampiya Piyadassi were known without certainty about the ruler's identity. Later evidence helped establish that Piyadassi was Ashoka.
6. Chakravarti → a general imperial title/concept, not Ashoka's distinctive inscriptional name.
7. Dharmadeva → not Ashoka's standard inscriptional name.
8. Dharmakirti → not Ashoka's inscriptional name.

Therefore, the correct answer is (d) Priyadarshi. 

Q.12 Which one of the following inscriptions contains the name of Ashoka? (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015)

(a) Gujarra (b) Ahraura (c) Brahmagiri (d) Sarnath

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. The Gujarra inscription (also spelled Gujjara/Gujjra inscription) is one of the important Minor Rock Edicts of Ashoka. It is especially significant because it explicitly mentions the personal name: “Asoka”. This helped establish that Devanampiya Piyadassi, the name/title commonly used by Ashoka in his inscriptions, was indeed Ashoka.
2. Most Ashokan inscriptions refer to him as: Devanampiya Piyadassi = Beloved of the Gods, Priyadarshi. But a few Minor Rock Edicts use the personal name Ashoka. The Gujarra inscription is particularly famous for this.
3. Ahraura: An Ashokan Minor Rock Edict site, but not the inscription famous for explicitly giving the name Ashoka.
4. Brahmagiri: Located in Karnataka and contains a Minor Rock Edict of Ashoka, but the inscription uses his royal title rather than being the standard answer for the explicit personal name.
5. Sarnath: Sarnath has important Ashokan inscriptions and the famous Lion Capital, but it is not the answer to this question.

Q.13 Which of the following is not correctly matched? (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017)

(a) Kumargupta I : Mandsore Inscription

(b) Patika : Takshila Inscription

(c) Prabhavatigupta : Udaigiri Cave Inscription

(d) Samudragupta : Eran Inscription

Ans. (c)

Exp:

1. The Mandsore inscription belongs to the reign of Kumaragupta I and is famous for mentioning the guild of silk weavers.
2. Patika is associated with the Taxila inscription, an important inscriptional source for the northwestern region.
3. Prabhavatigupta → Udayagiri Cave Inscription: This is the incorrect match. The important Udayagiri Cave inscriptions are associated with the Gupta period, particularly Chandragupta II and his officials. Prabhavatigupta was the daughter of Chandragupta II and wife of Vakataka ruler Rudrasena II, but she should not be matched with the Udayagiri Cave inscription in this question. Prabhavatigupta → Vakataka connection, not Udayagiri Cave inscription
4. Samudragupta → Eran Inscription: This match is correct. An inscription at Eran is associated with the reign of Samudragupta. 
5. For Samudragupta, however, the most important inscription to remember is: Samudragupta → Allahabad Pillar Inscription → Harisena

Therefore, the correct answer is (c). 

Q.14 In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is 'Ranyo Ashoka' (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka? (UPSC - 2019)

(a) Kanganahalli (b) Sanchi (c) Shahbazgarhi (d) Sohgaura

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. The Kanganahalli site in Karnataka is a major Buddhist archaeological site associated with the Sannati complex. A particularly important discovery here was a stone relief depicting Ashoka, accompanied by the inscription: “Ranyo Ashoka”, meaning: “King Ashoka”. This is especially significant because it provides an inscribed identification of Ashoka with his portrait.
2. Sanchi is one of the most important Buddhist sites and has numerous inscriptions and monuments, but the specific “Ranyo Ashoka” + portrait discovery is associated with Kanganahalli.
3. Shahbazgarhi is famous for Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts written in Kharosthi script, which runs right to left.
4. Sohgaura copper plate is an important early inscription, generally associated with Mauryan-period administrative/welfare information, but it does not contain the “Ranyo Ashoka” portrait inscription.

Therefore, the correct answer is (a) Kanganahalli. 

Q.15 The accounts of Kalinga War is known to us by the – (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016)

(a) Rock Edict-XIII

(b) Rummindei Pillar Inscription

(c) Accounts of Hiuen Tsang

(d) Minor Rock Edict-I

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. Ashoka's Major Rock Edict XIII provides the most important inscriptional account of the Kalinga War. It mentions:

·  The conquest of Kalinga by Ashoka.

·  The large-scale deaths and deportations resulting from the war.

·  Ashoka's subsequent remorse (dhamma-anusocana).

·  His preference for Dhamma-vijaya (conquest through Dhamma) rather than military conquest.

1. Kalinga War → 261 BCE (generally accepted) → Major Rock Edict XIII. The war became a major turning point in Ashoka's reign and is closely associated with his later emphasis on Dhamma.
2. Rummindei Pillar Inscription: This inscription records Ashoka's visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and his associated tax concession.
3. Hiuen Tsang's accounts: Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) travelled to India much later, in the 7th century CE, centuries after Ashoka.
4. Minor Rock Edict I: It mainly concerns Ashoka's personal commitment to Dhamma/Buddhism and does not provide the detailed account of the Kalinga War found in Rock Edict XIII.

Therefore, the correct answer is (a) Rock Edict-XIII.

Q.16 Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription?

"Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely." (UPSC - 2020)

(a) Ashoka (b) Samudragupta (c) Harshavardhana (d) Krishnadeva Raya

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. This statement comes from Ashoka's Major Rock Edict XII. The edict promotes religious tolerance and respect among different sects. Ashoka advises people not to excessively praise their own religious sect while condemning others. His message is essentially: Respect other sects → promotes one's own sect and the welfare of all. This is an important aspect of Ashoka's Dhamma.
2. Major Rock Edict XII — Key Point.
3. It emphasizes:

·  Respect for other religious sects

·  Restraint in criticizing other sects

·  Avoidance of excessive self-praise

·  Samavaya (concord/harmony) among different religious traditions

Therefore, the correct answer is (a) Ashoka. 

Q.17 The central point in Ashoka's Dhamma is – (63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017)

(a) loyalty to the king

(b) peace and non-violence

(c) respect to elders

(d) religious toleration

(e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans (e)

Exp:

1. Ashoka's Dhamma was not confined to a single principle mentioned in options (a)–(d). It was a broad ethical and social code intended to promote moral conduct, social harmony and the welfare of people.
2. Important elements of Ashoka's Dhamma included:

·  Respect for parents and elders

·  Respect for Brahmanas and Shramanas

·  Non-violence and restraint in killing animals

·  Religious tolerance and respect for other sects

·  Compassion and generosity

·  Proper behaviour toward servants and dependants

·  Truthfulness and moral conduct

·  Welfare of people

1. Therefore, (b), (c), and (d) all represent important elements of Dhamma, but none alone can be called the central point.
2. Ashoka's Dhamma should not be equated entirely with Buddhism. Although Ashoka personally supported Buddhism, his Dhamma was a broader practical and ethical policy aimed at promoting moral behaviour, tolerance, compassion, social harmony and welfare. 

Therefore, the correct answer is (e) None of the above/More than one of the above. 

Q.18 With reference to the Satavahana Rulers which of the following statement/s is/are true? (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021)

1. The Satavahana Kings were the nurtures of Prakrit language.

2. Public aspect of the arts got more encouragement during the Satavahana period.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Codes:

(a) Only 1 (b) Both 1 and 2 (c) Only 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. (b)

Exp:

1.   Statement 1 is correct: The Satavahana rulers were important patrons of Prakrit, which was widely used in their inscriptions and literary traditions. A notable example is the Gathasaptashati, traditionally attributed to King Hala, a Satavahana ruler. It is a celebrated collection of verses composed in Maharashtri Prakrit.
2. Statement 2 is correct: The Satavahana period witnessed significant development and patronage of religious and public art and architecture, particularly Buddhist monuments and cave architecture. The period saw the growth of stupas, rock-cut caves, chaityas, viharas, railings and narrative sculptures.
3. Important examples associated with the broader Deccan cultural milieu of this period include:
4. Amaravati Stupa
5. Nasik Caves
6. Karle/Karla Caves
7. Development and embellishment of Buddhist monuments and artistic traditions
8. Nagarjunakonda, however, flourished prominently during the later Ikshvaku period and should therefore not be presented as a purely Satavahana achievement.

Therefore, both statements are correct. Hence, the correct answer is (b).

Q.19 Turamaya, a contemporary of Ashoka was the ruler of – (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012)

(a) Egypt (b) Corinth (c) Macedonia (d) Syria

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. Turamaya mentioned in Ashoka's Major Rock Edict XIII is generally identified with Ptolemy II Philadelphus, the ruler of Egypt. Ashoka's inscriptions mention several Hellenistic rulers who were his contemporaries.

Q.20 In which inscription, Kalinga victory is mentioned? (66th B.P.S.C. Re-Exam (Pre) 2020)

(a) Maski Inscription

(b) Rudradaman Inscription

(c) Junagarh Inscription

(d) Hathigumpha Inscription

(e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans (e)

Exp:

1. Ashoka’s Kalinga conquest is mentioned in Major Rock Edict XIII. The edict describes Ashoka’s conquest of Kalinga and his subsequent remorse over the suffering and deaths caused by the war.
2. Hathigumpha Inscription → Associated with Kharavela, the ruler of Kalinga. It is located at Udayagiri near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and records his achievements, including military expeditions.
3. Maski Inscription → Important because it explicitly mentions the name “Ashoka”, helping establish the identification of “Devanampiya Piyadasi” with Ashoka.
4. Junagadh (Rudradaman) Inscription → Records Rudradaman’s achievements and his repair of the Sudarshana Lake.

Thus, Kalinga conquest is specifically mentioned in Ashoka’s Major Rock Edict XIII, and none of the inscriptions given in options (a)–(d) refers to it. Hence, (e) None of the above/More than one of the above is the correct answer. 

Q.21 Megasthenes was the ambassador of – (63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017)

(a) Seleucus (b) Alexander (c) Darius (d) the Greeks (e) None of the above/ More than one of the above

Ans (a)

1. Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus I Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. The Seleucid–Mauryan conflict ended with a treaty around 305–303 BCE, after which diplomatic relations were established. Megasthenes stayed at the Mauryan court and wrote Indica, an important source for understanding Mauryan India.
2.  Do not confuse Megasthenes with the Greek officials who accompanied Alexander.

Q.22 During whose rule did Megasthenes come to India? (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017)

(a) Ashoka

(b) Harshvardhan

(c) Chandragupta Maurya

(d) Kumargupta

Ans. (c)

Exp: Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus I Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. The Seleucid–Mauryan conflict ended with a treaty around 305–303 BCE, after which diplomatic relations were established. Megasthenes stayed at the Mauryan court and wrote Indica, an important source for understanding Mauryan India.

Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.

Q.23 The division of Mauryan society into seven classes is particularly mentioned in – (63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017)

(a) Kautilya's Arthashastra

(b) Ashokan edicts

(c) the Puranas

(d) the Indica of Megasthenes

(e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans (d)

Exp:

1. Megasthenes, the ambassador of Seleucus I Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya, described Mauryan society in his work Indica. According to his account, Indian society was divided into seven groups/classes:
2. Philosophers
3. Farmers
4. Herdsmen
5. Artisans and traders
6. Soldiers
7. Superintendents/officials
8. Councillors and assessors

Thus, the division of Mauryan society into seven classes is particularly mentioned in Megasthenes’ Indica. Hence, (d) is the correct answer.

Q.24 Who was the author of ‘Indica’? (56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015)

(a) Vishnugupta (b) Megasthenes (c) Deimachus (d) Pliny

Ans. (b)

Exp:

1.  Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus I Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. He wrote Indica, an account of India based on his observations and information gathered during his stay.

Thus, Indica was written by Megasthenes, making (b) the correct answer. 

Q.25 The official 'Agronomai' during Mauryan age was related with which of the following field? (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2020)

(a) Weight and measurement

(b) Administrative management

(c) Construction of roads

(d) Revenue management

Ans. (c) Construction of roads

Exp:

1. Agronomoi (Agronomai) were officials mentioned by Megasthenes in his account of Mauryan administration. They were associated particularly with roads and public works, including:

·  Construction and maintenance of roads

·  Measurement of distances

·  Marking roads and routes

·  Supervision of related infrastructure

Q.26 ‘Sita’ in Mauryan period means: (U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2013)

(a) A goddess

(b) A religious sect

(c) Revenue from Crown land

(d) Barren land.

Ans. (c)

Exp:

1. In Kautilya's Arthashastra, Sita refers to the revenue/income derived from the crown/state-owned agricultural land. The Mauryan state directly controlled and cultivated certain lands, often referred to as Sita lands. The produce or revenue obtained from these lands formed an important source of state income. The officer associated with the management of such agricultural land was the Sitadhyaksha (Superintendent of Agriculture).

·   Important Mauryan Economy Terms:

Q. 27 Which of the following Mauryan officers was in charge of weights and measures? (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012)

(a) Pautavadhyaksha (b) Panyadhyaksha (c) Sitadhyaksha (d) Sunadhyaksha

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, the Pautavadhyaksha (Superintendent of Weights and Measures) was responsible for regulating and supervising: Weights, Measures, Standards used in trade and commerce, and Accuracy of weighing and measuring instruments. The term Pauta is associated with weights/measures.
2. Panyadhyaksha was concerned with commercial goods and trade, including regulation of merchandise, prices and market-related matters.
3. Sitadhyaksha was the Superintendent of Agriculture. He was responsible for matters related to: Agricultural operations, Cultivation, State-owned agricultural lands (Sita lands), and Agricultural production.
4. Sunadhyaksha was associated with the supervision of slaughterhouses/butchery and related regulations.

Q.28 With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of Chronicles, dynastic histories, and epic tales was the profession of who of the following? (UPSC - 2016)

(a) Shramana (b) Parivraajaka (c) Agrahaarika (d) Maagadha

Ans. (d) Maagadha

Exp:

1. Maagadhas were professional bards/storytellers who preserved and recited genealogies, dynastic histories, chronicles and heroic tales. They were associated with the tradition of oral transmission of historical and epic narratives. The term is connected with Magadha, but in this context Maagadha refers to a professional class of reciters/bards, rather than simply a person from the geographical region of Magadha.
2. Shramana refers broadly to a renunciant/ascetic belonging to the non-Vedic ascetic traditions. Buddhists, Jains and other ascetic traditions are associated with the broader Shramana tradition.
3. Parivraajaka literally refers to a wandering ascetic or itinerant religious seeker.
4. An Agrahara was a land grant, commonly a village or tract of land granted to Brahmanas. Agrahaarika therefore relates to a person associated with an agrahara, rather than the professional recitation of chronicles and epic traditions.

Q.29 In which of the following inscriptions, Ashoka’s edicts are also found? (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016)

(a) Junagarh Inscription of Mahakshatrapa Rudradaman

(b) Nashik Prashasti regarding Gautamiputra Satakarni

(c) Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharvavela

(d) None of the above

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. The Junagadh/Girnar inscription site is particularly important because inscriptions from different periods occur at the same location. The sequence includes:

1.   Ashoka's Rock Edicts — 3rd century BCE

2.   Rudradaman I's Junagadh inscription — 2nd century CE

3.   Skandagupta's inscription — 5th century CE

1. Thus, although the famous Junagadh inscription of Rudradaman itself is not an Ashokan inscription, Ashoka's edicts are also found at the same Junagadh/Girnar site.
2. The Nashik inscription/prashasti is associated with the Satavahana ruler Gautamiputra Satakarni, particularly through his mother Gautami Balashri. It praises Gautamiputra's achievements and provides information about Satavahana history. There are Nashik cave inscriptions from different periods, but the specific site does not provide the Ashokan edicts referred to in this question.
3. The Hathigumpha inscription belongs to Kharavela, the ruler of Kalinga. It records his: military expeditions, public works, religious activities, and achievements as a ruler.

Q.30 Consider the following pairs: (UPSC - 2022)

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs (c) Only three pairs (d) All four pairs

Ans: (b)

Exp:

1. Dhauli is located in Odisha, near Bhubaneswar, and is an important site of Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.
2. Erragudi (Yerragudi) is located in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, and is an important site of Ashokan rock inscriptions. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.
3. Jaugada is located in Ganjam district, Odisha, and is another important site of Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts. Hence, pair 3 is not correctly matched.
4. Kalsi is located in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand, on the banks of the Yamuna River. It is an important site of Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts. Hence, pair 4 is not correctly matched.
5. Therefore, only pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Q.31 According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which of the following are correct? (UPSC - 2022)

1. A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial punishment.

2. If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free.

3. If a son born to a female slave was fathered by her master, the son was entitled to the legal status of the master’s son.

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

Ans: (b)

Exp:

1. According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, slavery existed under various circumstances, and the text lays down rules concerning the status, treatment and emancipation of slaves.
2. The Arthashastra does not mention judicial punishment as a basis for becoming a slave in the relevant provisions. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
3. If a female slave bore a son to her master, the provisions of the Arthashastra entitled the female slave to freedom. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
4. If a female slave gave birth to a son fathered by her master, the son was entitled to the legal status of the master's son. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
5. Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Q.32 Ashokan inscriptions suggest that the Pradeshika, Rajuka and Yukta were important officers at the – (UPSC - 2025)

(a) village level (b) district level (c) provincial level (d) central level

Ans: (b)

Exp:

1. Ashoka's inscriptions, particularly Major Rock Edict III, mention Pradeshikas, Rajukas and Yuktas together and direct them to undertake tours throughout the kingdom. They are generally understood as officials associated with the district/pradesha level:

1. Village-level administration: The village was the smallest administrative unit. Its head was the Gramika/Gramani. The Gopa and Sthanika operated at an intermediate level between villages and districts.
2. Provincial administration: The Mauryan Empire was divided into provinces, which were generally governed by Kumaras/Aryaputras or other senior royal officials. 
3. Central administration: Senior officials such as the Mahamatras formed part of the higher administrative structure.
4. Therefore, the Pradeshika, Rajuka and Yukta are associated with the district-level administration.