Mauryan Rulers MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Mauryan Rulers - Download Free PDF

Key Points

• The king Meghavarna of Ceylon was not a contemporary of Ashoka.
• Meghavarna ruled Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in the 4th century CE, several centuries after Emperor Ashoka.
• Ashoka's period of rule was in the 3rd century BCE (268–232 BCE).
• Ashoka’s efforts to spread Buddhism to Sri Lanka, where King Devanampiya Tissa, was his contemporary.

Important Points

• Ashoka’s inscriptions and missions played a significant role in spreading Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
• The contemporary ruler of Sri Lanka during Ashoka’s reign was King Devanampiya Tissa, who embraced Buddhism under Ashoka’s influence.
• Ashoka sent Mahinda, his son, and Sanghamitta, his daughter, to Sri Lanka to propagate Buddhism.

Additional Information

• The epigraphs of Ashoka: These inscriptions refer to southern peoples such as the Cholas, Pandyas, Satyaputras, and Keralaputras. They highlight Ashoka’s contact with southern kingdoms, even though they were outside his empire.
• Ashokan Inscriptions and Hellenistic Kings: One of Ashoka’s inscriptions mentions his communication with Hellenistic kings, including Antiochus Theos of Syria, Ptolemy III Philadelphus of Egypt, Antigonus Gonatus of Macedonia, Magas of Cyrene, and Alexander of Epirus. This showcases Ashoka’s diplomatic outreach beyond India.
• Third Buddhist Council: Ashoka does not explicitly mention the third Buddhist council in his inscriptions. This council was held at Pataliputra under the presidentship of Moggaliputtatissa, marking a significant event in Buddhist history.
• King Devanampiya Tissa: He was the ruler of Sri Lanka during Ashoka’s reign and played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, unlike King Meghavarna, who came much later.

The correct answer is Astrologers.

Key Points

• During the Mauryan period, various artisan guilds played a significant role in the economy and society.
• The guilds were associations of craftsmen and merchants who controlled the practice of their craft in a particular town.
• Potters, carpenters, and bankers and merchants were among the established guilds during this period.
• The guilds provided training, maintained standards, and often had significant influence over the local economy.
• However, astrologers were not organized into guilds during the Mauryan period as their profession was more individualistic and did not involve the same level of collective production or commerce as the other guilds.

 Additional Information

• Potters
  • Pottery was an essential craft during the Mauryan period, providing everyday items for cooking, storage, and rituals.
  • Potters were organized into guilds to ensure quality and manage distribution.
• Carpenters
  • Carpentry involved the making of wooden structures, tools, and furniture, which were crucial for both domestic and commercial use.
  • Carpenters were organized into guilds to standardize practices and maintain trade secrets.
• Bankers and Merchants
  • Bankers and merchants played a key role in the Mauryan economy, facilitating trade and commerce.
  • They were often organized into guilds to regulate trade, ensure fair practices, and protect their economic interests.

Key Points

• The Junagarh inscription of King Rudradaman is an important epigraphical record.
• It provides information about Chandragupta Maurya's reign.
• The inscription mentions the construction of a dam during Chandragupta's period.
• It also highlights the administrative and engineering skills prevalent in his era.

Important Points

• Epigraphical evidence is crucial for understanding historical events and reigns.
• The Junagarh inscription provides valuable insights into the Maurya Empire.
• Such inscriptions help historians piece together the administrative and societal structures of ancient times.

Additional Information

• Mandsaur inscription of King Kumaragupta: This inscription belongs to the Gupta period and provides details about the reign of King Kumaragupta.
• Eran inscription of King Bhanugupta: This inscription provides information about the Gupta ruler Bhanugupta, highlighting his military achievements.
• Hathigumpha inscription of King Kharavela: This inscription is associated with the Kalinga king Kharavela and describes his conquests and achievements.

The Correct answer is I - IV - III - II.

Key Points

• The chronological order of the Mauryan Emperors mentioned in the question is as follows:
• Bindusara: He was the second emperor of the Mauryan Empire and the son of Chandragupta Maurya. His reign lasted from approximately 297 BCE to 273 BCE.
• Ashoka: Also known as Ashoka the Great, he succeeded Bindusara and is one of the most notable rulers of the Mauryan Empire. His reign (c. 268 BCE to 232 BCE) is marked by the spread of Buddhism and the issuance of the Edicts of Ashoka.
• Samprati: He was a Mauryan emperor and a successor of Ashoka. Although less known compared to Ashoka, Samprati is credited with continuing the promotion of Jainism during his reign.
• Brihadratha: He was the last ruler of the Mauryan Empire. His reign ended around 185 BCE when he was assassinated by his general Pushyamitra Shunga, who then established the Shunga dynasty.
• Thus, the correct order is Bindusara → Ashoka → Samprati → Brihadratha.

 Additional Information

• Bindusara
  • He was known as Amitraghata, which means "Slayer of Enemies."
  • Bindusara is said to have expanded the Mauryan Empire to cover most of the Indian subcontinent, except for parts of present-day Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• Ashoka
  • Under his reign, the Mauryan Empire reached its greatest territorial extent.
  • Ashoka's transformation after the Kalinga War led him to adopt and promote Buddhism.
  • He constructed numerous stupas and inscribed his policies in the form of the Edicts of Ashoka.
• Samprati
  • He is believed to have built numerous Jain temples across India.
  • Samprati is sometimes referred to as the "Jain Ashoka" due to his promotion of Jainism.
• Brihadratha
  • He was the last ruler of the Mauryan dynasty.
  • His reign marked the end of the Mauryan Empire, which was succeeded by the Shunga dynasty.

The Correct answer is Ashoka.

Key Points

• Ashoka was the third ruler of the Maurya Empire and is considered one of the greatest emperors in Indian history.
• He ruled from 268 BCE to 232 BCE and expanded the empire to its greatest territorial extent, covering most of the Indian subcontinent.
• Ashoka is renowned for his conversion to Buddhism and his efforts to spread Buddhist teachings and principles across Asia.
• After witnessing the bloodshed of the Kalinga War, Ashoka embraced the policy of , or righteous living based on compassion and non-violence.
• He inscribed his edicts on rocks and pillars, which emphasized , and care for his subjects.
• The famous
• Ashoka's legacy is marked by his efforts to establish a harmonious society and promote peace, making him a significant figure in world history.

 Additional Information

• Chandragupta
  • Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Maurya Empire and ruled from 321 BCE to 297 BCE.
  • He was mentored by Chanakya (Kautilya), the author of the Arthashastra, a treatise on governance and economics.
  • Chandragupta unified most of India under one rule and established a strong centralized administration.
• Brihadratha
  • Brihadratha was the last ruler of the Maurya dynasty.
  • He was overthrown by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Shunga, who established the Shunga dynasty.
• Bindusara
  • Bindusara was the second ruler of the Maurya Empire and the father of Ashoka.
  • He ruled from 297 BCE to 268 BCE and expanded the empire southward into the Deccan region.
  • Bindusara was known for his diplomatic relations with the Seleucid Empire and maintaining stability within the empire.

The correct answer is Ceylon.

Key Points

• Emperor Ashoka sent Buddhist missions to various places to spread the principles of Dhamma (Buddhist teachings).
• His son, Mahendra (also referred to as Mahinda), and daughter, Sanghamitra, were sent to Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka).
• They played a key role in establishing Theravada Buddhism as the major religion in the region.
• Sanghamitra is known for carrying a sapling of the sacred Bodhi Tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment, to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
• The tree that grew from the sapling is known as the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and is one of the most sacred relics of Buddhists in Sri Lanka.
• As a result of their efforts, Buddhism grew strong roots in Sri Lanka and continues to be the majority religion there today.

Additional Information

• Ashoka:
  • Ashoka, the third emperor of the Mauryan dynasty, ruled almost the entire Indian subcontinent from 268 to 232 BCE.
  • He is notably remembered for his conversion to Buddhism following the Kalinga War in 262-261 BCE. The war resulted in a vast loss of life and suffering, which deeply impacted him and led to his embrace of Buddhism.
  • Post-conversion, Ashoka became known for his principles of non-violence (ahimsa), love, truth, tolerance, and vegetarianism, which he called "Dhamma" or "Dharma".
  • He attempted to spread these principles throughout his empire, as well as neighbouring states, via envoys and inscriptions on pillars known as the "Edicts of Ashoka".
  • Ashoka is credited for significant efforts in spreading Buddhism beyond the Indian subcontinent. His son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra were sent on a Buddhist mission to Ceylon (current Sri Lanka).
  • He also built and supported numerous stupas (Buddhist monuments), sponsored the Buddhist council, and played a pivotal role in ordaining monks and nuns.
  • Ashoka's emblem of the "Lion Capital" atop the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India, is adopted as the National Emblem of India.

The correct answer is Ashoka.

Key Points

• Ashoka:-
  • ​Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, was an Indian emperor who ruled the Maurya dynasty from approximately 268 to 232 BCE.
  • He is considered one of the most significant and impactful rulers in Indian history.
  • Ashoka is particularly renowned for his transformation from a fierce and expansionist ruler to a promoter of Buddhism and a proponent of moral and ethical governance. 
  • Ashoka's early reign was marked by military conquests and expansion of the Maurya Empire across a large part of the Indian subcontinent.
  • However, after the Kalinga War in 261 BCE, which resulted in massive loss of life and suffering, Ashoka experienced a profound change of heart.
  • He renounced violence and sought a path of moral and ethical conduct.

Additional Information

•  Chandragupta Maurya:-
  • Chandragupta Maurya established Mauryan emipre in the Magadha Kingdom.
  • Kautilya was the mentor of Chandragupta Maurya.
  • In his later years, Chandragupta Maurya became a Jain Monk.
  • He defeated Dhana Nanda, the last ruler of the Nanda Dynasty.
• Bindusara:-
  • He was the second Mauryan emperor of India.
  • He was the son of the dynasty's founder Chandragupta and he was the father of the most famous ruler Ashoka.
  • Bindusara was known as “Amitro Chates” to the Greeks.
  • Bindusara was interested in Ajivika Sect. of Jains.

The correct answer is Seleucus Nicator.Key Points

• Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya:-
  • He was the founder of the Mauryan Empire in ancient India.
  • He defeated a number of rulers and warlords to establish his empire, including the Nanda dynasty that ruled Magadha before him.
• Seleucus Nicator:-
  • He​ was a Greek general who served under Alexander the Great and later became the founder of the Seleucid Empire in Persia.
  • According to ancient sources, the two rulers fought a war in which Seleucus was defeated and forced to cede territory to Chandragupta.

Additional Information

• Cassander:-
  • He​ was a Macedonian general who became king of Macedonia after Alexander's death.
  • He did not have any direct involvement with India or the Mauryan Empire.
• Antigones:- 
  • He was another Macedonian general who fought for control of Alexander's empire.
  • Like Cassander, he did not have any direct involvement with India or the Mauryan Empire.
• Ptolemy :-
  • He was a Macedonian general who founded the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt after Alexander's death.
  • He also did not have any direct involvement with India or the Mauryan Empire.

The Correct answer is The Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.

Key Points

• The Ashoka Chakra is a depiction of the Dharma Chakra, represented with 24 spokes.
• It is inspired by the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, which was built by Emperor Ashoka during his reign.
• The Lion Capital is a sculpture of four Asiatic lions standing back to back.
• It is one of the finest examples of Mauryan art and symbolizes power, courage, confidence, and pride.
• The Chakra in the capital represents the eternal wheel of law (Dharma).
• The Ashoka Chakra is a significant part of the Indian national flag and symbolizes the importance of justice and movement.

 Additional Information

• The Iron Pillar at Qutb Minar in Delhi
  • The Iron Pillar is famous for its rust-resistant composition of metals.
  • It is located in the Qutb complex in Delhi and dates back to the 4th century CE.
  • This pillar is believed to have been constructed by Chandragupta II.
  • It stands as a testament to the advanced metallurgy of ancient India.
• Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh
  • The Sanchi Stupa is one of the oldest stone structures in India and was originally commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
  • It is located in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh.
  • The stupa is a Buddhist monument and is known for its great stupa which contains relics of the Buddha.
• Raja's Chhatri near Bordha Ghat at Burhanpur
  • Raja's Chhatri is a lesser-known historical structure located near Bordha Ghat at Burhanpur.
  • It is a memorial monument built in traditional Indian architecture style.

The correct answer is Astrologers.

Key Points

• During the Mauryan period, various artisan guilds played a significant role in the economy and society.
• The guilds were associations of craftsmen and merchants who controlled the practice of their craft in a particular town.
• Potters, carpenters, and bankers and merchants were among the established guilds during this period.
• The guilds provided training, maintained standards, and often had significant influence over the local economy.
• However, astrologers were not organized into guilds during the Mauryan period as their profession was more individualistic and did not involve the same level of collective production or commerce as the other guilds.

 Additional Information

• Potters
  • Pottery was an essential craft during the Mauryan period, providing everyday items for cooking, storage, and rituals.
  • Potters were organized into guilds to ensure quality and manage distribution.
• Carpenters
  • Carpentry involved the making of wooden structures, tools, and furniture, which were crucial for both domestic and commercial use.
  • Carpenters were organized into guilds to standardize practices and maintain trade secrets.
• Bankers and Merchants
  • Bankers and merchants played a key role in the Mauryan economy, facilitating trade and commerce.
  • They were often organized into guilds to regulate trade, ensure fair practices, and protect their economic interests.

Key Points

• The king Meghavarna of Ceylon was not a contemporary of Ashoka.
• Meghavarna ruled Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in the 4th century CE, several centuries after Emperor Ashoka.
• Ashoka's period of rule was in the 3rd century BCE (268–232 BCE).
• Ashoka’s efforts to spread Buddhism to Sri Lanka, where King Devanampiya Tissa, was his contemporary.

Important Points

• Ashoka’s inscriptions and missions played a significant role in spreading Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
• The contemporary ruler of Sri Lanka during Ashoka’s reign was King Devanampiya Tissa, who embraced Buddhism under Ashoka’s influence.
• Ashoka sent Mahinda, his son, and Sanghamitta, his daughter, to Sri Lanka to propagate Buddhism.

Additional Information

• The epigraphs of Ashoka: These inscriptions refer to southern peoples such as the Cholas, Pandyas, Satyaputras, and Keralaputras. They highlight Ashoka’s contact with southern kingdoms, even though they were outside his empire.
• Ashokan Inscriptions and Hellenistic Kings: One of Ashoka’s inscriptions mentions his communication with Hellenistic kings, including Antiochus Theos of Syria, Ptolemy III Philadelphus of Egypt, Antigonus Gonatus of Macedonia, Magas of Cyrene, and Alexander of Epirus. This showcases Ashoka’s diplomatic outreach beyond India.
• Third Buddhist Council: Ashoka does not explicitly mention the third Buddhist council in his inscriptions. This council was held at Pataliputra under the presidentship of Moggaliputtatissa, marking a significant event in Buddhist history.
• King Devanampiya Tissa: He was the ruler of Sri Lanka during Ashoka’s reign and played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, unlike King Meghavarna, who came much later.

Key Points

• The Junagarh inscription of King Rudradaman is an important epigraphical record.
• It provides information about Chandragupta Maurya's reign.
• The inscription mentions the construction of a dam during Chandragupta's period.
• It also highlights the administrative and engineering skills prevalent in his era.

Important Points

• Epigraphical evidence is crucial for understanding historical events and reigns.
• The Junagarh inscription provides valuable insights into the Maurya Empire.
• Such inscriptions help historians piece together the administrative and societal structures of ancient times.

Additional Information

• Mandsaur inscription of King Kumaragupta: This inscription belongs to the Gupta period and provides details about the reign of King Kumaragupta.
• Eran inscription of King Bhanugupta: This inscription provides information about the Gupta ruler Bhanugupta, highlighting his military achievements.
• Hathigumpha inscription of King Kharavela: This inscription is associated with the Kalinga king Kharavela and describes his conquests and achievements.

The correct answer is Ceylon.

Key Points

• Emperor Ashoka sent Buddhist missions to various places to spread the principles of Dhamma (Buddhist teachings).
• His son, Mahendra (also referred to as Mahinda), and daughter, Sanghamitra, were sent to Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka).
• They played a key role in establishing Theravada Buddhism as the major religion in the region.
• Sanghamitra is known for carrying a sapling of the sacred Bodhi Tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment, to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
• The tree that grew from the sapling is known as the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and is one of the most sacred relics of Buddhists in Sri Lanka.
• As a result of their efforts, Buddhism grew strong roots in Sri Lanka and continues to be the majority religion there today.

Additional Information

• Ashoka:
  • Ashoka, the third emperor of the Mauryan dynasty, ruled almost the entire Indian subcontinent from 268 to 232 BCE.
  • He is notably remembered for his conversion to Buddhism following the Kalinga War in 262-261 BCE. The war resulted in a vast loss of life and suffering, which deeply impacted him and led to his embrace of Buddhism.
  • Post-conversion, Ashoka became known for his principles of non-violence (ahimsa), love, truth, tolerance, and vegetarianism, which he called "Dhamma" or "Dharma".
  • He attempted to spread these principles throughout his empire, as well as neighbouring states, via envoys and inscriptions on pillars known as the "Edicts of Ashoka".
  • Ashoka is credited for significant efforts in spreading Buddhism beyond the Indian subcontinent. His son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra were sent on a Buddhist mission to Ceylon (current Sri Lanka).
  • He also built and supported numerous stupas (Buddhist monuments), sponsored the Buddhist council, and played a pivotal role in ordaining monks and nuns.
  • Ashoka's emblem of the "Lion Capital" atop the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India, is adopted as the National Emblem of India.

The correct answer is Ashoka.

Key Points

• Ashoka:-
  • ​Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, was an Indian emperor who ruled the Maurya dynasty from approximately 268 to 232 BCE.
  • He is considered one of the most significant and impactful rulers in Indian history.
  • Ashoka is particularly renowned for his transformation from a fierce and expansionist ruler to a promoter of Buddhism and a proponent of moral and ethical governance. 
  • Ashoka's early reign was marked by military conquests and expansion of the Maurya Empire across a large part of the Indian subcontinent.
  • However, after the Kalinga War in 261 BCE, which resulted in massive loss of life and suffering, Ashoka experienced a profound change of heart.
  • He renounced violence and sought a path of moral and ethical conduct.

Additional Information

•  Chandragupta Maurya:-
  • Chandragupta Maurya established Mauryan emipre in the Magadha Kingdom.
  • Kautilya was the mentor of Chandragupta Maurya.
  • In his later years, Chandragupta Maurya became a Jain Monk.
  • He defeated Dhana Nanda, the last ruler of the Nanda Dynasty.
• Bindusara:-
  • He was the second Mauryan emperor of India.
  • He was the son of the dynasty's founder Chandragupta and he was the father of the most famous ruler Ashoka.
  • Bindusara was known as “Amitro Chates” to the Greeks.
  • Bindusara was interested in Ajivika Sect. of Jains.

The correct answer is Ashoka.

Key Points

• Piyadassi is a title which means "beloved of the gods" and it was used by Ashoka in his inscriptions.
• Ashoka was the third emperor of the Mauryan dynasty and is considered one of India's greatest rulers.
• Ashoka ruled from 268 to 232 BCE and his reign was marked by an extensive expansion of the Mauryan Empire.
• Ashoka embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War and propagated the religion across Asia.

Additional Information

• Mauryan Empire
  • The Mauryan Empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE after overthrowing the Nanda dynasty.
  • It was one of the largest empires in the world at its peak, spanning from modern-day Afghanistan to Bengal and south into the Deccan Plateau.
  • Chandragupta was succeeded by his son Bindusara, who expanded the empire further before passing it to Ashoka.
  • The Mauryan administration was highly organized with a centralized government and a bureaucratic system.
• Kalinga War
  • The Kalinga War was fought between the Mauryan Empire under Ashoka and the state of Kalinga around 261 BCE.
  • This war is particularly significant because of the massive destruction and loss of life it caused.
  • The aftermath of the war had a profound impact on Ashoka, leading him to embrace Buddhism and propagate peace and non-violence.
  • Ashoka's transformation post-Kalinga War is well-documented in his rock and pillar edicts.
• Buddhism
  • Buddhism is a religion and philosophy based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) who lived in the 5th century BCE.
  • Ashoka's patronage played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism across India and beyond.
  • Ashoka convened the Third Buddhist Council at Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) to discuss the teachings and spread of Buddhism.
  • His efforts in promoting Buddhism included sending emissaries and missionaries to various parts of Asia, including Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia.