In Central India the Mauryas were succeeded by the Kanvas.
The last king of the Mauryas, Brihadratha, was assassinated by Pushyamitra Sunga in 180 BCE.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(C)
Both 1 and 2
Statement 1 is correct: The post-Mauryan period saw the emergence of small indigenous and foreign kingdoms. Hence this period has been designated as the ‘Age of small kingdoms’. In eastern India, central India and the Deccan, the Mauryas were succeeded by a number of Native rulers such as the Sungas, the Kanvas, and the Satavahanas respectively. In north-western India, the Mauryas were succeeded by a number of ruling dynasties from Central Asia.
Statement 2 is correct: As mentioned before, the last king of the Mauryas, Brihadratha, was assassinated by Pushyamitra Sunga in 180 BCE. It is narrated by Banabhatta, the court poet of Harshavardhana of Kannauj, in his famous work ‘Harshcharitam’.
Ques:
2
By whom the first republic of the world was established in Vaishali –
Correct Answer:
(D)
Lichchhavi
Lichchhavi dynasty of Vaishali established the first republic in the world. Vaishali took its name from King Vishal of the Mahabharata era. Vaishali is a great Buddhist pilgrimage and also the birthplace of Lord Mahavira.
Ques:
3
With reference to the Mauryan empire in ancient India, the term ‘Akshapataladhyaksha’ was referred to:
Correct Answer:
(B)
Office in-charge of the offices of currency
Arthasastra in conjunction with the edicts provides information regarding the administrative structure of the Mauryan Empire which ruled Magadha from 321 B.C.E. and ended in 185 B.C.E.
King was at the centre of the polity and had the power to enact laws. He is provided by the council of ministers for advice and Adhyakshas who managed the central administration and looked after Akshapataladhyaksha.
Akshapataladhyaksha was Accountant-General who was in charge of the two offices of currency and accounts, Akaradhyaksha was the superintendent of mining, Navadhyaksha was the Superintendent of Ports etc.
Due to the development of trade and commerce, there was an increase in the use of currency, which began in the earlier period and became a fairly common feature of the Maurya period.
Ques:
4
With reference to the Mauryan State and Polity, consider the following statements:
The major areas of concern for the Mauryan state were the collection of taxes as revenue to the state.
Megasthenes described the Mauryan state as a decentralized state.
King was assisted by Purohita, who was a person of great importance.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(B)
Only two
The Mauryan State and Polity:
Statement 1 is correct: Bureaucracy was very strong and efficient. Kautilya described this in ‘Arthashastra’. The major areas of concern for the Mauryan state were the collection of taxes as revenue to the state and the administration of justice, in addition to the maintenance of internal security and defence against external aggression.
This required a large and complex administrative machinery and institutions.
This bureaucratic set-up covered a hierarchy of settlements from the village, to the towns, provincial capitals and major cities.
The bureaucracy enabled and required an efficient system of revenue collection, since it needed to be paid out of taxes collected.
Equally, the very large army of the Mauryan Empire could be maintained only with the revenue raised through taxation.
Collection of taxes and revenues were there.
Administration of Justice was also significant.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Megasthenes described the Mauryan state as a centralized state.
Large army was also maintained.
King was the head of the administration.
Statement 3 is correct: King was assisted by Purohita, who was a person of great importance.
Mahamatriyas: Secretaries in administration.
Province was divided into four regions.
Provinces were administered by the Governor.
Ques:
5
Which dynasty did rule over Magadha after Nanda Dynasty?
Correct Answer:
(A)
Maurya
Nanda dynasty of Magadha was founded after the end of Shishunaga dynasty. There were 9 kings in Nanda dynasty- (1) Ugrasen, called Mahapadma in Puranas (2) Panduk (3) Pandugati (4) Bhootpal (5) Rastrapal (6) Govishanak (7) Dashasiddhak (8) Kaivart (9) Dhanananda. During last years of Nanda dynasty, people became turbulent because of extortion and imposing heavy taxes on small items. By taking advantage of this, Chandragupta Maurya with the help of Chanakya killed Dhananand and established Maurya Empire. Thus option (a) is correct.
Ques:
6
Which inscription is the evidence of King Nand?
Correct Answer:
(A)
Hathigumpha inscription of Kharvel
Kharvel was the most important emperor of Chedi dynasty of Kalinga. His Hathigumpha inscription is the major source of information about his reign. The engraving of canals in Kalinga by King Mahapadmananda is encrypted in this inscription. It is also the first inscription which tells about the engraving of canals. It mentions the donation of villages to Jain monks. This inscription also mentions that Kharvel defeated the three states Chola, Chera, and Pandyas of the south. Thus, option (a) is the correct answer.
Ques:
7
Arrange the following Magadhan dynasties in the chronological order
1. Nandas 2. Sungas
3. Mauryas 4. Haryankas
Choose the answer from the following codes:
Correct Answer:
(B)
4, 1, 3 and 2
The sequence of these dynasties are as follows:
Haryanka dynasty - 544 BC - 412 BC
Nanda dynasty - 344 BC - 321 BC
Mauryan dynasty - 321 BC - 184 BC
Sunga dynasty - 184 BC - 75 BC
Ques:
8
Consider the following pairs:
How many of the pairs given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(A)
Only one
Ashoka instructed his officials, the yuktas, rajjukas and pradesikas to go on tours every five years to instruct people in dhamma.
The provinces in the Mauryan empire were further divided into divisions headed by Pradeshikas, who had no advisory council. Divisions were divided into districts under officials called Rajukas (derived from rajju, meaning rope, and probably referring to the measurement of land using ropes). He was assisted by Yuktas (clerks) in accounting, secretarial, and other miscellaneous works. Districts were in turn divided into groups of 5 or 10 villages headed by Sthanikas (who collected taxes), and were assisted by Gopas (who maintained proper records and accounts). Hence, only pair 1 is correct.
Ques:
9
With reference to the Mauryan Empire, consider the following statements:
Chandragupta founded Mauryan empire by defeating Shungas.
Junagadh inscription showed that Chandragupta’s empire expanded till Gujarat.
Chandragupta was advised by Kautilya.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(C)
Two statements
Statement 1 is incorrect: Chandragupta founded Mauryan empire by defeating Nandas either by inciting the people to rise against an unpopular monarch, or by soliciting their support in overthrowing an unpopular king.
He became emperor in 321 BC.
Statement 2 is correct: Junagadh inscription showed that his empire expanded till Gujarat.
Statement 3 is correct: Chandragupta was advised by Kautilya/Chanakya/Vishnugupta
Ques:
10
Chandragupta Maurya figures prominently in the book of –
Correct Answer:
(C)
Vishakhadatta
Mudrarakshasa authored by Vishakhadatta provides various information about the reign of Chandragupta Maurya. Dhundiraja had written a commentary on Mudrarakshasa. In this drama, Chandragupta is described as the son of Nandraja. This book depicts Chandragupta as "Vrishal" and "Kulheen".