Mauryan Empire Questions and Answers

Correct answer: Karshapana or pana. The Mauryan silver punch-marked currency is commonly called karshapana or pana in the Arthashastra tradition. Mashaka and kakani were smaller denominations, while suvarna referred to gold.

Correct answer: Bhrigukachchha and Sopara. Tamralipti served eastern maritime routes, while Bhrigukachchha and Sopara were important western ports. Muziris, Arikamedu and Kaveripattinam are better known in later peninsular trade, and Lothal belongs to the Harappan age. Therefore, the remaining options are incorrect because they refer to a different denomination, court, inscription, office, location, ruler, religious tradition, or historical period.

Correct answer: Kantakashodhana court. Kantakashodhana courts dealt with crime, policing, offenders and threats to public order. Dharmasthiya courts mainly handled civil disputes such as property, debt and contracts. Therefore, the remaining options are incorrect because they refer to a different denomination, court, inscription, office, location, ruler, religious tradition, or historical period.

Correct answer: Arthashastra and Indica. Kautilya's Arthashastra and Megasthenes' Indica are central literary sources for Mauryan administration. They must be compared critically with Ashokan inscriptions and archaeology because each reflects a distinct purpose and perspective.

Correct answer: National Emblem of India. India adopted the Sarnath lion capital as the State Emblem on 26 January 1950. The national flag carries the twenty-four-spoked Ashoka Chakra derived from the abacus wheel, not the entire capital.

Ashoka’s Barabar cave inscriptions and Dasharatha’s Nagarjuni cave inscriptions record dedications to the Ajivika ascetics. Buddhism is incorrect because, although Ashoka strongly supported the Buddhist sangha, these particular cave dedications name the Ajivikas. Jainism is incorrect because Jain traditions are important for Mauryan history, especially accounts of Chandragupta, but the Barabar–Nagarjuni inscriptions do not dedicate these caves to Jain monks. Brahmanism is also incorrect: Mauryan rulers respected Brahmanas, yet the caves in question were not established as Brahmanical shrines. The correct method is to rely on the dedicatory inscriptions rather than assuming that every monument associated with Ashoka was Buddhist.

Correct answer: Queen's Edict. The Queen's Edict on the Allahabad-Kosam pillar records donations attributed to Ashoka's queen Karuvaki. The same pillar complex also carries other edicts, so the location should not be confused with the separate Bhabru or Kalinga edicts. Therefore, the remaining options are incorrect because they refer to a different denomination, court, inscription, office, location, ruler, religious tradition, or historical period.

The earliest cores of the Sanchi and Bharhut stupas are traditionally associated with Ashoka, although their monumental railings, gateways and much visible decoration belong to later Shunga and subsequent phases.

Correct answer: Religious tribute or customary levy. Bali was an older customary tribute or levy with religious associations, distinct from the regular royal land share called bhaga. Irrigation dues and customs were separately identified fiscal categories. Therefore, the remaining options are incorrect because they refer to a different denomination, court, inscription, office, location, ruler, religious tradition, or historical period.

Correct answer: Condemnation of animal sacrifice. Major Rock Edict I restricts animal slaughter and condemns sacrificial killing and certain festive practices. Edict II covers medical welfare, III official tours and V the Dhamma Mahamatras.