Maurya Dynasty MCQ: Chandragupta's Conquest of Seleucus & Ashoka's Administration

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.Who was the first king to conquer Malwa, Gujarat and Maharashtra?

   • A.Harsh
   • B.Skandgupta
   • C.Vikramaditya
   • D.Chandragupta Maurya✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: The unification of India had taken proper shape in the leadership of Chandragupta Maurya. Inscription of Rudradaman proved his sovereignty over Western India including Malwa, Gujarat and Maharashtra.

2. Q2.The Inscription which proves Chandragupta's sway over western India is:

   • A.Kalinga Rock Inscription
   • B.Girnar Rock Inscription of Ashoka
   • C.Junagarh Rock Inscription of Rudradaman✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Sopara Rock Inscription of Ashoka

   Explanation: The description of the construction of irrigation dam by Mauryan provincial governor 'Pushyagupta' was found from the Junagarh rock inscription of Rudradaman which proves Chandragupta's sway over western India.

3. Q3.That Gujarat was included in the Kingdom of Chandragupta Maurya is proved by:

   • A.Greek accounts
   • B.Junagarh Rock Inscription of Rudradaman✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Jain tradition
   • D.Pillar Edict II of Ashoka

   Explanation: The inclusion of Gujarat in Chandragupta Maurya's kingdom is proved by the Junagarh Rock Inscription of Rudradaman.

4. Q4.Which Indian king defeated Seleucus, the administrator of Sindh and Afghanistan appointed by Alexander?

   • A.Samudragupta
   • B.Ashok
   • C.Bindusar
   • D.Chandragupta✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya defeated the invader army of Seleucus in 305 BC. Seleucus was the governor of the eastern Macedonian empire.

5. Q5.In which year Chandragupta Maurya had defeated Seleucus?

   • A.317 B.C.
   • B.315 B.C.
   • C.305 B.C.✓ Correct Answer
   • D.300 B.C.

   Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya defeated Seleucus in 305 B.C.

6. Q6.Who established 'Rajdharma' on triplex bases of longanimity, liberty and compassion?

   • A.Ashoka✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Akbar
   • C.Ranjit Singh
   • D.Shivaji

   Explanation: Ashoka announced the logical and practical 'Dhamma Niti' to be followed by his pupils easily. Ashoka's 'Dhamma' is based on ethical principles which were not related to any community but declared for welfare of the humanity. Longanimity, liberty and compassion were triplex bases.

7. Q7.Which one territory of the following was not a part of Ashoka's empire?

   • A.Afghanistan
   • B.Bihar
   • C.Sri Lanka✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Kalinga

   Explanation: Sri Lanka was not part of Ashoka's territory. The second inscription of Ashoka clarifies that Chola, Pandayas, Sattiyaputta, Keralaputta and Tamraparni (Sri Lanka) were not the part of Mauryan reign.

8. Q8.Ashoka won the Avanti Mahajapad and merged in the Mauryan empire during Bindusara ruled. What text does it refer to?

   • A.Samant Pasadika of Buddha Ghosh✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Arthashastra of Kautilya
   • C.Ashtadhyayi of Panini
   • D.Mahabhashya of Patanjali

   Explanation: Ashoka won the Avanti Mahajanpad and merged it in the Mauryan empire during Bindusara rule. This is mentioned in the Samant Pasadika written by Buddha Ghosh.

9. Q9.In which of the following inscriptions of Ashoka, mention has been made of South Indian kingdoms?

   • A.Third Major Rock Edict
   • B.Second Major Rock Edict✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Ninth Major Rock Edict
   • D.First Pillar Inscription

   Explanation: There are 14 major rock edicts of Ashoka. Major Rock Edict II describes the presence of Pandyas, Sattiyaputta, Keralputta and Tamraparni kingdom of South India.

10. Q10.India's first hospital and herbal gardens were built by?

    • A.Ashoka✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Chandragupta Maurya
    • C.Lord Mahavir
    • D.Dhanvantari

    Explanation: Ashoka built the first hospital and herbal garden in India. He founded hospitals, public gardens, and gardens for the growing of medicinal herbs.

11. Q11.'In spite of being Buddhist, Ashoka did not leave belief in Hinduism' validation of this fact is:

    • A.Pilgrims
    • B.Belief in Moksha
    • C.Epithet of 'Devanampriya'✓ Correct Answer
    • D.establishment of veterinary hospitals

    Explanation: He was named as 'Devanampriya', 'Devanampriyadarshi' in his inscription which means beloved of Gods. This indicates his belief in Hindu religion.

12. Q12.Which of the following sources mention the occurrence of the third Buddhist Council during the reign of Ashoka?

    • A.Inscriptions of Ashoka
    • B.Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Mahavamsa and Divyavadana
    • D.Inscriptions and Divyavadana

    Explanation: According to Sinhalese folklore – 'Dipavamsa' and 'Mahavamsa', the Third Buddhist Council was held in 'Pataliputra' during the reign of Ashoka.

13. Q13.A Buddhist Council during the reign of Ashoka was held at:

    • A.Magadha
    • B.Pataliputra✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Samastipur
    • D.Rajgriha

    Explanation: The Third Buddhist Council was held in Pataliputra during the reign of Ashoka. The chairperson was Moggaliputta Tissa.

14. Q14.The following Mauryan rulers were the followers of Buddhism: 1. Chandragupta 2. Ashoka 3. Bindusara 4. Dasaratha. Select the correct answer:

    • A.1 and 2
    • B.2 and 3
    • C.3 and 4
    • D.2 and 4✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Ashoka and his grandson Dasaratha were the followers of Buddhism. Dasaratha also adopted the title 'Devanama' as his grandfather Ashoka.

15. Q15.Rajjuka's were:

    • A.Traders in the Chola Kingdom
    • B.Officers in the Mauryan administration✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Feudal Lords in the Gupta empire
    • D.Soldiers in the Saka army

    Explanation: 'Rajjuka' officials were mentioned on the edicts of Ashoka. Rajjukas were categories of officials in the rural areas, who worked as surveyors combined with judicial functions.

16. Q16.What was 'Sarthwah'?

    • A.Brokers
    • B.Convoy of Merchants✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Moneylender
    • D.Pilgrims

    Explanation: The convoy of merchants was called as Sarthwah which is described in 'Arthashastra' by Kautilya.

17. Q17.Which one of the following officials was not a part of the Mauryan administration?

    • A.Agraharika✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Yukta
    • C.Pradeshika
    • D.Rajjuka

    Explanation: Yukta, Rajjuka, and Pradeshika are mentioned in Ashoka's edicts as Mauryan officials. Agraharika was not part of Mauryan administration.

18. Q18.Sarnath Pillar was built by:

    • A.Harshavardhana
    • B.Ashoka✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Gautam Buddha
    • D.Kanishka

    Explanation: Sarnath Pillar was constructed by Ashoka. On top of this pillar, the shape of the lion is built which is the symbol of power.

19. Q19.Which one of the following is considered the best Stupa?

    • A.Amravati
    • B.Bharhut
    • C.Sanchi✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Sarnath

    Explanation: From the perspective of architecture, the Stupa of Sanchi is considered as the best. This stupa was built by Ashoka.

20. Q20.Who of the following ruler constructed the 'Sanchi Stupa'?

    • A.Bimbisara
    • B.Ashoka✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Harshavardhana
    • D.Pusyamitra

    Explanation: The Sanchi Stupa was constructed by Emperor Ashoka.