Maurya Dynasty MCQ: Ashokan Inscriptions, the Brahmi Script & James Prinsep's Decipherment

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

1. Q1.Who constructed the 'Sanchi Stupa'?

   • A.Chandragupta
   • B.Kautilya
   • C.Gautam Buddha
   • D.Ashoka✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Ashoka constructed the Sanchi Stupa. It is famous across the world for its stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars.

2. Q2.Match List-I (Place) with List-II (Monuments/Ruins): A. Kaushambi B. Kushinagar C. Sarnath D. Shravasti. Select the correct code:

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

   Explanation: Correct match: Kaushambi - Ghositarama Monastery (2), Kushinagar - Ranabhar Stupa (3), Sarnath - Dhamek Stupa (1), Shravasti - Sahet-Mahet (4).

3. Q3.In the course of pilgrimage, Emperor Ashoka visited the following places. Which route did he follow? 1. Gaya 2. Kapilavastu 3. Kushinagar 4. Lumbini 5. Sarnath 6. Shravasti

   • A.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
   • B.1, 3, 4, 2, 5, 6
   • C.4, 5, 6, 3, 2, 1
   • D.4, 2, 1, 5, 3, 6✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: The order of Ashoka's pilgrimage was Lumbini (4), Kapilvastu (2), Bodhgaya (1), Sarnath (5), Kushinagar (3), Shravasti (6).

4. Q4.Language used in the inscriptions of Ashoka is?

   • A.Sanskrit
   • B.Prakrit✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Pali
   • D.Hindi

   Explanation: Most of the inscription of Ashoka are written in Prakrit language and Brahmi script.

5. Q5.Which one of the following Ashokan inscription is in 'Kharosthi' script?

   • A.Khalsi
   • B.Girnar
   • C.Shahbazgarhi✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Meerut

   Explanation: Shahbazgarhi and Mansehra inscriptions are in Kharosthi script. Most others are in Brahmi.

6. Q6.The earliest inscription on stone was in which language?

   • A.Pali
   • B.Sanskrit
   • C.Prakrit✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Brahmi

   Explanation: The earliest inscription on stone was in Prakrit language (Ashokan edicts).

7. Q7.Ashokan inscriptions in north-western part of the Mauryan Empire near Peshawar were in:

   • A.Brahmi Script
   • B.Aramaic Script
   • C.Devanagari Script
   • D.Kharoshthi Script✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Ashokan inscriptions near Peshawar (Shahbazgarhi and Mansehra) are in Kharoshthi script.

8. Q8.Which one of the following scripts of ancient India was written from right to left?

   • A.Brahmi
   • B.Sharada
   • C.Kharosthi✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Nandanagari

   Explanation: The Kharosthi Script is an ancient script used by the ancient Gandhara culture and was written from right to left.

9. Q9.The Brahmi script was first deciphered by letters inscribed on:

   • A.Stone tablets✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Seal
   • C.Pillars
   • D.Coins

   Explanation: The Brahmi script was first deciphered through the letters inscribed on stone tablets (Ashokan edicts).

10. Q10.The first scholar who read Ashokan edicts was:

    • A.Buhler
    • B.Robert Sebel
    • C.James Prinsep✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Cordriguttan

    Explanation: James Prinsep was the first scholar who deciphered the Ashokan edicts in 1837.

11. Q11.Ashokan inscriptions in north-western part of the Mauryan Empire near Peshawar were in:

    • A.Brahmi Script
    • B.Aramaic Script
    • C.Devanagari Script
    • D.Kharoshthi Script✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Most of the inscriptions of Ashoka are written in Prakrit language and Brahmi script, only two inscriptions, Shahbazgarhi and Mansehra (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near Peshawar, Pakistan) are in Kharoshthi script.

12. Q12.Which one of the following scripts of ancient India was written from right to left?

    • A.Brahmi
    • B.Sharada
    • C.Kharosthi✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Nandanagari

    Explanation: The Kharosthi Script is an ancient script used by the ancient Gandhara culture of South Asia primarily in modern-day Afghanistan & Pakistan. Kharosthi was a cursive script written from right to left.

13. Q13.The Brahmi script was first deciphered by letters inscribed on:

    • A.Stone tablets✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Seal
    • C.Pillars
    • D.Coins

    Explanation: The Brahmi script was first deciphered through the letters inscribed on stone tablets. Sir James Prinsep was the first philologist who accomplished the task of deciphering the script of Ashokan inscription.

14. Q14.The first scholar who read Ashokan edicts was:

    • A.Buhler
    • B.Robert Sebel
    • C.James Prinsep✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Cordriguttan

    Explanation: James Prinsep was the first scholar who deciphered the Ashokan edicts in 1837.

15. Q15.Ashokan inscriptions were first deciphered by:

    • A.James Prinsep✓ Correct Answer
    • B.George Buhler
    • C.Vincent Smith
    • D.Ahmad Hasan Dani

    Explanation: James Prinsep was the first to decipher the Ashokan inscriptions.

16. Q16.Who first deciphered the Brahmi script?

    • A.A. Cunningham
    • B.A.H. Dani
    • C.Buhler
    • D.James Prinsep✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: James Prinsep deciphered the Brahmi script.

17. Q17.Who was the First Britisher to study Ashoka’s edicts?

    • A.John Tower
    • B.Harry Smith
    • C.Charles Metcalfe
    • D.James Prinsep✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: James Prinsep was the first Britisher to study and decipher Ashoka's edicts.

18. Q18.Who of the following had first decipher the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?

    • A.George Buhler
    • B.James Prinsep✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Max Muller
    • D.William Jones

    Explanation: James Prinsep deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka.

19. Q19.Pre-Ashokan Brahmi script was found at:

    • A.Nagarjunakonda
    • B.Anuradhapura✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Brahmagiri
    • D.Maski

    Explanation: Pre-Ashokan Brahmi script was found at Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Piprahwa, Sohgaura, Mahasthan are other sites from where evidence of such script has been found.

20. Q20.Which one of the following scripts of ancient India was written from right to left?

    • A.Brahmi
    • B.Nandnagari
    • C.Sharada
    • D.Kharoshti✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Kharoshti script was written from right to left in ancient India. It is mainly the script of north-west India.