1. The founder of the Mauryan Empire was:
A) Ashoka
B) Chandragupta Maurya
C) Bindusara
D) Bimbisara
Answer: B) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Chandragupta established the Mauryan dynasty in 322 BCE with Chanakya’s guidance.
2. Chandragupta Maurya overthrew which dynasty to establish the Mauryan Empire?
A) Shunga
B) Kanva
C) Nanda
D) Gupta
Answer: C) Nanda
Explanation: He defeated Dhana Nanda, the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty.
3. Who guided Chandragupta Maurya in overthrowing the Nanda dynasty?
A) Ashvaghosha
B) Chanakya (Kautilya)
C) Panini
D) Patanjali
Answer: B) Chanakya (Kautilya)
Explanation: Kautilya, author of Arthashastra, mentored Chandragupta in statecraft.
4. Arthashastra, a treatise on politics and economics, was written by:
A) Panini
B) Kalidasa
C) Kautilya (Chanakya)
D) Patanjali
Answer: C) Kautilya (Chanakya)
Explanation: Arthashastra gives detailed guidance on administration and foreign policy.
5. Chandragupta Maurya established his empire in:
A) 322 BCE
B) 250 BCE
C) 100 CE
D) 185 BCE
Answer: A) 322 BCE
Explanation: He seized Magadha and established the Mauryan dynasty around 322 BCE.
6. Chandragupta Maurya’s capital was at:
A) Vaishali
B) Pataliputra
C) Ujjain
D) Taxila
Answer: B) Pataliputra
Explanation: Pataliputra became the capital of the Mauryan Empire.
7. Which Greek ruler invaded India shortly before the rise of Chandragupta Maurya?
A) Darius
B) Alexander the Great
C) Seleucus
D) Antiochus
Answer: B) Alexander the Great
Explanation: Alexander’s invasion (326 BCE) weakened north-west India, paving the way for Mauryan rise.
8. After Alexander’s death, Chandragupta defeated:
A) Seleucus Nicator
B) Antiochus
C) Ptolemy
D) Philip
Answer: A) Seleucus Nicator
Explanation: Chandragupta defeated Seleucus in 305 BCE and gained territories.
9. Seleucus Nicator ceded which territories to Chandragupta Maurya?
A) Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Baluchistan
B) Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat
C) Kashmir, Bengal, Orissa
D) Deccan Plateau
Answer: A) Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Baluchistan
Explanation: In return, Seleucus received 500 war elephants.
10. The Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus to Chandragupta’s court was:
A) Pliny
B) Megasthenes
C) Ptolemy
D) Arrian
Answer: B) Megasthenes
Explanation: Megasthenes authored Indica, describing Mauryan administration and society.
11. The book Indica was written by:
A) Kautilya
B) Megasthenes
C) Strabo
D) Arrian
Answer: B) Megasthenes
Explanation: It is an important source on the Mauryan Empire.
12. Chandragupta Maurya embraced which religion later in life?
A) Hinduism
B) Buddhism
C) Jainism
D) Ajivika
Answer: C) Jainism
Explanation: He abdicated his throne, became a Jain monk, and migrated to Karnataka.
13. Chandragupta Maurya is believed to have ended his life by:
A) Poisoning
B) Sallekhana (fasting to death)
C) Assassination
D) Battle wound
Answer: B) Sallekhana (fasting to death)
Explanation: As per Jain tradition, he performed sallekhana at Shravanabelagola.
14. The famous Jain monk associated with Chandragupta’s later life was:
A) Bhadrabahu
B) Hemachandra
C) Haribhadra
D) Kalidasa
Answer: A) Bhadrabahu
Explanation: Bhadrabahu led the migration of Jains to Karnataka.
15. The alliance between Chandragupta and Seleucus Nicator was sealed by:
A) War indemnity
B) Matrimonial alliance
C) Trade concessions
D) Division of territory
Answer: B) Matrimonial alliance
Explanation: Seleucus married his daughter to Chandragupta Maurya.
16. Which of the following is NOT true about Megasthenes’ Indica?
A) It described Mauryan society and administration
B) It survives only in fragments
C) It mentions the caste system
D) It was written in Sanskrit
Answer: D) It was written in Sanskrit
Explanation: It was written in Greek, later cited by Strabo, Arrian, etc.
17. The major source of revenue during the Mauryan Empire was:
A) Salt tax
B) Land revenue
C) Customs duty
D) War booty
Answer: B) Land revenue
Explanation: Agriculture formed the backbone of Mauryan economy.
18. Chandragupta Maurya’s administration was described as:
A) Military democracy
B) Centralized bureaucracy
C) Feudal monarchy
D) Tribal confederacy
Answer: B) Centralized bureaucracy
Explanation: Power was concentrated in the emperor, supported by officials.
19. Which Mauryan ruler established control over north-west India after Alexander’s departure?
A) Bindusara
B) Ashoka
C) Chandragupta Maurya
D) Samudragupta
Answer: C) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: He annexed territories left weak after Alexander’s invasion.
20. The most important official in Mauryan provinces was called:
A) Rajuka
B) Amatya
C) Kumara or Aryaputra
D) Senapati
Answer: C) Kumara or Aryaputra
Explanation: The Kumara (royal prince) was governor of provinces.
21. The Mauryan army was notable for its:
A) Navy
B) Elephants
C) Camel corps
D) Fire weapons
Answer: B) Elephants
Explanation: War elephants were the backbone of Mauryan military might.
22. According to Megasthenes, the Mauryan army had:
A) 600,000 infantry, 30,000 cavalry, 9,000 elephants
B) 60,000 infantry, 3,000 cavalry, 900 elephants
C) 100,000 infantry, 10,000 cavalry, 5,000 elephants
D) 50,000 infantry, 25,000 cavalry, 1,000 elephants
Answer: A) 600,000 infantry, 30,000 cavalry, 9,000 elephants
Explanation: This shows the military strength of the Mauryan Empire.
23. The prime minister of Chandragupta Maurya was:
A) Kautilya (Chanakya)
B) Radha Gupta
C) Amatya Rakshasa
D) Bhadrabahu
Answer: A) Kautilya (Chanakya)
Explanation: He was the chief minister and author of Arthashastra.
24. Chandragupta Maurya abdicated the throne in favor of:
A) Ashoka
B) Bindusara
C) Susima
D) Dasharatha
Answer: B) Bindusara
Explanation: Bindusara, his son, succeeded him as Mauryan emperor.
25. Chandragupta Maurya’s empire extended up to:
A) Bengal in the east, Kabul in the west, Deccan in the south
B) Punjab in the west, Kashmir in the north, Orissa in the east
C) Tamil Nadu in the south
D) Afghanistan and Burma both
Answer: A) Bengal in the east, Kabul in the west, Deccan in the south
Explanation: His empire stretched across most of the Indian subcontinent except Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
26. Bindusara was the son of:
A) Ashoka
B) Chandragupta Maurya
C) Susima
D) Brihadratha
Answer: B) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Bindusara succeeded his father Chandragupta Maurya as emperor.
27. Bindusara is also known in Buddhist texts by the name:
A) Amitraghata (Slayer of enemies)
B) Priyadarshi
C) Ashokavardhana
D) Kunal
Answer: A) Amitraghata (Slayer of enemies)
Explanation: Buddhist sources call him Amitraghata, meaning destroyer of foes.
28. In Greek sources, Bindusara is referred to as:
A) Amitrochates
B) Sandrocottus
C) Allitrochades
D) Antiochus
Answer: A) Amitrochates
Explanation: Greek writers referred to him as Amitrochates (derived from Amitraghata).
29. Bindusara’s empire extended from:
A) Kashmir to Kanyakumari
B) Bengal to Mysore
C) Himalayas to the Deccan (Karnataka region)
D) Afghanistan to Burma
Answer: C) Himalayas to the Deccan (Karnataka region)
Explanation: Bindusara extended Mauryan rule southwards into the Deccan up to Karnataka.
30. Bindusara did not conquer:
A) Kalinga
B) Karnataka
C) Maharashtra
D) Orissa
Answer: A) Kalinga
Explanation: Kalinga was conquered later by Ashoka, not Bindusara.
31. The Greek ambassador sent to Bindusara’s court by Antiochus I was:
A) Megasthenes
B) Deimachus
C) Pliny
D) Arrian
Answer: B) Deimachus
Explanation: Deimachus of Plataea was envoy to Bindusara’s court.
32. Another Greek ambassador at Bindusara’s court was:
A) Dionysius
B) Deimachus
C) Ptolemy
D) Strabo
Answer: A) Dionysius
Explanation: Dionysius represented Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Egypt at Bindusara’s court.
33. Which Mauryan emperor is said to have asked the Greek king Antiochus I to send figs, wine, and a philosopher?
A) Chandragupta Maurya
B) Bindusara
C) Ashoka
D) Dasharatha
Answer: B) Bindusara
Explanation: This request is recorded by Greek sources.
34. Bindusara’s reign lasted for about:
A) 12 years
B) 28 years
C) 40 years
D) 50 years
Answer: B) 28 years
Explanation: He ruled from around 298 BCE to 273 BCE.
35. Bindusara was succeeded by:
A) Susima
B) Ashoka
C) Kunal
D) Dasharatha
Answer: B) Ashoka
Explanation: After a struggle for succession, Ashoka became emperor.
36. According to Taranatha (Tibetan Buddhist source), Bindusara suppressed:
A) Revolts in Taxila
B) Revolts in Deccan
C) Ajivika uprisings
D) Revolts in Gandhara
Answer: A) Revolts in Taxila
Explanation: Taxila revolted during his reign, which was suppressed.
37. Bindusara is said to have maintained friendly diplomatic relations with:
A) Seleucid rulers of Persia
B) Egyptian rulers (Ptolemies)
C) Greek rulers of Syria
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Greek envoys prove Mauryan diplomatic contacts with Hellenistic world.
38. Which title did Bindusara inherit from Chandragupta Maurya?
A) Samrat Chakravartin
B) Devānāmpriya (Beloved of the Gods)
C) Priyadarshi
D) Amitraghata
Answer: D) Amitraghata
Explanation: He was known as Amitraghata (destroyer of foes).
39. Bindusara’s expansion mainly covered which region?
A) North-West Frontier
B) Deccan plateau up to Karnataka
C) Eastern India
D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: B) Deccan plateau up to Karnataka
Explanation: He extended Mauryan power into the southern Deccan.
40. The empire of Bindusara covered nearly:
A) Entire Indian subcontinent except Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Kalinga
B) Only Gangetic plains
C) Punjab and Bihar
D) Central India only
Answer: A) Entire Indian subcontinent except Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Kalinga
Explanation: His empire was second only to Ashoka’s in extent.
41. Which Mauryan emperor requested the Greek king to send figs, wine, and a philosopher, but was denied the philosopher?
A) Chandragupta
B) Bindusara
C) Ashoka
D) Dasharatha
Answer: B) Bindusara
Explanation: Antiochus I denied the request for a philosopher.
42. Bindusara’s policy can be described as:
A) Expansionist and consolidatory
B) Purely non-violent
C) Culturally conservative
D) Weak and defensive
Answer: A) Expansionist and consolidatory
Explanation: He consolidated northern India and expanded into the Deccan.
43. The revolt of Taxila during Bindusara’s reign was caused by:
A) Misrule of officials
B) Heavy taxation
C) Foreign invasions
D) Rivalry with Greeks
Answer: A) Misrule of officials
Explanation: People revolted due to oppressive Mauryan officials.
44. Which future emperor was sent by Bindusara to suppress the Taxila revolt?
A) Ashoka
B) Susima
C) Kunal
D) Dasharatha
Answer: A) Ashoka
Explanation: Ashoka was deputed and successfully restored order.
45. Bindusara’s rule represents:
A) A transitional phase between Chandragupta and Ashoka
B) The collapse of the Mauryan Empire
C) The cultural flowering of Gupta age
D) The decline of Buddhism
Answer: A) A transitional phase between Chandragupta and Ashoka
Explanation: His reign bridged Chandragupta’s foundation and Ashoka’s consolidation.
46. Bindusara did not conquer the far south (Tamil Nadu and Kerala) because:
A) The terrain and independent Tamil kingdoms resisted
B) He signed treaties with them
C) His empire was already too large
D) He lacked military strength
Answer: A) The terrain and independent Tamil kingdoms resisted
Explanation: The Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas maintained independence.
47. Bindusara maintained a strong standing army like Chandragupta because:
A) To resist Greek invasions
B) To expand into the Deccan
C) To suppress internal revolts
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: His army was vital for expansion and consolidation.
48. Which of the following is the correct succession order?
A) Chandragupta → Ashoka → Bindusara
B) Chandragupta → Bindusara → Ashoka
C) Bindusara → Chandragupta → Ashoka
D) Ashoka → Bindusara → Chandragupta
Answer: B) Chandragupta → Bindusara → Ashoka
Explanation: Bindusara succeeded Chandragupta, and Ashoka succeeded Bindusara.
49. Bindusara ruled for nearly:
A) 10 years
B) 28 years
C) 45 years
D) 60 years
Answer: B) 28 years
Explanation: His reign lasted from 298 BCE to 273 BCE.
50. The significance of Bindusara’s reign in Mauryan history lies in:
A) Extending the empire into the Deccan
B) Maintaining diplomacy with foreign powers
C) Preparing ground for Ashoka’s reign
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Bindusara expanded, consolidated, and set the stage for Ashoka’s great reign.
51. Ashoka ascended the Mauryan throne after:
A) Chandragupta Maurya
B) Bindusara
C) Susima
D) Dasharatha
Answer: B) Bindusara
Explanation: Ashoka succeeded his father Bindusara around 273 BCE after a succession struggle.
52. Ashoka’s coronation as emperor took place in:
A) 276 BCE
B) 273 BCE
C) 268 BCE
D) 260 BCE
Answer: C) 268 BCE
Explanation: Though he became king in 273 BCE, he was formally crowned in 268 BCE.
53. The Kalinga War took place in:
A) 273 BCE
B) 268 BCE
C) 261 BCE
D) 250 BCE
Answer: C) 261 BCE
Explanation: The Kalinga War was fought in 261 BCE and was the turning point in Ashoka’s life.
54. The Kalinga War was fought against:
A) Cheras
B) Pandyas
C) Cholas
D) Kalinga kingdom (modern Odisha)
Answer: D) Kalinga kingdom (modern Odisha)
Explanation: Kalinga fiercely resisted Ashoka’s invasion but was defeated.
55. The result of the Kalinga War was:
A) Kalinga defeated and annexed
B) Ashoka embraced Buddhism
C) Ashoka abandoned further conquests
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: The war marked a shift from Digvijaya (military conquest) to Dharmavijaya (conquest by Dhamma).
56. Which inscription gives details of the Kalinga War?
A) Rock Edict XIII
B) Rock Edict II
C) Minor Rock Edict I
D) Pillar Edict V
Answer: A) Rock Edict XIII
Explanation: It vividly describes the suffering caused by the war and Ashoka’s remorse.
57. After the Kalinga War, Ashoka adopted the policy of:
A) Digvijaya (military conquest)
B) Dharmavijaya (conquest through Dharma)
C) Rajavijaya (conquest through wealth)
D) Balavijaya (conquest through force)
Answer: B) Dharmavijaya (conquest through Dharma)
Explanation: He renounced violence and propagated moral conquest.
58. Ashoka embraced which religion after the Kalinga War?
A) Jainism
B) Hinduism
C) Buddhism
D) Ajivika
Answer: C) Buddhism
Explanation: He formally became a follower of Buddhism under the monk Upagupta.
59. Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma emphasized:
A) Non-violence and tolerance
B) Respect for elders and parents
C) Humane treatment of animals
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Dhamma was a code of ethical conduct, not a new religion.
60. Ashoka appointed special officers to propagate Dhamma called:
A) Rajukas
B) Amatyas
C) Dhamma Mahamatras
D) Kumara
Answer: C) Dhamma Mahamatras
Explanation: They were tasked with spreading Dhamma among people.
61. Which inscription mentions Ashoka’s Dhamma Mahamatras?
A) Rock Edict V
B) Rock Edict XIII
C) Pillar Edict VII
D) Minor Rock Edict I
Answer: A) Rock Edict V
Explanation: It records the appointment of Dhamma Mahamatras.
62. The language of Ashoka’s inscriptions was mostly:
A) Sanskrit
B) Prakrit (in Brahmi script)
C) Tamil
D) Pali
Answer: B) Prakrit (in Brahmi script)
Explanation: Most inscriptions were written in Prakrit using Brahmi script.
63. In the north-western provinces, Ashoka’s inscriptions were written in:
A) Brahmi script, Prakrit
B) Kharosthi script, Aramaic and Greek
C) Tamil script, Prakrit
D) Sanskrit, Brahmi
Answer: B) Kharosthi script, Aramaic and Greek
Explanation: Found in regions like Kandahar and Afghanistan, reflecting Hellenistic influence.
64. Which Mauryan ruler sent Buddhist missions to foreign countries?
A) Chandragupta Maurya
B) Bindusara
C) Ashoka
D) Dasharatha
Answer: C) Ashoka
Explanation: He sent missions to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and even Hellenistic kingdoms.
65. Ashoka sent his son Mahinda and daughter Sanghamitra to which country to spread Buddhism?
A) Myanmar
B) Sri Lanka
C) Thailand
D) Tibet
Answer: B) Sri Lanka
Explanation: They successfully introduced Buddhism in Sri Lanka under King Devanampiya Tissa.
66. Ashoka is called “Devanampiya” and “Priyadarshi” in:
A) Buddhist texts
B) His inscriptions
C) Jain texts
D) Greek sources
Answer: B) His inscriptions
Explanation: These epithets mean “Beloved of the Gods” and “He who looks with affection.”
67. The inscription that mentions Ashoka’s name directly is:
A) Maski inscription (Karnataka)
B) Girnar inscription
C) Kandahar inscription
D) Sarnath inscription
Answer: A) Maski inscription (Karnataka)
Explanation: Maski inscription confirmed that “Devanampiya Priyadarshi” was Ashoka.
68. The first ruler to make extensive use of inscriptions for administration was:
A) Chandragupta Maurya
B) Ashoka
C) Bindusara
D) Kanishka
Answer: B) Ashoka
Explanation: His edicts spread across the subcontinent to communicate directly with people.
69. Ashoka convened the Third Buddhist Council at:
A) Rajgir
B) Pataliputra
C) Vaishali
D) Kashmir
Answer: B) Pataliputra
Explanation: It was held around 250 BCE under Moggaliputta Tissa’s guidance.
70. Which Buddhist text describes the Third Buddhist Council under Ashoka?
A) Dipavamsa
B) Mahavamsa
C) Ashokavadana
D) Both A and B
Answer: D) Both A and B
Explanation: The Sri Lankan chronicles Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa record the event.
71. Ashoka sent missionaries to Hellenistic kings like:
A) Antiochus II, Ptolemy II, Antigonus II, Magas of Cyrene
B) Alexander II, Seleucus II, Philip II, Pericles
C) Constantine, Augustus, Nero, Trajan
D) None of the above
Answer: A) Antiochus II, Ptolemy II, Antigonus II, Magas of Cyrene
Explanation: His missions spread Buddhist influence beyond India.
72. The Ashokan edicts promoting religious tolerance emphasize respect for:
A) Brahmanas and Shramanas
B) Different sects and religions
C) Family and social ethics
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: His Dhamma encouraged harmony among diverse groups.
73. Which inscription refers to Ashoka’s principle of “conquest by Dhamma”?
A) Rock Edict XIII
B) Rock Edict II
C) Pillar Edict VII
D) Minor Rock Edict I
Answer: A) Rock Edict XIII
Explanation: It clearly states his preference for Dharmavijaya.
74. The Ashokan edict that mentions medical treatment for men and animals is:
A) Rock Edict II
B) Rock Edict V
C) Rock Edict XIII
D) Pillar Edict IV
Answer: A) Rock Edict II
Explanation: It mentions provision of medical facilities and plantation of herbs.
75. Ashoka’s significance in Indian history is that he:
A) Expanded the empire to its greatest territorial extent
B) Popularized Buddhism as a world religion
C) Introduced moral governance through Dhamma
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: His reign marks the high point of Mauryan power and influence.
76. The last Mauryan ruler was:
A) Ashoka
B) Brihadratha
C) Dasharatha
D) Kunala
Answer: B) Brihadratha
Explanation: Brihadratha was assassinated by his commander-in-chief Pushyamitra Shunga in 185 BCE.
77. The Mauryan Empire collapsed in:
A) 322 BCE
B) 261 BCE
C) 200 BCE
D) 185 BCE
Answer: D) 185 BCE
Explanation: After Brihadratha’s assassination, the Shunga dynasty replaced the Mauryas.
78. The founder of the Shunga dynasty who ended Mauryan rule was:
A) Pushyamitra Shunga
B) Agnimitra
C) Vasumitra
D) Narayana
Answer: A) Pushyamitra Shunga
Explanation: He was the army commander who killed Brihadratha and usurped the throne.
79. A major factor in the decline of the Mauryan Empire was:
A) Weak successors after Ashoka
B) Financial crisis due to large army and administration
C) Loss of centralized control over distant provinces
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: A combination of internal weakness, overextension, and financial burdens led to decline.
80. The north-western provinces of the Mauryan Empire were invaded by:
A) Greeks (Indo-Greeks)
B) Shakas
C) Parthians
D) Kushanas
Answer: A) Greeks (Indo-Greeks)
Explanation: Indo-Greek ruler Demetrius invaded after Mauryan collapse.
81. The Mauryan administrative system was described as:
A) Highly centralized monarchy
B) Federal monarchy
C) Tribal democracy
D) Feudal confederacy
Answer: A) Highly centralized monarchy
Explanation: Power was concentrated in the emperor, assisted by a bureaucracy.
82. The chief source of state revenue under the Mauryas was:
A) Land revenue
B) Customs duty
C) Mining tax
D) Salt tax
Answer: A) Land revenue
Explanation: Agriculture was the backbone of Mauryan economy.
83. Mauryan officials in charge of agriculture and revenue were called:
A) Samaharta
B) Sannidhata
C) Rajuka
D) Amatya
Answer: A) Samaharta
Explanation: The Samaharta was the chief of revenue collection.
84. The Mauryan officer in charge of the treasury was called:
A) Samaharta
B) Sannidhata
C) Rajuka
D) Pradesika
Answer: B) Sannidhata
Explanation: The Sannidhata supervised storage and treasury.
85. The Mauryan provincial governors were usually:
A) Elected by people
B) Nominated from royal family (Kumara)
C) Hereditary feudal lords
D) Local chiefs
Answer: B) Nominated from royal family (Kumara)
Explanation: Royal princes (Aryaputras) governed provinces.
86. The village headman during Mauryan administration was called:
A) Gopa
B) Gramak
C) Gramani
D) Gramabhojaka
Answer: C) Gramani
Explanation: Gramani was responsible for village administration.
87. Which official was responsible for land survey and assessment of taxes?
A) Rajuka
B) Dhamma Mahamatra
C) Amatya
D) Yuktas
Answer: A) Rajuka
Explanation: Rajukas were empowered to measure land and collect taxes.
88. Ashoka’s pillar inscriptions were mainly carved on:
A) Sandstone from Chunar near Varanasi
B) Marble from Gandhara
C) Granite from Karnataka
D) Basalt from Deccan
Answer: A) Sandstone from Chunar near Varanasi
Explanation: The polished sandstone pillars were quarried at Chunar.
89. The most famous Mauryan pillar capital is the:
A) Rampurva bull
B) Sarnath lion capital
C) Lauria Nandangarh lion
D) Sankisa elephant
Answer: B) Sarnath lion capital
Explanation: It was adopted as the National Emblem of India.
90. The Mauryan economy was characterized by:
A) State control over mines and forests
B) Regulated trade and markets
C) Taxation on agriculture and crafts
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: The Mauryan state had a regulated, centralized economic system.
91. The Mauryan army was maintained at great expense, contributing to:
A) Administrative efficiency
B) Financial crisis after Ashoka
C) Expansion into South India
D) Decline of agriculture
Answer: B) Financial crisis after Ashoka
Explanation: Maintaining such a vast standing army strained the treasury.
92. One important reason for Mauryan decline was Ashoka’s:
A) Over-centralization of power
B) Shift from militarism to pacifism after Kalinga
C) Favoritism toward Buddhists
D) Introduction of coinage
Answer: B) Shift from militarism to pacifism after Kalinga
Explanation: His non-expansionist policies weakened the empire militarily.
93. The Mauryan decline was accelerated by invasions from:
A) Indo-Greeks
B) Shakas
C) Kushanas
D) Huns
Answer: A) Indo-Greeks
Explanation: They invaded north-west India soon after Mauryan collapse.
94. After Ashoka, Mauryan rulers could not maintain control because:
A) Provinces declared independence
B) Weak successors ruled
C) Bureaucracy became corrupt
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Disintegration was both political and administrative.
95. The Arthashastra of Kautilya is a major source for:
A) Mauryan political philosophy and administration
B) Gupta military organization
C) Mughal revenue system
D) Delhi Sultanate politics
Answer: A) Mauryan political philosophy and administration
Explanation: Though compiled earlier, it reflects Mauryan statecraft.
96. The Mauryan Empire was the first to:
A) Control almost the entire Indian subcontinent
B) Use coins for taxation
C) Patronize Sanskrit literature
D) Conquer South-East Asia
Answer: A) Control almost the entire Indian subcontinent
Explanation: It was India’s first pan-subcontinental empire.
97. The decline of the Mauryan Empire led to:
A) Rise of regional kingdoms like Shungas, Satavahanas, Indo-Greeks
B) Revival of Vedic sacrifices
C) Spread of Buddhism abroad
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Mauryan fall created space for regional powers and cultural shifts.
98. Ashoka’s contribution to Buddhism was significant because:
A) He made Buddhism a world religion through missions
B) He built stupas and viharas across India
C) He inscribed Buddhist values on rocks and pillars
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: His reign marked the global spread of Buddhism.
99. The Mauryan legacy in Indian history includes:
A) Centralized governance model
B) Cultural unity across subcontinent
C) Early welfare state ideals under Ashoka
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: The Mauryan model inspired later Indian empires.
100. The Mauryan Empire is remembered in history as:
A) India’s first major centralized empire
B) The empire that spread Buddhism worldwide
C) A symbol of unity and cultural integration
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: The Mauryas shaped Indian polity, economy, and religion with lasting impact.