Keywords To Remember
- Empire – A large political unit or state, usually under a single ruler, that controls many peoples or territories.
- Invasion – An instance of entering a country or region by force with an army.
- Monarch – A king or queen who rules a kingdom or empire.
- Capital – The city where a country or empire’s government is based. Example: Pataliputra was the capital of the Mauryan Empire.
- Inscription – Words carved or engraved on a surface like stone or metal, often for official or commemorative purposes.
- Brahmin – A member of the highest caste in traditional Hindu society, often priests or scholars.
- Vow – A serious promise or commitment, often made with deep emotion or intent.
- Guru – A spiritual teacher or mentor in Indian culture.
- Palanquin – A covered seat carried on poles by men, used especially in ancient times for transporting nobility.
- Propagate – To spread or promote (an idea, religion, or cause) widely.
- Dhamma Mahamatta – Special officers appointed by Ashoka to spread his message of Dhamma (moral conduct).
- Toleration – Acceptance of different beliefs, practices, and customs.
- Taxation – The system of collecting money from people by the government to fund public services.
- Tribute – A payment or gift made as a sign of respect or allegiance, sometimes voluntary.
- Stupa – A Buddhist religious monument with a dome-shaped structure that contains relics and is used as a place of meditation.
- Chaitya – A Buddhist prayer hall with a stupa at one end.
- Vihara – A Buddhist monastery or dwelling place for monks.
- Relic – An object or part of the body of a holy person that is preserved and respected as sacred.
- Pillar Edict – Messages engraved on stone pillars by Ashoka to spread his teachings and laws.
- Council of Ministers (Mantri Parishad) – A group of advisors who helped the king in administration, but the king had the final authority.
- Caste System (Varna System) – A hierarchical social structure dividing people based on birth and occupation in ancient India.
- Ashrama System – Stages of life in Hindu philosophy: Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retirement), and Sannyasa (renunciation).
- Trade – The buying and selling of goods and services, both internally (within a country) and externally (with other countries).
- Textile – A type of cloth or woven fabric. Major trade items included cotton, silk, and jute textiles.
- Foreign Policy – A government’s strategy in dealing with other nations.
- Civil Administration – Management of government affairs excluding the military.
- Judiciary – The system of courts that interprets and applies the law.
- Senapati – Commander-in-chief of the army in Mauryan administration.
- Purohita – Royal priest or advisor in ancient Indian courts.
- Yuvraj – Crown prince or heir apparent to the throne.
Something To Know
A. Tick (✔ ) the correct option.
- The founder of Mauryan dynasty was-
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Ghananand
(c) Kumara Gupta
(d) Samudra Gupta
Answer – (a) Chandragupta Maurya
- Who wrote Arthashastra?
(a) Megasthenes
(b) Harisena
(c) Kautilya
(d) Aswaghosa
Answer – (c) Kautilya
- The ambassador sent by Seleucus Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya was-
(a) Fa-hien
(c) Megasthenes
(b) Itsing
(d) Bernier
Answer – (c) Megasthenes
- The last Nanda ruler was-
(a) Dhana Nanda
(c) Ghananand
(b) Maha Padmananda
(d) Dayananda
Answer – (c) Ghananand
- The Mauryan kings were assisted by-
(a) Mantri
(b) Mahamatra
(c) Mantri Parishad
(d) Adhyaksha
Answer – (c) Mantri Parishad
B. Fill in the blanks.
- Alexander was the son of King __________ of __________ .
Answer – Philip of Macedonia.
- Chandragupta Maurya invaded Magadha with the help of __________ .
Answer – Chanakya
- During Ashoka’s rule __________ was the main base of village economy.
Answer – agriculture
- The city administration during the Mauryan period was under __________ .
Answer – Nagradhyaksh
- The Chinese traveller __________ was astonished to see the Mauryan Palace.
Answer – Fa-hien
C. Match the following:
- Barabar a. Textile centre
- Odisha b. Rock edict
- Madurai c. Stupa
- Sahasrama d. Caves
- Sanchi e. Kalinga
Answer –
| 1. Barabar | d. Caves |
| 2. Odisha | e. Kalinga |
| 3. Madurai | a. Textile centre|
| 4. Sahasrama | b. Rock edict |
| 5. Sanchi | c. Stupa |
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- Who was Seleucus Nicator?
Answer – Seleucus Nicator was a Greek general and successor of Alexander who ruled over parts of the eastern empire and sent ambassador Megasthenes to Chandragupta Maurya’s court.
- List the main sources of information about Mauryan dynasty.
Answer – Indica by Megasthenes
Puranas
Buddhist and Jain literature
Kautilya’s Arthashastra
Ashoka’s edicts on rocks and pillars
Remains of monuments
- Which lake was built by Chandragupta Maurya and why?
Answer – Sudarshan Lake was built by Chandragupta Maurya for irrigation and agricultural development.
- Name the languages in which Ashoka’s teachings were engraved.
Answer – Kharoshthi, Prakrit, Greek, and Aramaic.
- What advice was given by Ashoka to his sons and grandsons?
Answer – Ashoka advised them not to wage wars but to follow Dhamma Vijay, i.e., winning hearts through peace and moral values.
E. Answer the following questions.
- Describe the finest examples of the architecture of the Mauryan period.
Answer – The finest examples include:
Sanchi Stupa with beautifully carved gateways
Ashokan pillars with polished stone and animal capitals like the four lions (national emblem)
Barabar caves for monks
Palaces like the one at Pataliputra praised by Fa-hien
Rock edicts found in places like Rupnath and Sahasrama.
- Explain the main features of Ashoka’s Dhamma related to social and ethical code of conduct.
Answer – Serve and respect parents and elders
Love all living beings and follow non-violence
Avoid arrogance, religious conflicts, animal sacrifices
Promote kindness, tolerance, and harmony among all.
- What did Ashoka do for the welfare of his people?
Answer – Planted trees, dug wells, built hospitals and rest houses
Appointed Dhamma Mahamattas
Opened orphanages and old age homes
Treated his people like a father.
- Describe briefly, the social and economic life of the people during the Mauryan period.
Answer – Socially: People followed Varna and Ashrama systems; society was peaceful.
Economically: Agriculture was the mainstay; dams and canals were built; trade flourished; state supported farmers and traders.
- How did the Kalinga War prove to be a turning point in the life of Ashoka?
Answer – The destruction and loss in the Kalinga War deeply moved Ashoka. He gave up violence, embraced Buddhism, and spread the message of peace and Dhamma across India and other countries.
Value Based Questions
Effects of Kalinga War on Ashoka
The invasion of Kalinga was a big milestone in the history of Magadha (India). It had many consequences. It had incredible influence on the personal life and policy of Ashoka. The despair and casualty which he had inflicted upon the people of Kalinga filled his heart with deep sorrow and regret. The wails of the women, the tears of the children, the terrifying suffering of the dying men transformed his heart and mind. He found solace in Buddhism. As he was repenting his deeds, consequently he embraced Buddhism and took a vow of inculcating the virtues of the dhamma all over the world. King Ashoka left behind the policy of Digvijaya and adopted a policy of Dhamma-vijaya.
There were significant changes in the state policy. Hence, it is said that Kalinga War ended the policy of Magadha imperialism. A new policy of peace and non-violence began to be adopted in the realm of inter- state relations. Thus, the thirsty tyrant became a lover of mankind and started preaching non-violence.
Relate this story with the Principles advocated by Mahatma Gandhi and try to establish the similarity between the two.
Answer – Ashoka’s transformation after the Kalinga War closely resembles Mahatma Gandhi’s principles. Like Ashoka, Gandhi believed in non-violence (Ahimsa), truth, and compassion for all living beings. Both led by example, turning personal experiences of conflict and suffering into a life-long mission of peace, tolerance, and ethical living. Both rejected aggressive conquest in favour of moral leadership, emphasizing inner transformation and social welfare.
Map Skill
Show the extent of Ashoka’s empire and the places of famous edicts on the outline political map of India.
On a political map of India:
- Show Ashoka’s empire covering regions from Afghanistan to Tamil Nadu.
- Mark sites of Ashokan edicts: Sanchi (MP), Sarnath (UP), Barabar (Bihar), Topra (Haryana), and Bairat (Rajasthan).
Something To Do
- Write details of Sanchi Stupa and the Iron Pillar near Qutub Minar in Delhi with regard to their architectural glory.
Answer – Sanchi Stupa: Located in Madhya Pradesh, built by Ashoka. Famous for its large hemispherical dome, gateways with intricate carvings, and religious importance in Buddhism.
Iron Pillar (Delhi): Located near Qutub Minar. It is a metallurgical wonder due to its rust-resistant composition and reflects the advanced skills of ancient Indian artisans.
- Collect the pictures of all the five types of architectural monuments and classify them under the heads.
(1) Palaces (ii) Stupas (iii) Caves (iv) Pillars (v) Rock Edicts
Answer –
Monument Type | Example |
Palaces | Ashoka’s palace at Pataliputra |
Stupas | Sanchi Stupa |
Caves | Barabar caves |
Pillars | Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath |
Rock Edicts | Edict at Bairat (Rajasthan) |
Additional Questions and Answers – 01
Fill in the Blanks (with Answers)
- Chandragupta Maurya was guided by __________ in political matters.
Answer: Chanakya - Ashoka embraced __________ after the Kalinga War.
Answer: Buddhism - The capital of the Mauryan Empire was __________.
Answer: Pataliputra - Ashoka’s emblem with four lions is now the __________ of India.
Answer: National Emblem - Megasthenes wrote the book __________ about India.
Answer: Indica - The __________ system was introduced for better communication.
Answer: Road and messenger - The Mauryan Empire was divided into __________ for administration.
Answer: Provinces - The Rock Edicts of Ashoka were written in the __________ script.
Answer: Brahmi - Ashoka built hospitals for both humans and __________.
Answer: Animals - The __________ Caves were used by monks for meditation.
Answer: Barabar
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- The Mauryan administration was highly –
(a) Democratic
(b) Federal
(c) Centralized
(d) Tribal
Answer: ✓ (c) Centralized - Ashoka’s message of Dhamma was spread through –
(a) Books
(b) Edicts
(c) Coins
(d) Festivals
Answer: ✓ (b) Edicts - What was the main source of income during Mauryan rule?
(a) Sea trade
(b) Agriculture
(c) Mining
(d) Hunting
Answer: ✓ (b) Agriculture - Who was the author of Indica?
(a) Fa-Hien
(b) Megasthenes
(c) Kautilya
(d) Harisena
Answer: ✓ (b) Megasthenes - Ashoka sent his son Mahinda to which country to spread Buddhism?
(a) China
(b) Sri Lanka
(c) Burma
(d) Tibet
Answer: ✓ (b) Sri Lanka
True/False Questions
- The Mauryan Empire was founded in 232 BCE.
Answer: False (It was founded around 322 BCE) - The Sanchi Stupa was built during Chandragupta’s reign.
Answer: False (It was built during Ashoka’s reign) - Ashoka promoted animal sacrifice as part of rituals.
Answer: False - Kautilya is also known as Chanakya.
Answer: True - The Lion Capital of Ashoka is found at Sarnath.
Answer: True
Short Answer Questions
- Who was Chanakya?
Chanakya was the advisor and mentor of Chandragupta Maurya. He wrote Arthashastra and helped establish the Mauryan Empire. - Why is Ashoka known as ‘Ashoka the Great’?
He is known for his administration, spread of Buddhism, and for adopting non-violence after the Kalinga War. - What is Dhamma according to Ashoka?
Dhamma is a moral code of conduct based on truth, compassion, non-violence, and tolerance. - Name any two important cities of the Mauryan Empire.
Pataliputra and Taxila. - What is the significance of Rock Edicts?
They were used by Ashoka to spread messages about Dhamma and good governance.
Competency-Based (Reasoning + Assertion) Questions
Assertion (A): Ashoka sent missionaries to other countries to spread Buddhism.
Reason (R): He believed in conquest through violence.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation.
(b) A is true but R is false.
(c) Both A and R are false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
Answer: ✓ (b) A is true but R is false.
Assertion (A): The Mauryan Empire declined after Ashoka’s death.
Reason (R): His successors were weak rulers.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation.
(b) A is true but R is not the correct explanation.
(c) A is false but R is true.
(d) Both A and R are false.
Answer: ✓ (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation.
High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions
- Why do you think Ashoka is considered a model ruler in Indian history?
Because he ruled not by fear but by ethics and compassion. He prioritized public welfare, religious tolerance, and moral values, which are rare in ancient history. - How did Ashoka use communication to unify his empire?
He used rock and pillar edicts inscribed in local languages to ensure his messages reached people across different regions of his empire.
Long Answer Questions (Word Limit: 40–50 words)
- Explain how Ashoka contributed to the spread of Buddhism.
Ashoka sent missionaries to various parts of Asia, including Sri Lanka and Central Asia. He built stupas, rest houses, and sponsored Buddhist councils. His inscriptions and edicts carried the principles of Buddhism far and wide, making it a global religion. - Describe the administration system during the Mauryan period.
The Mauryan administration was highly centralized. The king was the supreme authority assisted by ministers. The empire was divided into provinces, each under a governor. There were departments for espionage, commerce, and agriculture, and taxes were the main source of income. - How did Ashoka’s Dhamma bring harmony in society?
Ashoka’s Dhamma emphasized respect for elders, non-violence, tolerance, and kindness. It discouraged discrimination and promoted unity among people of different cultures and religions. This helped maintain peace and harmony in the diverse Mauryan Empire.
Additional Questions and Answers – 02
Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers
- The Mauryan Empire was established by ________ in 324 BCE.
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya - Chanakya, also known as ________, wrote the famous book Arthashastra.
Answer: Kautilya - Alexander invaded India in ________ BCE and defeated King Poras.
Answer: 326 - Ashoka adopted ________ after the Kalinga War.
Answer: Buddhism - The capital of the Mauryan Empire was ________.
Answer: Pataliputra - The last ruler of the Mauryan dynasty was ________.
Answer: Brihadratha - The ambassador of Seleucus Nicator to Chandragupta’s court was ________.
Answer: Megasthenes - Ashoka’s teachings were engraved on rocks and stone pillars in languages like ________ and ________.
Answer: Prakrit, Aramaic - The Mauryan city administration was headed by a ________.
Answer: Nagradhyaksh - The famous ________ Lake was built by Chandragupta Maurya for irrigation.
Answer: Sudarshan
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers
- Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire?
a) Ashoka
b) Chandragupta Maurya
c) Bindusar
d) Brihadratha
Answer: b) Chandragupta Maurya - Which war was a turning point in Ashoka’s life?
a) Battle of Magadha
b) Battle of Kalinga
c) Battle of Punjab
d) Battle of Sindh
Answer: b) Battle of Kalinga - Who wrote the book Arthashastra?
a) Megasthenes
b) Ashoka
c) Chanakya
d) Bindusar
Answer: c) Chanakya - Which of the following was NOT a source of information about Chandragupta Maurya?
a) Indica by Megasthenes
b) Puranas
c) Kautilya’s Arthashastra
d) The Bible
Answer: d) The Bible - What was the main feature of Ashoka’s Dhamma?
a) Military conquest
b) Social and ethical code of conduct
c) Economic reforms
d) Political alliances
Answer: b) Social and ethical code of conduct - Which Mauryan ruler developed good relations with the Greeks?
a) Chandragupta Maurya
b) Ashoka
c) Bindusar
d) Brihadratha
Answer: c) Bindusar - What was the name of the Buddhist temple known as a ‘Spiritual Monument’?
a) Vihara
b) Stupa
c) Chaitya
d) Pillar
Answer: b) Stupa - Which architectural monument is adopted as India’s National Emblem?
a) Sanchi Stupa
b) Ashoka’s Lion Capital
c) Barabar Caves
d) Sudarshan Lake
Answer: b) Ashoka’s Lion Capital - Who succeeded Chandragupta Maurya in 297 BCE?
a) Ashoka
b) Bindusar
c) Brihadratha
d) Pushya Mitra Sunga
Answer: b) Bindusar - What was the primary basis of the Mauryan village economy?
a) Trade
b) Agriculture
c) Mining
d) Craftsmanship
Answer: b) Agriculture
True/False Questions and Answers
- Alexander successfully captured Magadha during his invasion of India.
Answer: False
Explanation: Alexander wanted to capture Magadha but was not successful. - Chanakya was insulted by Ghananand, the Nanda ruler.
Answer: True
Explanation: Chanakya vowed to destroy the Nanda empire after being insulted by Ghananand. - Ashoka’s edicts were written only in Prakrit.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ashoka’s edicts were written in multiple languages, including Prakrit, Kharoshthi, Greek, and Aramaic. - The Mauryan administration included an efficient espionage system.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Mauryan Empire had a well-organized espionage system for governance. - Chandragupta Maurya’s personal guards were men.
Answer: False
Explanation: Megasthenes noted that Chandragupta’s personal guards were women. - Ashoka’s Dhamma encouraged animal sacrifices.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ashoka’s Dhamma promoted non-violence and discouraged animal sacrifices. - The Sanchi Stupa is an example of Mauryan architecture.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Sanchi Stupa is a prominent example of Mauryan architectural achievement. - The Mauryan Empire declined after the death of Bindusar.
Answer: False
Explanation: The decline began after Ashoka’s death in 232 BCE. - The village administration under the Mauryans was run by a single officer.
Answer: False
Explanation: Village administration was managed by a group of officers. - The Mauryan Empire extended to Afghanistan and Balochistan.
Answer: True
Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya’s empire included these regions.
Short Questions and Answers
- Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire?
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya - What was the capital of the Mauryan Empire?
Answer: Pataliputra - Name the book written by Chanakya on political administration.
Answer: Arthashastra - Which war changed Ashoka’s perspective on life?
Answer: Kalinga War - Who succeeded Chandragupta Maurya?
Answer: Bindusar - What is the Prakrit word for moral values used by Ashoka?
Answer: Dhamma - Name one language used in Ashoka’s edicts.
Answer: Prakrit - Who was the Greek ambassador in Chandragupta’s court?
Answer: Megasthenes - What was the name of the last Mauryan ruler?
Answer: Brihadratha - Name one architectural monument from the Mauryan period.
Answer: Sanchi Stupa
Competency-Based Questions and Answers (Reasoning and Assertion)
- Assertion (A): Ashoka adopted Buddhism after the Kalinga War.
Reason (R): The massive loss of life in the Kalinga War deeply affected him.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The Kalinga War’s devastation led Ashoka to embrace Buddhism and promote non-violence. - Assertion (A): Chandragupta Maurya established a vast empire.
Reason (R): He was guided by Chanakya, who helped him defeat the Nandas.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Chanakya’s strategic guidance was crucial for Chandragupta’s conquests. - Assertion (A): The Mauryan administration was highly centralized.
Reason (R): The king had supreme powers but was advised by a Mantri Parishad.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The king’s supreme authority, supported by a council, ensured centralized governance. - Assertion (A): Ashoka’s Dhamma promoted tolerance and peace.
Reason (R): He respected all religions and discouraged violence.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Ashoka’s Dhamma emphasized ethical conduct and respect for all religions. - Assertion (A): The Mauryan Empire declined after Ashoka’s death.
Reason (R): Ashoka’s policy of non-violence weakened the military.
Answer: Both A and R are true, but R is not the sole explanation of A.
Explanation: While Ashoka’s non-violent policy may have contributed, other factors like weak successors also led to the decline.
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions and Answers
- Question: Why did Ashoka’s adoption of Buddhism have a lasting impact on India and beyond?
Answer: Ashoka’s adoption of Buddhism led to its widespread propagation across India and other countries, promoting peace, tolerance, and ethical governance. His edicts in local languages made Buddhist principles accessible, influencing social reforms and cultural exchanges globally. - Question: How did Chanakya’s Arthashastra contribute to the Mauryan Empire’s success?
Answer: Arthashastra provided a detailed framework for governance, economy, and military strategy. Its emphasis on efficient administration, espionage, and economic policies helped Chandragupta establish a strong, centralized empire. - Question: Evaluate the significance of Ashoka’s edicts in understanding Mauryan society.
Answer: Ashoka’s edicts, inscribed in multiple languages, reveal the empire’s focus on ethical governance, social welfare, and religious tolerance, offering insights into the values and administrative priorities of Mauryan society. - Question: How did the Mauryan Empire’s irrigation systems reflect its economic priorities?
Answer: The construction of dams, lakes, and canals, like Sudarshan Lake, shows the Mauryan focus on agriculture as the economic backbone, ensuring food security and supporting trade through surplus production. - Question: Why was the Mauryan city administration considered efficient?
Answer: The city administration, led by the Nagradhyaksh and supported by specialized boards, ensured systematic governance, law enforcement, and public welfare, contributing to urban stability and prosperity.
Long Questions and Answers (40-50 words)
- Question: Describe the role of Chanakya in the establishment of the Mauryan Empire.
Answer: Chanakya, a brilliant strategist, guided Chandragupta Maurya to overthrow the Nandas. He trained Chandragupta, organized an army, and wrote Arthashastra, which provided governance and military strategies, enabling the establishment of a vast, centralized Mauryan Empire in 324 BCE. - Question: Explain the impact of the Kalinga War on Ashoka’s policies.
Answer: The Kalinga War’s massive loss of life deeply affected Ashoka, leading him to adopt Buddhism and promote non-violence. He introduced Dhamma, focusing on ethical governance, social reforms, and peace, spreading these principles through edicts and welfare initiatives across his empire. - Question: How did the Mauryan Empire promote trade and economic prosperity?
Answer: The Mauryan Empire supported trade by building infrastructure like canals and roads, protecting forests and resources, and regulating markets. Textiles, spices, and ivory were key exports. Taxes and tributes ensured revenue, while state support for agriculture boosted economic stability. - Question: Discuss the significance of Ashoka’s edicts in governance.
Answer: Ashoka’s edicts, inscribed on pillars and rocks in local languages, promoted Dhamma, emphasizing ethical conduct, non-violence, and tolerance. They communicated policies directly to the public, ensured transparent governance, and fostered unity across the diverse Mauryan Empire. - Question: What were the key features of Mauryan architecture?
Answer: Mauryan architecture included palaces, stupas, caves, pillars, and rock edicts. Notable examples are the Sanchi Stupa, Barabar caves, and Ashoka’s lion-capital pillars. These structures reflected advanced craftsmanship, spiritual significance, and the empire’s commitment to cultural and religious expression.