Maurya Empire Practice Questions
20 free Maurya Empire practice questions for the Static GK. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Who was the founder of the Maurya Empire, who overthrew the Nanda Dynasty in 322 BCE?
- A Bindusara Amitraghata
- B Ashoka the Great
- C Chandragupta Maurya
- D Dasharatha Maurya
Correct answer: Chandragupta Maurya
Chandragupta Maurya founded the empire with the assistance of his mentor Chanakya. He defeated Dhana Nanda, the last ruler of the Nanda Dynasty, to establish the Mauryan rule in Magadha.
Which Greek ambassador was sent to the court of Chandragupta Maurya by Seleucus Nicator?
- A Deimachus
- B Megasthenes
- C Dionysius
- D Fa-Hien the Pilgrim
Correct answer: Megasthenes
Megasthenes lived in the Mauryan capital, Pataliputra, for several years. He wrote the famous book 'Indica', which provides a detailed account of the Mauryan administration and society.
The famous book 'Arthashastra', a treatise on statecraft and economic policy, was authored by:
- A Megasthenes
- B Chanakya Kautilya
- C Banabhatta the Poet
- D Vishakhadatta
Correct answer: Chanakya Kautilya
Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, was the Chief Minister of Chandragupta Maurya. His 'Arthashastra' remains one of the most influential works on political science and military strategy in ancient India.
After which famous battle did Emperor Ashoka renounce violence and embrace Buddhism?
- A Battle of Panipat
- B Battle of Kalinga
- C Battle of Hydaspes
- D Battle of Buxar
Correct answer: Battle of Kalinga
The Kalinga War (261 BCE) was a turning point in Ashoka's life. The immense bloodshed and suffering he witnessed led him to adopt 'Dhamma' and dedicate his life to non-violence and public welfare.
Who was the successor of Chandragupta Maurya and the father of Ashoka?
- A Bindusara
- B Susima
- C Brihadratha
- D Kunala
Correct answer: Bindusara
Bindusara ruled from approximately 297 BCE to 273 BCE. He was known to the Greeks as 'Amitrochates', which translates to 'Slayer of Foes', and he expanded the empire further into the southern parts of India.
Which Mauryan ruler is often referred to as 'Devanam piyadassi' in his inscriptions?
- A Chandragupta Maurya
- B Bindusara
- C Ashoka the Great
- D Brihadratha Maurya
Correct answer: Ashoka the Great
The title 'Devanampiya Piyadassi' — 'Beloved of the Gods, he who looks on with affection' — is how Ashoka names himself throughout his edicts, his personal name appearing in only a few minor inscriptions. Chandragupta, Bindusara and the last Mauryan, Brihadratha, left no such edicts.
The capital of the Maurya Empire, described as one of the largest cities in the ancient world, was:
- A Takshashila
- B Ujjayini
- C Pataliputra
- D Vaishali
Correct answer: Pataliputra
Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) was the administrative heart of the empire. According to Megasthenes, the city was surrounded by a massive wooden wall with 570 towers and 64 gates.
Who was the last ruler of the Maurya Dynasty, assassinated by his commander-in-chief?
- A Devavarman
- B Shatadhanvan
- C Brihadratha
- D Dasharatha
Correct answer: Brihadratha
Brihadratha was the final Mauryan emperor. He was killed in 185 BCE by Pushyamitra Shunga during a military parade, which led to the establishment of the Shunga Dynasty.
In the Mauryan administration, the 'Dhamma Mahamattas' were appointed by Ashoka to:
- A Collect land revenue from villages
- B Lead the imperial Mauryan army
- C Spread the principles of Dhamma
- D Spy on provincial governors
Correct answer: Spread the principles of Dhamma
Dhamma Mahamattas were a special cadre of officers created by Ashoka. Their primary duty was to promote moral conduct, social harmony, and the welfare of all religious sects across the empire.
The Lion Capital, which is the national emblem of modern India, was originally located at:
- A Sanchi
- B Sarnath
- C Lumbini
- D Bodh Gaya
Correct answer: Sarnath
The Lion Capital was erected by Ashoka at Sarnath to mark the spot where the Buddha first preached the Dhamma. It features four Asiatic lions standing back-to-back on an abacus carved with other animals.
Which Mauryan ruler is said to have abdicated his throne and starved himself to death at Shravanabelagola as a Jain ascetic?
- A Bindusara Amitraghata
- B Ashoka the Great
- C Chandragupta Maurya
- D Samprati Maurya
Correct answer: Chandragupta Maurya
Tradition holds that Chandragupta Maurya became a disciple of the Jain monk Bhadrabahu. He spent his final days practicing 'Sallekhana' (voluntary fasting until death) in Karnataka.
The Junagarh Rock Inscription mentions the construction of the Sudarshana Lake during the reign of:
- A Ashoka the Great
- B Chandragupta Maurya
- C Rudradaman I
- D Emperor Skandagupta
Correct answer: Chandragupta Maurya
The Sudarshana Lake in Gujarat was originally commissioned by Pushyagupta, the provincial governor under Chandragupta Maurya. Later inscriptions record its repairs by Ashoka, Rudradaman, and Skandagupta.
Which of the following languages was primarily used for Ashoka's inscriptions in most parts of India?
- A Sanskrit
- B Prakrit
- C Pali
- D Greek
Correct answer: Prakrit
Most Ashokan edicts were written in the Prakrit language using the Brahmi script to ensure they could be understood by the common people. In the northwest, scripts like Kharosthi, Greek, and Aramaic were also used.
The Mauryan central administration was divided into several departments headed by officers known as:
- A Adhyakshas
- B Amatya Ministers
- C Rajukas
- D Yuktas
Correct answer: Adhyakshas
According to the Arthashastra, 'Adhyakshas' were the superintendents of various departments such as agriculture, trade, mining, and minting. They were responsible for the day-to-day regulation of the economy.
Which Ashokan edict mentions the names of five contemporary Greek kings, including Antiochus II?
- A Rock Edict XIII
- B Rock Edict X
- C Pillar Edict VII
- D Bhabru Edict
Correct answer: Rock Edict XIII
Major Rock Edict XIII is a crucial historical document. It not only describes the Kalinga War but also lists the Hellenistic kings to whom Ashoka sent medical aid and Dhamma envoys.
The 'Saptanga Theory' of the state, which compares the state to a body with seven limbs, was proposed in:
- A Indica
- B Mudrarakshasa
- C Ashokavadana
- D Arthashastra
Correct answer: Arthashastra
In the Arthashastra, Kautilya describes the seven elements (limbs) of a state: the King, the Minister, the Territory, the Fort, the Treasury, the Army, and the Ally. He emphasized that the strength of the state depends on the balance of these parts.
Taxila, a major center of learning and trade in the Mauryan period, was the capital of which province?
- A Avantirashtra (West)
- B Dakshinapatha (South)
- C Kalinga (East)
- D Uttarapatha (North)
Correct answer: Uttarapatha (North)
The Mauryan Empire was divided into four main provinces. Taxila was the capital of the northern province (Uttarapatha) and was strategically located on the junction of major trade routes connecting India to Central Asia.
The 'Mudrarakshasa', a historical play describing Chandragupta Maurya's ascent to power, was written by:
- A Kalidasa
- B Shudraka
- C Bhasa the Playwright
- D Vishakhadatta
Correct answer: Vishakhadatta
Vishakhadatta wrote this Sanskrit play several centuries after the Mauryan era. It focuses on the political schemes of Chanakya to dismantle the Nanda Dynasty and secure the throne for Chandragupta.
In the Mauryan judicial system, the 'Dharmasthiya' courts primarily dealt with:
- A Criminal cases
- B Religious disputes
- C International law
- D Civil disputes
Correct answer: Civil disputes
The Mauryan state had two types of courts: Dharmasthiya (Civil) and Kantakasodhana (Criminal). Dharmasthiya courts handled matters like inheritance, marriage, and property disputes.
Who was the Buddhist monk who is said to have initiated Ashoka into Buddhism?
- A Upagupta
- B Moggaliputta Tissa
- C Mahinda
- D Sanghamitta
Correct answer: Upagupta
While Ashoka was influenced by many, traditional sources like the Divyavadana credit the monk Upagupta with officially converting Ashoka. Later, Ashoka organized the Third Buddhist Council under the leadership of Moggaliputta Tissa.