Q1. Which of the following sources gives an account of how Chandragupta Maurya, with Kautilya’s help, defeated the Nandas?
- Arthashastra
- Indica
- Mudrarakshasa
- Malavikagnimitram
Correct Option: 3. Mudrarakshasa
Explanation: Mudrarakshasa, a Sanskrit drama written by Vishakhadatta in the 5th century CE, narrates how Chandragupta Maurya, with the assistance of Kautilya (Chanakya) and a Paurava prince, overthrew the Nanda dynasty to establish Mauryan rule.
The play highlights the political cunning and diplomacy of Kautilya, serving as a valuable semi-historical literary source for understanding the early Mauryan period.
Q2. The Arthashastra, an important source for Mauryan administration, was authored by whom?
- Megasthenes
- Vishakhadatta
- Kautilya (Chanakya)
- Kalidasa
Correct Option: 3. Kautilya (Chanakya)
Explanation: The Arthashastra, written by Kautilya (also called Chanakya or Vishnugupta), is a treatise on statecraft, politics, economics, and administration.
It provides deep insights into Mauryan governance, the Mantri Parishad, espionage system, city administration, and economic policies.
Though compiled later, it reflects the political wisdom that guided Chandragupta Maurya’s rule.
Q3. According to Greek sources, Chandragupta Maurya was known as:
- Amitrochates
- Sandrocottus
- Androcottus
- Selukos
Correct Option: 2. Sandrocottus
Explanation: Greek historians such as Megasthenes, Plutarch, and Justin referred to Chandragupta as Sandrocottus (or Androcottus).
This identification was first made by Sir William Jones in the 18th century.
The Greek accounts confirm that Chandragupta met and later fought Seleucus Nikator, one of Alexander’s generals, and established diplomatic relations after victory.
Q4. What was the outcome of Chandragupta Maurya’s conflict with Seleucus Nikator around 301 BCE?
- Both signed a peace treaty without any exchange of territory
- Chandragupta lost western territories
- Seleucus annexed the Ganges plain
- Chandragupta gained territories in Afghanistan and Baluchistan
Correct Option: 4. Chandragupta gained territories in Afghanistan and Baluchistan
Explanation: In about 301 BCE, Seleucus Nikator (ruler of the Seleucid Empire) clashed with Chandragupta Maurya but was defeated.
In the peace treaty, Seleucus ceded:
• Arachosia (Kandahar region)
• Gedrosia (southern Baluchistan)
• Paropamisadai (area near Kabul & Herat)
to Chandragupta, in exchange for 500 war elephants.
Seleucus also sent Megasthenes as his ambassador to the Mauryan court at Pataliputra, strengthening Indo-Greek diplomatic ties.
Q5. According to Jain tradition, how did Chandragupta Maurya spend the last years of his life?
- In the court of Seleucus Nikator
- As a Buddhist monk at Sanchi
- As a Jain ascetic at Shravanabelagola
- As a Vedic scholar in Pataliputra
Correct Option: 3. As a Jain ascetic at Shravanabelagola
Explanation: According to Jain texts and traditions, after abdicating his throne in favor of his son Bindusara, Chandragupta became a Jain monk under Acharya Bhadrabahu.
He migrated to Shravanabelagola (Karnataka) during a famine and practiced Sallekhana—ritual fasting to death, a traditional Jain practice of spiritual purification.
This event reflects the early spread of Jainism to South India.