Q1. Greek writers referred to Bindusara as “Amitrochates,” which means:
- Friend of all
- Destroyer of foes
- King of kings
- Protector of the faith
Correct Option: 2. Destroyer of foes
Explanation: Bindusara, Chandragupta’s son and successor, is called Amitrochates (a Greek version of Sanskrit Amitraghata, meaning “destroyer of enemies”)* by Greek historians.
He ruled a vast empire, extending from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal, and maintained diplomatic relations with the Seleucid Empire and other Hellenistic states.
Although little is known about his reign, he successfully preserved and expanded Mauryan control across most of India except Kalinga and parts of the south.
Q2. Which event in Ashoka’s life led to his conversion to Buddhism and change in policy toward non-violence?
- Third Buddhist Council
- Visit to Lumbini
- Kalinga War
- Death of his queen
Correct Option: 3. Kalinga War
Explanation: The Kalinga War (261 BCE) was a turning point in Ashoka’s life.
The fierce battle, fought to conquer Kalinga (modern coastal Odisha), caused massive loss of life — as per his own inscriptions, over 100,000 people were killed and many deported.
The sight of such devastation deeply moved Ashoka, leading him to renounce warfare and embrace Buddhism.
He adopted the policy of Dhamma (righteous living), promoting compassion, tolerance, and moral governance instead of conquest.
Q3. Who among Ashoka’s queens is mentioned by name in his inscriptions?
- Mahadevi
- Tissarakhita
- Asandhimitta
- Karuvaki
Correct Option: 4. Karuvaki
Explanation: Among Ashoka’s several queens—Mahadevi, Asandhimitta, Padmavati, Tissarakhita—the only one explicitly mentioned in his inscriptions is Queen Karuvaki.
She appears in the Queen’s Edict, where Ashoka records charitable donations made by her.
Their son Tivara is also named in the same inscription, which provides rare personal insight into Ashoka’s family life.
Q4. Ashoka organized the Third Buddhist Council at which place and in which year?
- Rajagriha, 483 BCE
- Vaishali, 383 BCE
- Pataliputra, 250 BCE
- Sanchi, 249 BCE
Correct Option: 3. Pataliputra, 250 BCE
Explanation: The Third Buddhist Council was convened by Ashoka at Pataliputra around 250 BCE, under the presidency of Moggaliputta Tissa.
Its primary aim was to purify the Buddhist Sangha by expelling corrupt and non-Buddhist elements.
The Council also resulted in the compilation of the Kathavatthu (a text of the Abhidhamma Pitaka) and the dispatch of Buddhist missions to foreign lands, including Sri Lanka (by Mahendra and Sanghamitra), Central Asia, and Southeast Asia (Suvarnabhumi).
Q5. What title did Ashoka adopt after his conversion to Buddhism, emphasizing his role as a moral ruler?
- Chakravartin
- Devanampriya Priyadarshi
- Satyavadi Raja
- Dharmapala
Correct Option: 2. Devanampriya Priyadarshi
Explanation: Ashoka used several honorific titles in his inscriptions:
• Devanampriya (Beloved of the Gods)
• Priyadarshi (One who looks kindly upon all)
Later, he also took the title Dharmashoka, reflecting his deep commitment to Dhamma (moral law).
These titles, appearing in his rock and pillar edicts, symbolize his transformation from a conqueror to a benevolent, ethical monarch focused on welfare, tolerance, and peace.