Q1. Who was the last ruler of the Mauryan Empire?
- Ashoka
- Samprati
- Brihadratha
- Pushyamitra
Correct Option: 3. Brihadratha
Explanation: Brihadratha was the last ruler of the Mauryan dynasty, ruling around 187–185 BCE. His reign marked the end of Mauryan supremacy in India. According to the 7th-century writer Banabhatta, Brihadratha was assassinated by his general Pushyamitra Sunga during a military parade. After killing Brihadratha, Pushyamitra established the Sunga Dynasty, thus bringing an end to the Mauryan Empire. This transition symbolizes the decline of centralized imperial power and the rise of regional kingdoms in India.
Q2. According to Buddhist texts, how many years did Ashoka rule?
- 23 years
- 27 years
- 30 years
- 35 years
Correct Option: 2. 27 years
Explanation: Buddhist sources, such as the Mahavamsa and other Sri Lankan chronicles, state that Ashoka ruled for twenty-seven years. His reign is generally dated between 269 BCE and 232 BCE. During this period, Ashoka transformed from a conqueror into a ruler guided by ethical governance after the Kalinga War, promoting peace and compassion through his Dhamma policy. His rule marks a high point in Mauryan administration, art, and architecture.
Q3. Who among the following historians attributed the downfall of the Mauryan Empire to Brahmanical reaction?
- D.D. Kosambi
- Romila Thapar
- Harprasad Shastri
- H.C. Raichaudhuri
Correct Option: 3. Harprasad Shastri
Explanation: Historian Harprasad Shastri argued that the decline of the Mauryan Empire was largely caused by a Brahmanical reaction against Ashoka’s patronage of Buddhism. During Ashoka’s reign, Buddhism received royal support, while animal sacrifices and Vedic rituals were discouraged. This shift alienated the Brahmanical priestly class, weakening their loyalty to the state. Over time, the withdrawal of Brahmanical support and resistance from orthodox groups contributed to the empire’s disintegration.
Q4. What was the main purpose of Ashoka’s Dhamma?
- To promote Buddhist worship
- To conduct Vedic sacrifices
- To ensure social harmony and moral conduct
- To increase the empire’s revenue
Correct Option: 3. To ensure social harmony and moral conduct
Explanation: Ashoka’s Dhamma was not a religion but a code of ethical and moral behavior. It was influenced by Buddhist teachings but aimed at all his subjects, regardless of faith. Its main objectives were to promote non-violence, truthfulness, tolerance, compassion, and respect among different religious groups. Ashoka sought to reduce social conflicts, end animal sacrifices, improve the treatment of servants, and encourage familial harmony. His edicts emphasized the welfare of all beings—humans and animals alike—reflecting the moral vision of a compassionate ruler.
Q5. Which of the following officials were appointed by Ashoka to spread the message of Dhamma?
- Amatyas
- Dhamma Mahamattas
- Rajukas
- Pradesikas
Correct Option: 2. Dhamma Mahamattas
Explanation: Ashoka created a special class of officers known as Dhamma Mahamattas around the 14th year of his reign. Their duty was to travel across the empire and promote the values of Dhamma among the people. They were responsible for ensuring the welfare of various communities, including prisoners, women, and the poor. These officers also acted as moral educators, spreading the king’s ethical instructions and advising people on righteous living. Their presence is attested in Ashoka’s edicts, showing the administrative machinery’s role in moral governance.