Chapter-4 The Mauryan Dynasty
1) Cyrus the Great was
the ruler of which country?
Persia
2) When did Darious-I
become the ruler of Persia?
In 522 BC
3) When Did Persians
invade Punjab?
In 516 BC
4) What did Indians
learn from Persians?
Art of minting coins and making
sculptures
5) Alexender was the
ruler of which country?
Greece
6) When did the
Alexender invade India?
In 326 BC
7) The bravery of which
Indian ruler impressed Alexender a lot?
Porus
8) When did Alexender
die?
In 323 BC
9) Where did Alexender
die?
In Babylon
10) Who was the founder
of the Mauryan Dynasty?
Chandra Gupta Maurya
11) When did Chander
Gupta establish the Mauryan Dynasty?
In 321 BC
12) Who was Selucus?
The Commander of Alexender
13) When did Chandra
Gupta Maurya defeat Selucus?
In 305 BC
14) Who was
Magesthnese?
A Greek Ambassdor
15) Who sent
Magesthnese to Chander Gupta Maurya’s court?
Selucus
16) What was the period
of Magesthnese’s stay at Patliputra?
From 302 BC to 298 BC
17) Which famous book
was written by Magesthnese?
The Indica
18) According to
Magasthnese, into how many classes was Indian society divided?
7
19) Which town was the
capital of the Mauryans?
Patliputra
20) Who was the
successor of Chandra Gupta Maurya?
Bindusar
21) Who was Kautilya?
Prime Miniser of Chandra Gupta Maurya
22) What were the other
names of Kautilya?
Chankya and Vishnu Gupta
23) Which famous book
was written by Kautilya?
Arthshastra
24) In which language
was Arthshastra written?
Sanskrit
25) When did Asoka
ascended the throne?
269 BC
26) After which war,
Asoka abandoned the policy of wars?
The Kalinga War
27) When did Asoka
invade Kalinga?
261 BC
28) Who was Sannidhata
in Mauryan empire?
Chief Treasury Minister
29) Who was Amatya in
Mauryan empire?
Ministre for Justice and Administration
30) In how many states
was Mauryan kingdom divided, at the time of Asoka?
5
31) Which state was
created by Asoka as his 5th state?
Kalinga
32) What was the name
of the capital of Kalinga?
Toshali
33) Who was Rajuka?
Land Revenue Minister
34) What was the
village head in Mauryan empire called?
Gramik
35) What was the head
of the town called in Mauryan empire?
Nagar Adhyakasha
36) How many
sub-committees were formed for army administration in Mauryan empire?
6
37) Who were Dharam Mahamatras
during Mauryan Age?
Religious preachers
38) When and where was
Third Buddhist council convened?
In 251 BC at Patliputra
39) Who convened Third
Buddhist Council?
Asoka
40) To whom did Asoka
sent to Sri Lanka to spread Buddhism?
Sanghmitra and Mahendra
41) In which script,
most of Asokan inscriptions engraved?
Brahmi Script
42) Who was the first
to decipher Asokan inscriptions successfully?
James Princep
43) When did James
Princep successfully decipher Asokan Inscriptions?
in 1838 AD
44) In Asokan
incriptions, by what names is Asoka mentioned?
Devnapriya and Priyadarshika
45) What was the chief
occupation of people durign Mauryan Period?
Farming
46) What was the most
popular industry of Mauryan age?
Textile
47) Name the most
famous stupa of Asoka age?
Sanchi Stupa
48) Who was the last
ruler of Mauryans?
Brihadratha
49) When did Mauryan
dynasty came to end?
184 BC
50) Who killed the last
ruler of Mauryan dynasty?
Pushyamitra Sunga
(3 Marks Questions/ Answers)
Q-1 Who was Alexander
the great?
Ans. Alexander was the son of Philip, the king of Macedonia. He was born in 356 BC. He was the disciple of great Greek philosopher Aristotle. He crossed the Hindu Kush Mountains after subduing the Achaemenians and consolidating his gains in the Persian Empire. He crossed the Indus in 326 BC, pursuing his dream of a world conquest.
Q-2 Is the invasion of
Alexander an important event of Indian history?
Ans. His invasion had indirectly
affected the Indian society in many ways. It explored new trade routes and
Indians learnt the art of coinage, sculpture and the art of warfare from the
Greeks. Many Greek historians and scholars provided important information about
the history of that time. Moreover, Greek language, literature, astrology and
medicine influenced the Indian society.
Q-3 What is an
important source of Mauryan period other than Arthashastra?
Ans. The other source is Indica
written in Greek by Megasthenes, the ambassador of Seleucus Nicator at the court of Chandragupta. Megasthenes wrote not only about the capital city of Patliputra, but
also about the Mauryan Empire as a whole and
about the society of that time.
Q-4Write a short note
on Arthashastra of Kautilya.
Ans. It was discovered in 1905 and
published in 1909. It lent itself to nationalist historians the highest achievements
in the fields of political thought and practice. It was written by Kautilya or
Chanakya or Vishnugupta, the Prime Minister of Chandragupta Maurya, which explains
how good government should be organised. It is a treatise on state craft and
public administration under Mauryas. The book is in 15 parts.
Q-5Write a brief note
about the Military administration of the Mauryan Empire.
Ans. The Mauryan rulers had organised
a huge and powerful army. It consisted of 6, 90,000 soldiers. The main
departments of the military organization were: Infantry, Cavalary, Chariots and
Armouries. A committee with 30 members was organisedto look after these different
departments. The committee was further divided into 6 parts. Military administration
was under the command of the commander-in-chief. Special awards were given to the
soldiers who performed the deeds of bravery.
Q-6Whatwas the
condition of farmers and the agriculture during the Mauryan Age?
Ans. During the Mauryan age, the
farmers constituted the major part of the society. In order to increase the yield
of crops, the government provided the farmers with many facilities. The forests
were cleared and made fit for cultivation. The state provided special irrigational
facilities. The money-lenders used to give loan to the farmers to promote
agriculture. As a result, the profession of agriculture made a lot of progress
during the Mauryan period.
Q-7What were the
characteristics of the art of building and architecture during the Mauryan period?
Ans. During the Mauryan period,
remarkable progress was made in the field of art. The Mauryan rulers were fond
of the art and architecture. The foreigners were surprised to see the royal
palace built at Patliputra. They were of the opinion that the palace was built
by gods and not by human beings. In order to make the buildings strong, the
Indian architects started using stones for the construction work during the reign
of Ashoka. Many stupas were built during that period. Some of these stupas were
very big in size.
Q-8 Define the organization
of craftsmen during the Mauryan period.
Ans. The craftsmen and artisans had
attained great importance during Mauryan period. By this time, the craftsmen
had their own organizations which were known as ‘Sreni’. These organizations
had three main characteristics :- (i) The professions were localized. (ii) The
professions had become ancestral. (iii) The organization worked under the
leader of jethak. Each kind of craft had organised itself.
Q-9 What were the five
causes of the downfall of the Mauryan Empire?
Ans. The
five main causes of the downfall of the Mauryan Empire are as follows:-
1) After the war of Kalinga, Ashoka
gave up wars. Consequently, the Mauryan soldiers began to lose their martial
spirit.
2) The successors of Ashoka were also
very weak.
3) After the death of Ashoka, there
started internal revolts. The foreign invasions gave a harsh blow to the
Mauryan Empire.
4) The successors of Ashoka had to
face great economic crisis.
5) The last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha
was killed by his own Brahman commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Shunga in 184 BC
and established Shunga dynasty.
Q-10 Who was Bindusara?
Ans. Bindusara was the son of
Chandragupta Maurya who ruled from 298 BC to 273 BC. He extended the kingdom
further to the peninsular region of India as far South as Mysore. Antiochus-l,
the Selucid king of Syria, sent his ambassador, Deimachus and Ptolemy Philadelphus
of Egypt sent Dionysius as his ambassador to the court of Bindusara.
Six marks Questions and Answers:
Q1. Give a brief account of the
conquests of Chandragupta Maurya.
Ans: Chandragupta Maurya played a
vital role in the establishment and growth of the Mauryan Empire. Prior to it,
India was divided into many small kingdoms. These Kingdoms lacked political unity
and it was due to this that even the Greeks took control of many regions of
India. Chandragupta with his untiring efforts and wisdom conquered many of
these kingdoms and thus established a vast empire. Consequently he proved to be
a great conqueror.
Conquest of the Punjab 322 B.C: Chandragupta Maurya paid his
attention first of all towards Punjab in the north-west to establish his
empire. After Alexander turned back to his homeland in 325 B.C. there was
anarchy in the areas conquered by him. Philip, the governor appointed by
Alexander was killed. In 323 B.C. Alexander died at Babylon. Taking advantage
of this situation Chandragupta attacked Punjab in 322 B.C. and easily occupied
it.
Conquest of Magadha 321 B.C: After the conquest of Punjab
Chandragupta Maurya turned his attention towards the kingdom of Magadha. It was
strategically an important kingdom. It was ruled by Dhana Nanda. He was not liked
by his subjects due to his oppressions. Dhana Nanda had also insulted Kautilya,
the Prime Minister of Chandragupta Maurya. Due to these reasons Chandragupta
Maurya attacked Magadha in 321 B.C.
War with Seleucus 305 B.C: Chandragupta Mauryan's most
significant war Seleucus. Seleucus was a great commander of Alexander and had
occupied regions of central and western Asia. With the aim to expand his empire
us attacked India in 305 B.C. Seleucus married his daughter to Chandragupta Maurya
Megasthenes as his ambassador to the Mauryan court. Chandragupta gifted 500
elephants to Seleucus. This was a great victory of Chandragupta which enhanced
his prestige.
Extent of the Empire: Chandragupta Maurya had established a vast empire in India. His empire
extended from the Himalayas in the north to Mysore in the south and from Bengal
in the east to the Hindukush Mountains in the north- west. His capital was
Pataliputra. According to G.K. Pillai
“Chandragupta Maurya
built a magnificent empire, the like of which
India has never seen
before and after him.”
Death of Chandragupta Maurya: According to the Jain traditions Chandragupta
embraced Jainsim in the last days of his life. After ruling for 24 years he
renounced the world and gave the throne to his son Bindusara. Then he left for
Mysore with his guru Bhadrabahu. Here at Sravana Belagola he undertook fast
unto death and died in 298 B.C.
Q2. Describe briefly
Kalinga War. What were its effects on Ashoka's life?
Ans: When Ashoka sat on the throne he
got a vast empire inheritance. The only one of Kalinga in the south, now in
Orissa had not been captured. He wanted to include it in his empire. Some
historians believe that he attacked Kalinga as he wanted to strengthen and
expand his kingdom. He attacked Kalinga in 261 B.C. We have no concrete sources
which can tell us about the ruler of Kalinga. Megasthenes writes that the ruler
of Kalinga had 60 thousands foot soldier, 10 thousand cavalry and 700
elephants. It is also possible that after fifty years the ruler had increased
his army. In the 13 inscription of Ashoka it is mentioned that this war was
terrible. About One lakh soldiers and people were killed and about one and half
lakh were taken prisoner. And even more were injured Ashoka was victorious and
Kalinga became a part of his empire.
Consequences of Kalinga war
The war of Kalinga had certain significant
consequences, Eminent historian Dr. A.K. Majumdar aptly remarks
"The Kalinga war was a turning
point in the Emperor's life and possibly in Indian History"
1. Adopting the policy of Dhammagosha in Place of
Bherigosha: The victory over Kalinga brought a revolution in Ashoka's personal and political
life. He was numbed to see the streams of human blood in the war. He felt
responsible for the carnage in the battle of Kalinga. He renounced warfare
forever. The victory over Kalinga proved to be his first and last victory.
2. Impact on the personal life of Ashoka: The war of Kalinga greatly influenced
his personal life. Before this war he led a life of luxury and thousands of
animals were killed for the royal meal. Hunting and animals fights were sources
of his normal enjoyment. But this war proved to be turning point in his life.
He gave up hunting non-vegetarian food. He discarded a life of luxury and
started leading a simple life.
3. Propagation of Buddhism: Prior to the Kalinga war he was a
devotee of Shaivism. But after seeing the destruction caused by the war he
adopted Buddhism which preached non-violence. It was mainly because of his ceaseless
efforts that Buddhism spread not only in India but many other countries also.
4. Establishment of Dhamma: As a result of the war of Kalinga
Ashoka established Dhamma with the main aim of making mankind prosper. As he
wanted to his subjects by one single thread so he put together the good points
of all religions. The main Dhamma were respect of elders, love for children,
non-violence, charity, speaking the truth and religious tolerance.
5. Public Welfare: After the Kalinga war Ashoka spent the rest of his life. Winning the
hearts of people. For the welfare of the people he made roads and houses for
travelers, Hospitals not only for humans but also for animals were opened.
These social works have made him immortals in history.
6. Military Inefficiency: Seeing the ill-effects and devastation caused by war. Ashoka gave up the
policy of warfare forever. This had an adverse effect on the Mauryan army. With
time the army lost its skill in war tactics and became coward and inefficient.
As a consequence when during the time of his successors the Greeks invaded
Punjab the Mauryan army could not face them. Thus this policy became the cause
of the downfall of the Mauryan empire.
Q 3. What is the place
of Ashoka in Indian History? Explain.
Ans: Ashoka is famous not only in
Indian History but also in the world history but also in the world history.
Whereas other rulers of the world emphasized on the territorial conquests to
increase the size of their empires. Ashoka won victory over the hearts of the
people. It is due to his great achievements that he deserves a prominent place
in history.
I. Vast Empire: Ashoka had a vast empire, No doubt he inherited a vast empire from his
father Bindusara and grandfather Chandragupta but he himself also added to it
by conquering Kalinga. His empire extended from the Himalayas in the north to
Mysore in the south and from Bay of Bengal in the east to the Arabian Sea and
Hindukush in the west and north-west. No other Indian king had such a vast
empire.
II. Good Administration: Ashoka had an excellent administrative setup. He considered his subjects
his children and always worked for their welfare. To reduce their sufferings he
would tour his kingdom in disguise. He had instructed his ministers and
officials to work for public welfare. He did lot of charity for the poor and
destitute. He dug wells, constructed roads with shady trees, made rest houses
and planted orchards. He made hospitals to treat the sick. He also loved
animals and opened various veterinary hospitals also. He forbade hunting and
people were happy.
III. Dhammma of Ashoka: Emperor Ashoka was probably the first such king who attempted to bind
together people in one thread. He founded Dhamma to remember Superstitions and
work for the welfare of mankind. He combined the good features of all the
religions in Dhamma. Respect for elders, love for the young ones, Non-violence,
truthful speech, to adopt good customs and religious tolerance were to salient principles
of Dhamma. Ashoka preached these principles by adopting there in this personal
life and setting an example before the people.
IV. Spread Buddhism: Ashoka left no stone unturned to popularise Buddhism. Before Ashoka,
Buddhism was limited to only a few people. By following this religion he
infused new life into it. He visited all the holy places of the Buddhists made
stupas and viharas in his kingdom where relics of Buddha were kept organised
the third Buddhist Council of Pataliputra and even sent missionaries other
countries for speared of Buddhism that foreigners were left spellbound on
seeing examples of it. Thus it would be no exaggeration to call him great
because of the immense progress made in the fields of art during his reign.
V. Development in the Fields of Education and Literature: There was great progress in the field of education during Ashoka’s reign. It is evident from opened many gurukuls (schools) and Buddhist Maths (Centers of education). Higher education was provided in the universities at Taxila and Banaras where students from foreign countries also came for education every year. Eminent Historian V.A. Smith remarks that Indians were more literate during Mauryan period than during time of the British rule in India.
VI. Friendly Relations with foreign Countries: Ashoka’s greatness is also evident
from the fact that despite being a powerful ruler he gave up the policy of war
after the war of Kalinga. His greatness lies not in the fact that he could have
defeated his neighbouring countries, but in fact that he developed friendly
relations with them. He maintained cordial relations with the Cholas in the
south. Keralaputras and Pandyas and with Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar) and Iran.
Ashoka sent missionaries to foreign countries who spread the Indian culture and
civilization there.
Q 4. Which were the
main principles of Ashoka's Dhamma?
Ans: Ashok's name is famous not only
in Indian history but in world history because of the Dhamma (religion) he
started. This was completely different from Buddhism which he himself had
adopted. The main aim of founding this Dhamma was to create unity amongst the
people of different castes and religious living in the kingdom and to uplift
the moral character of the people. He combined the good principles of all
religions in the Dhamma. According to Dr. K.M. Munshi,
‘No
higher gospel of tolerance has been propounded since the dawn of the
world."
Main Principles of
Ashoka's Dhamma
1. Respect for the Elders: In his inscriptions on rocks and
pillars Ashoka stressed on respect for elders. Children should respect their
parents. Students should obey their teachers. Besides one should also respect
the Brahmans, sages, saints, friends, relatives and the high officials of the government.
2. Love with Youngers: Just as it is the duty of the youngers to obey the elders so also the
elders must love the youngers. The high official should love the junior
officials, the rich should love the poor, and the masters should lover their
servants. Parents should love their children just as teachers should also love
the sympathize with their students
3. Truth: Ashoka wanted that one should always speak the truth. He considered truth
as the real gem in our lives. Without truth religion is a mere farce. It is
like a body without soul.
4. Ahimsa: Ahimsa (Non-violence) was the main principle of Ashoka’s Dhamma. He did
not want to hurt any living being. He himself had given up hunting and become a
vegetarian. He had also fixed 56 days in year when no animal could be
slaughtered. Ashoka had even opened various hospitals for looking after
animals.
5. Religious Tolerance: The basic principles of Ashoka’s Dhamma was religious tolerance.
According to this one should not praise one’s religion and insult the religion
of another. One should respect all religions and this would depict a man’s
intrinsic knowledge and also enhance it. Religious tolerance also shows a man’s
actual greatness.
6. Karma Theory: Ashoka had great belief in the Theory of Karma (action). He believed that
one always got the reward of one’s deeds. Good actions ensured entry to
paradise.
