Q150. The inscriptions of Emperor Ashoka were predominantly composed in which script?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-II, 2026]
A. Kharosthi
B. Devanagari
C. Brahmi
D. Gupta
Answer: C. Brahmi
Explanation: Most Ashokan inscriptions across the Indian subcontinent were written in Brahmi. Kharosthi was mainly used in northwestern regions, while Greek and Aramaic appeared in frontier areas.
Q149. Seleucus sent his ambassador Megasthenes to the court of which Mauryan ruler at Pataliputra?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I, 2026]
A. Bindusara
B. Brihadratha
C. Ashoka
D. Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: D. Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Following the Seleucid–Mauryan settlement, Megasthenes represented Seleucus I at Chandragupta Maurya’s court. His work Indica became an important source on Mauryan India.
Q148. Which inscription expresses Ashoka’s remorse after the Kalinga War?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I, 2026]
A. Rock Edict I
B. Rock Edict VII
C. Rock Edict XIII
D. Pillar Edict V
Answer: C. Rock Edict XIII
Explanation: Major Rock Edict XIII records the casualties and deportations caused by the Kalinga conquest and describes Ashoka’s deep remorse and preference for conquest through Dhamma.
Q147. According to the Arthashastra, which two types of courts dealt with disputes among citizens and between the state and citizens?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I, 2026]
A. Sangha and Gana
B. Sabha and Samiti
C. Dharmasthiya and Kantakashodhana
D. Mantriparishad and Parishad
Answer: C. Dharmasthiya and Kantakashodhana
Explanation: Dharmasthiya courts generally handled civil disputes, while Kantakashodhana courts dealt with offences affecting public order, state security and criminal administration.
Q146. Which event is considered the turning point in Ashoka’s life, leading him towards Dhamma?
[SSC GD Constable, 2026]
A. His coronation
B. The Kalinga War
C. Alliance with Sri Lanka
D. Revolt of Taxila
Answer: B. The Kalinga War
Explanation: The enormous human suffering caused by the Kalinga War profoundly affected Ashoka. Thereafter, his inscriptions increasingly emphasized non-violence, welfare, tolerance and Dhamma-vijaya.
Q145. Ashoka’s Dhamma primarily aimed at:
[SSC GD Constable, 2026]
A. Making Buddhism the compulsory state religion
B. Administrative centralization
C. Ethical living and social harmony
D. Military alliances with foreign rulers
Answer: C. Ethical living and social harmony
Explanation: Ashoka’s Dhamma was an ethical code rather than a separate religion. It stressed compassion, respect for elders, non-violence, religious tolerance and proper treatment of servants.
Q144. The Sanchi Stupa was commissioned by which ruler in the third century BCE?
[DSSSB MTS, 2026]
A. Kanishka
B. Harsha
C. Ashoka
D. Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: C. Ashoka
Explanation: Emperor Ashoka originally commissioned the Great Stupa at Sanchi as a brick structure for preserving Buddhist relics. Later dynasties considerably enlarged and embellished the monument.
Q143. What was a major political outcome of the treaty between Chandragupta Maurya and Seleucus I Nicator?
[UP PGT History, 2026]
A. Mauryan surrender of Punjab
B. Recognition of Mauryan control in northwestern territories
C. Destruction of Pataliputra
D. End of Mauryan rule in Magadha
Answer: B. Recognition of Mauryan control in northwestern territories
Explanation: The settlement consolidated Chandragupta’s authority over extensive northwestern territories. Diplomatic relations followed, traditionally associated with a matrimonial alliance and Megasthenes’ embassy.
Q142. Which cultural feature is securely assignable to the mature Mauryan phase?
[UP PGT History, 2026]
A. Highly polished monolithic pillars
B. Elaborately carved Sanchi toranas
C. Gupta-style Buddha images
D. Chola bronze sculpture
Answer: A. Highly polished monolithic pillars
Explanation: Highly polished sandstone pillars, particularly those erected by Ashoka, are characteristic achievements of Mauryan imperial art and demonstrate exceptional stone-working and polishing techniques.
Q141. How did Megasthenes portray social stratification during the Mauryan period?
[UP PGT History, 2026]
A. Entirely egalitarian society
B. Four occupational groups
C. Tribal organization only
D. Seven occupational classes
Answer: D. Seven occupational classes
Explanation: Megasthenes described Indian society as consisting of seven occupational groups, including philosophers, cultivators, herdsmen, artisans, soldiers, overseers and councillors.