Q60. Which Mauryan ruler popularized the concept of Dhamma through inscriptions?
[SSC GD Constable, 2023]
A. Ashoka
B. Bindusara
C. Dasharatha
D. Chandragupta
Answer: A. Ashoka
Explanation: Ashoka communicated Dhamma through inscriptions across his empire, promoting compassion, religious tolerance, filial obedience, welfare and restraint in killing living creatures.
Q59. Emperor Ashoka is generally considered to have died in:
[SSC GD Constable, 2023]
A. 245 BCE
B. 232 BCE
C. 249 BCE
D. 258 BCE
Answer: B. 232 BCE
Explanation: Ashoka’s reign is conventionally dated approximately 268–232 BCE. His death was followed by a gradual fragmentation of Mauryan political authority.
Q58. At which Rajasthan site have important Ashokan inscriptions been discovered?
[RPSC Senior Teacher, 2023]
A. Ganeshwar
B. Kalibanga
C. Bairath
D. Balathal
Answer: C. Bairath
Explanation: Bairath, or ancient Viratnagar, contains significant Ashokan inscriptions, including the celebrated Bhabru Edict demonstrating Ashoka’s personal commitment to Buddhist teachings.
Q57. Which region of the Mauryan Empire was under the most direct control of the emperor?
[SSC GD Constable, 2023]
A. Taxila
B. Ujjain
C. Pataliputra and surrounding region
D. Lumbini
Answer: C. Pataliputra and surrounding region
Explanation: The imperial heartland around Pataliputra was directly administered by the central government, with officials collecting taxes and regulating economic and administrative affairs.
Q56. Ashoka appointed which officials to address social and moral concerns among his subjects?
[SSC CGL, 2022]
A. Samahartas
B. Nyayadhishas
C. Amatyas
D. Dhamma Mahamattas
Answer: D. Dhamma Mahamattas
Explanation: Dhamma Mahamattas were specifically charged with advancing moral welfare, promoting tolerance and maintaining Ashoka’s contact with different social and religious communities.
Q55. Which Major Rock Edict emphasizes Ashoka’s Dhammayatras or moral tours?
[SSC Stenographer, 2022]
A. IV
B. VIII
C. IX
D. V
Answer: B. VIII
Explanation: Major Rock Edict VIII contrasts royal pleasure tours with Dhammayatras and refers to Ashoka’s pilgrimage to Sambodhi, generally identified with Bodh Gaya.
Q54. Who was the Greek ambassador sent to Chandragupta Maurya’s court?
[SSC Stenographer, 2022]
A. Agatharchides
B. Megasthenes
C. Heliodorus
D. Strabo
Answer: B. Megasthenes
Explanation: Megasthenes represented Seleucus I and wrote Indica. Later Greek and Roman authors preserved fragments describing Mauryan society, Pataliputra and administrative arrangements.
Q53. Megasthenes came to India as ambassador during the reign of:
[SSC Stenographer, 2022]
A. Chandragupta Maurya
B. Brihadratha
C. Ashoka
D. Samprati
Answer: A. Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: His presence followed diplomatic relations established after Chandragupta’s conflict with Seleucus, making him an important foreign observer of early Mauryan rule.
Q52. Who was the last Mauryan emperor?
[JKSSB Sub-Inspector, 2022]
A. Ashoka
B. Dasharatha
C. Brihadratha
D. Samprati
Answer: C. Brihadratha
Explanation: Brihadratha was killed by his commander-in-chief Pushyamitra during a military ceremony, traditionally marking the end of the Mauryan dynasty around 185 BCE.
Q51. Ashokan inscriptions in Afghanistan were written in which linguistic/script tradition?
[UPSC CAPF, 2022]
A. Brahmi only
B. Sharada
C. Kharosthi only
D. Greek and Aramaic
Answer: D. Greek and Aramaic
Explanation: Afghanistan’s bilingual Ashokan inscriptions demonstrate the cultural diversity of the northwestern empire and Ashoka’s adaptation of imperial communication to local linguistic conditions.
