Q50. The Lion Capital erected by Ashoka at Sarnath was made primarily of:
[RRB NTPC CBT-II, 2022]
A. Sandstone
B. Iron
C. Marble
D. Granite
Answer: A. Sandstone
Explanation: The Sarnath capital was carved from highly polished sandstone. Its four back-to-back lions became the model for the national emblem of India.
Q49. Which Mauryan emperor had messages engraved extensively on rocks and pillars?
[RRB NTPC CBT-II, 2022]
A. Ashoka
B. Bindusara
C. Chandragupta Maurya
D. Brihadratha
Answer: A. Ashoka
Explanation: Ashoka pioneered extensive royal communication through inscriptions on natural rocks and polished pillars, creating an unparalleled contemporary source for his policies and beliefs.
Q48. Which Rock Edict of Ashoka emphasizes religious tolerance and harmony among sects?
[UPPSC, 2022]
A. XI
B. XII
C. XIII
D. II
Answer: B. XII
Explanation: Major Rock Edict XII discourages excessive praise of one’s own sect and criticism of others, instead promoting mutual respect and understanding among religious communities.
Q47. The Lauriya-Araraj pillar inscription of Ashoka is located in:
[DSSSB Junior Secretariat Assistant, 2022]
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Bihar
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Uttar Pradesh
Answer: B. Bihar
Explanation: Lauriya-Araraj in Bihar is one of the important locations of Ashokan pillar inscriptions and reflects the concentration of Mauryan monuments in the Gangetic heartland.
Q46. According to the official UPSC answer to a question on Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which statements are correct? 1. A person could be enslaved through judicial punishment. 2. A female slave bearing her master’s son became legally free. 3. Such a son received the legal status of the master’s son.
[UPSC CSE Prelims, 2022]
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation: UPSC’s official key treats statements 2 and 3 as correct. The question tested detailed social and legal provisions described in Kautilya’s Arthashastra.
Q45. Consider the pairs: Dhauli–Odisha; Erragudi–Andhra Pradesh; Jaugada–Madhya Pradesh; Kalsi–Karnataka. How many are correctly matched Ashokan Major Rock Edict sites?
[UPSC CSE Prelims, 2022]
A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four
Answer: B. Two
Explanation: Dhauli–Odisha and Erragudi–Andhra Pradesh are correct. Jaugada is in Odisha, while Kalsi lies in Uttarakhand rather than Karnataka.
Q44. Which inscriptional evidence most clearly demonstrates Ashoka’s association with Buddhist sacred places?
[UPSC CDS-I, 2022]
A. Rummindei and Nigali Sagar inscriptions
B. Junagadh inscription only
C. Hathigumpha inscription
D. Aihole inscription
Answer: A. Rummindei and Nigali Sagar inscriptions
Explanation: The Rummindei inscription records Ashoka’s visit to Buddha’s birthplace at Lumbini, while Nigali Sagar refers to his enlargement of the stupa of Konakamana Buddha.
Q43. Which is the correct chronological sequence of major Mauryan rulers?
[SSC GD Constable, 2021]
A. Brihadratha–Chandragupta–Bindusara–Ashoka
B. Ashoka–Bindusara–Chandragupta–Brihadratha
C. Chandragupta–Bindusara–Ashoka–Brihadratha
D. Bindusara–Ashoka–Chandragupta–Brihadratha
Answer: C. Chandragupta–Bindusara–Ashoka–Brihadratha
Explanation: Chandragupta founded the dynasty, Bindusara succeeded him, Ashoka became its greatest emperor, and Brihadratha was the final Mauryan ruler.
Q42. Ashoka is traditionally said to have embraced Buddhism after which war?
[SSC MTS, 2021]
A. Kalinga War
B. Hydaspes War
C. Battle of Tarain
D. Battle of Panipat
Answer: A. Kalinga War
Explanation: The devastation of the Kalinga campaign profoundly influenced Ashoka, whose subsequent reign increasingly emphasized Dhamma, non-violence, welfare and Buddhist patronage.
Q41. Who was the last king of the Mauryan dynasty?
[SSC MTS, 2021]
A. Devavarman
B. Brihadratha
C. Samprati
D. Shalishuka
Answer: B. Brihadratha
Explanation: Brihadratha’s assassination by Pushyamitra Shunga terminated Mauryan dynastic rule and initiated Shunga control over the core Magadhan territory.
