Q20. The inscription advising against praising one’s own sect while condemning others was issued by:
[UPSC CSE Prelims, 2020]
A. Ashoka
B. Samudragupta
C. Harsha
D. Kanishka
Answer: A. Ashoka
Explanation: Ashoka repeatedly advocated inter-sect tolerance. Major Rock Edict XII particularly emphasizes restraint in speech and respect for traditions followed by others.
Q19. Ashoka was a ruler of which dynasty?
[DSSSB JE, 2019]
A. Gupta
B. Kushana
C. Chalukya
D. Maurya
Answer: D. Maurya
Explanation: Ashoka was the third major emperor of the Mauryan dynasty, following Chandragupta and Bindusara, and ruled during the third century BCE.
Q18. Who deciphered the Brahmi inscriptions of Ashoka?
[WBCS Prelims, 2019]
A. Alexander Cunningham
B. James Prinsep
C. Max Müller
D. Mortimer Wheeler
Answer: B. James Prinsep
Explanation: Prinsep deciphered Brahmi in 1837 and helped identify the recurring royal titles Devanampiya and Piyadasi, enabling systematic historical study of Ashokan inscriptions.
Q17. At which site is Ashoka explicitly named as ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ beside a sculptural representation?
[UPSC CSE Prelims, 2019]
A. Kanaganahalli
B. Sanchi
C. Shahbazgarhi
D. Sohgaura
Answer: A. Kanaganahalli
Explanation: Kanaganahalli in Karnataka yielded a sculptural panel carrying the label ‘Ranyo Asoka’, providing rare archaeological evidence directly identifying a representation of the emperor.
Q16. At which site is a Major Rock Edict of Ashoka found?
[UTET, 2019]
A. Sopara
B. Maski
C. Brahmagiri
D. Sarnath
Answer: A. Sopara
Explanation: Sopara in Maharashtra preserves a fragment of Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts; Maski and Brahmagiri are better known for Minor Rock Edicts.
Q15. Which Mauryan ruler issued royal decrees at public locations throughout his empire?
[SSC JE, 2019]
A. Ashoka
B. Bindusara
C. Chandragupta Maurya
D. Dasharatha
Answer: A. Ashoka
Explanation: Ashoka used strategically placed inscriptions to communicate directly with officials and subjects, creating one of antiquity’s most extensive surviving bodies of royal proclamations.
Q14. Who among the following was known as ‘Devanampiya’ or ‘Beloved of the Gods’?
[SSC CHSL, 2019]
A. Kanishka
B. Kharavela
C. Ashoka
D. Amoghavarsha
Answer: C. Ashoka
Explanation: Ashokan inscriptions repeatedly use the title Devanampiya Piyadasi, meaning approximately ‘Beloved of the Gods, He Who Looks with Favour’.
Q13. Ashoka belonged to which dynasty?
[RRB JE, 2019]
A. Nanda
B. Gupta
C. Kanva
D. Maurya
Answer: D. Maurya
Explanation: Ashoka inherited the vast empire created by his grandfather Chandragupta and maintained by his father Bindusara, representing the high point of Mauryan power.
Q12. Who founded the Mauryan Empire after defeating Dhana Nanda?
[SSC GD Constable, 2019]
A. Chandragupta Maurya
B. Ashoka
C. Bindusara
D. Kanishka
Answer: A. Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Chandragupta, supported by Chanakya, overthrew Dhana Nanda and established Mauryan rule in Magadha before expanding across northern and northwestern India.
Q11. Ashoka appointed special religious and moral officers known as:
[SSC GD Constable, 2019]
A. Dhamma Mahamattas
B. Dhammadhirajas
C. Dharmadhyakshas
D. Mahasenapatis
Answer: A. Dhamma Mahamattas
Explanation: These officers promoted Dhamma among diverse groups, supervised aspects of social welfare and conveyed the emperor’s concern for ethical behaviour and religious harmony.
