Q140. The inscriptions of Ashoka and Kharavela were primarily composed in which language?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I, 2026]
A. Sanskrit
B. Pali
C. Prakrit
D. Tamil
Answer: C. Prakrit
Explanation: Most Ashokan inscriptions used Prakrit expressed through regional scripts. Kharavela’s Hathigumpha inscription was also composed in Prakrit, making the language important for early epigraphy.
Q139. Which Buddhist site in Madhya Pradesh is famous for its Great Stupa originally built during Ashoka’s reign?
[DSSSB MTS, 2026]
A. Bodh Gaya
B. Ajanta
C. Ellora
D. Sanchi
Answer: D. Sanchi
Explanation: Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh preserves one of India’s most important Buddhist complexes. Its Great Stupa began under Ashoka and was subsequently expanded during post-Mauryan periods.
Q138. Consider the following Ashokan inscription-location pairs: Jaugada–Karnataka; Bahapur–New Delhi; Rajula-Mandagiri–Andhra Pradesh. Which are correctly matched?
[UPSC CDS-I, 2026]
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Bahapur is associated with Delhi and Rajula-Mandagiri with Andhra Pradesh. Jaugada, however, is situated in Odisha and contains important Ashokan inscriptions.
Q137. Which Mauryan official supervised state agriculture and cultivation on crown lands?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 2026]
A. Aksapataladhyaksha
B. Sitadhyaksha
C. Panyadhyaksha
D. Samaharta
Answer: B. Sitadhyaksha
Explanation: The Sitadhyaksha was the Superintendent of Agriculture. The Arthashastra assigns this officer responsibility for crown lands, seeds, agricultural production and state-controlled cultivation.
Q136. What were the special officials appointed by Ashoka to spread his policy of Dhamma called?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 2026]
A. Dhamma Lekhakas
B. Dhamma Mahamattas
C. Dhamma Janapadas
D. Dhamma Mukhyas
Answer: B. Dhamma Mahamattas
Explanation: Ashoka created the office of Dhamma Mahamatta to promote moral welfare, maintain harmony among communities and communicate his ethical policies throughout the empire.
Q135. The administration of the Mauryan Empire is described in which ancient text?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 2026]
A. Arthashastra
B. Rigveda
C. Mahabharata
D. Manusmriti
Answer: A. Arthashastra
Explanation: Traditionally attributed to Kautilya, the Arthashastra discusses kingship, taxation, espionage, diplomacy, justice, agriculture and state administration and is fundamental to studying Mauryan governance.
Q134. Who deciphered the Brahmi script used in many Ashokan inscriptions?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 2026]
A. Alexander Cunningham
B. James Prinsep
C. John Marshall
D. William Jones
Answer: B. James Prinsep
Explanation: James Prinsep’s breakthrough in 1837 enabled scholars to read Brahmi inscriptions and identify the ruler styled Devanampiya Piyadasi with Emperor Ashoka.
Q133. Which administrative feature characterized the Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 2026]
A. Centralized bureaucracy guided by statecraft principles
B. Entirely hereditary provincial government
C. Feudal land-grant administration
D. Revenue collection only by religious institutions
Answer: A. Centralized bureaucracy guided by statecraft principles
Explanation: Mauryan rule featured a powerful monarch, salaried officials, provincial administration, taxation, espionage and a standing army, producing one of ancient India’s most centralized imperial systems.
Q132. Ashoka served as viceroy of which important region during Bindusara’s reign?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 2026]
A. Tosali
B. Pataliputra
C. Saurashtra
D. Ujjain
Answer: D. Ujjain
Explanation: Before becoming emperor, Ashoka is traditionally associated with the governorship of Ujjain in Avanti, an important administrative and commercial centre of the Mauryan Empire.
Q131. Chandragupta Maurya defeated Greek satraps left behind by Alexander in which region?
[SSC MTS, 2026]
A. Northwest
B. Northeast
C. Southeast
D. Southwest
Answer: A. Northwest
Explanation: After Alexander’s withdrawal, Chandragupta established control over northwestern territories and later fought Seleucus I, greatly strengthening Mauryan authority towards Afghanistan and the Indus region.
