Q100. Ashokan inscriptions found in Afghanistan include inscriptions written in Aramaic and which other language/script tradition?
[SSC MTS, 2024]
A. Greek
B. Devanagari
C. Sharada
D. Ol Chiki
Answer: A. Greek
Explanation: Greek and Aramaic inscriptions in Afghanistan reflect the multilingual character of the northwestern Mauryan territories and the strong Hellenistic cultural presence there.
Q99. Who succeeded Chandragupta Maurya around 297 BCE?
[SSC MTS, 2024]
A. Kumaragupta
B. Bindusara
C. Ashoka
D. Kanishka
Answer: B. Bindusara
Explanation: Bindusara inherited Chandragupta’s vast empire and maintained Mauryan authority across most of northern India and the Deccan before Ashoka eventually succeeded him.
Q98. According to Megasthenes’ sevenfold classification, the king’s counsellors belonged to which group?
[SSC MTS, 2024]
A. Seventh
B. First
C. Fifth
D. Second
Answer: A. Seventh
Explanation: Megasthenes placed councillors and assessors in the seventh group of his occupational classification, regarding them as a small but influential section of society.
Q97. Which is generally regarded as the first great subcontinental empire of ancient India?
[SSC MTS, 2024]
A. Satavahana Empire
B. Mauryan Empire
C. Kushana Empire
D. Gupta Empire
Answer: B. Mauryan Empire
Explanation: The Mauryan Empire united an unprecedented proportion of the Indian subcontinent under a single political authority, particularly under Chandragupta and Ashoka.
Q96. Which event produced a profound change in Ashoka’s administrative and political outlook?
[SSC MTS, 2024]
A. Mission to Ceylon
B. Kalinga War
C. Accession of Bindusara
D. Alexander’s invasion
Answer: B. Kalinga War
Explanation: The suffering caused by the Kalinga campaign motivated Ashoka to emphasize welfare measures, restraint, non-violence and moral governance through his policy of Dhamma.
Q95. Who founded the Mauryan dynasty?
[SSC MTS, 2024]
A. Vikramaditya
B. Bindusara
C. Chandragupta Maurya
D. Ashoka
Answer: C. Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Chandragupta replaced the Nanda dynasty and created a powerful centralized empire. His adviser Chanakya is traditionally credited with guiding his political rise.
Q94. In which Major Rock Edict is the Kalinga War mentioned?
[SSC CGL, 2024]
A. XII
B. X
C. XIII
D. XI
Answer: C. XIII
Explanation: Major Rock Edict XIII is the principal inscriptional account of Kalinga’s conquest, recording deaths, deportations, suffering and Ashoka’s subsequent moral regret.
Q93. Ashoka’s invasion of Kalinga is generally dated to:
[OSSC CGL, 2024]
A. 273 BCE
B. 269 BCE
C. 261 BCE
D. 250 BCE
Answer: C. 261 BCE
Explanation: The Kalinga War is conventionally dated around 261 BCE, approximately the eighth regnal year of Ashoka, though chronological reconstructions sometimes vary slightly.
Q92. In which Minor Rock Edict did Ashoka express faith in the Triratna—Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha?
[Bihar TRE, 2024]
A. Bhabru
B. Gurjara
C. Maski
D. Rummindei
Answer: A. Bhabru
Explanation: The Bhabru or Bairat Edict explicitly demonstrates Ashoka’s personal commitment to Buddhism and recommends specific Buddhist teachings for monks, nuns and lay followers.
Q91. Which Ashokan Rock Edict prohibited animal sacrifices?
[SSC CPO, 2024]
A. Major Rock Edict II
B. Major Rock Edict I
C. Major Rock Edict IV
D. Major Rock Edict III
Answer: B. Major Rock Edict I
Explanation: Major Rock Edict I restricts animal killing and sacrificial practices, reflecting Ashoka’s growing concern for non-violence and humane treatment of living beings.
