Q90. Ashoka sent Mahendra and Sanghamitra to spread Buddhism in:
[SSC CPO, 2024]
A. Sri Lanka
B. China
C. Afghanistan
D. Burma
Answer: A. Sri Lanka
Explanation: Buddhist tradition credits Mahendra and Sanghamitra with establishing Buddhism in Sri Lanka during King Devanampiya Tissa’s reign and introducing a Bodhi-tree sapling.
Q89. Which empire was established by Chandragupta around 322/321 BCE?
[SSC GD Constable, 2024]
A. Mauryan
B. Pala
C. Mughal
D. Kushana
Answer: A. Mauryan
Explanation: Chandragupta’s overthrow of the Nandas initiated Mauryan rule, which expanded from Magadha into the northwestern subcontinent and eventually much of India.
Q88. Which Mauryan ruler was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya?
[SSC GD Constable, 2024]
A. Brihadratha
B. Pushyamitra
C. Bindusara
D. Ashoka
Answer: D. Ashoka
Explanation: Chandragupta was succeeded by his son Bindusara, whose son Ashoka later became the third major Mauryan emperor and the dynasty’s most celebrated ruler.
Q87. Ancient Pataliputra, capital of the Mauryan Empire, corresponds to modern:
[SSC GD Constable, 2024]
A. Patiala
B. Panaji
C. Patna
D. Delhi
Answer: C. Patna
Explanation: Pataliputra developed near the Ganga and Son river systems and corresponds to modern Patna in Bihar, continuing as a major political centre for centuries.
Q86. The Prakrit term ‘Dhamma’ is most closely associated with which ancient ruler?
[SSC GD Constable, 2024]
A. Chandragupta II
B. Rudradaman
C. Rajaraja I
D. Ashoka
Answer: D. Ashoka
Explanation: Ashoka repeatedly invoked Dhamma in his inscriptions to promote moral behaviour, compassion, tolerance, obedience to parents and humane administration throughout his empire.
Q85. Emperor Ashoka became an important follower and patron of:
[SSC GD Constable, 2024]
A. Sikhism
B. Buddhism
C. Islam
D. Zoroastrianism
Answer: B. Buddhism
Explanation: Ashoka increasingly embraced Buddhist teachings after Kalinga while his public Dhamma policy remained broader, advocating moral principles applicable to diverse religious communities.
Q84. Who was the last ruler of the Mauryan Empire?
[SSC GD Constable, 2024]
A. Bindusara
B. Ashoka
C. Chandragupta Maurya
D. Brihadratha
Answer: D. Brihadratha
Explanation: Brihadratha was assassinated by his commander Pushyamitra Shunga around 185 BCE, ending Mauryan rule and inaugurating the Shunga dynasty in Magadha.
Q83. Who established the Mauryan Empire after overthrowing the Nandas?
[SSC GD Constable, 2024]
A. Mahapadma Nanda
B. Bindusara
C. Ashoka
D. Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: D. Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Chandragupta’s conquest of Magadha, accomplished with Chanakya’s strategic assistance, created the basis for the first extensive imperial state of early historic India.
Q82. Bindusara succeeded which Mauryan emperor?
[Delhi Police Constable, 2023]
A. Shalishuka
B. Chandragupta Maurya
C. Ashoka
D. Devavarman
Answer: B. Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Bindusara was Chandragupta Maurya’s son and successor. His reign served as a bridge between the empire’s foundation under Chandragupta and expansion under Ashoka.
Q81. According to Megasthenes, Indian society during the Mauryan period was divided into how many classes?
[SSC JE, 2023]
A. Four
B. Five
C. Six
D. Seven
Answer: D. Seven
Explanation: Megasthenes described seven occupational categories rather than the conventional four-varna framework, offering a distinctive Greek interpretation of Mauryan social organization.
