History of Mauryan Age: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Ancient History)
This page lists 1 previous year UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (General Studies Paper-I) question on History of Mauryan Age (Ancient History). Choose an option to see the correct answer and the full explanation on the same page.
Explanations state facts as they stood in the year each question was asked, so words like “recently” or “currently” refer to that year, not today. For the present position, check the latest Current Affairs.
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UPSC 2020Ancient History · History of Mauryan Age
Q1. Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription? "Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely."
Explanation
Ashoka’s religious philosophy evolved from a belief in traditional Hindu practices to the adoption of Buddhism, emphasizing non-violence (ahimsa), compassion, and moral conduct. His Edicts reflect his commitment to dharma, promoting tolerance, welfare, and ethical governance. In Major Rock Edicts 7 and 12, Ashoka explicitly advocates for religious tolerance and the coexistence of all religions. He emphasized that all ascetics (spiritual teachers) should be honored, irrespective of their faith, and that people should respect each other’s beliefs. These edicts reflect Ashoka’s commitment to dhamma (righteousness), which promoted peaceful co-existence.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2020
(a) Ashoka
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on History of Mauryan Age?
This page covers 1 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on History of Mauryan Age (Ancient History), asked between 1997 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for History of Mauryan Age?
Questions on History of Mauryan Age (Ancient History) are available for 10 years, from 1997 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
