History of Mauryan Age: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Ancient History)

Explanation

The Huns, a nomadic group originating from the Asian steppes, were a significant force during period. Their invasions played a key role in the broader process of the Western Roman Empire’s decline. After the Hun invasion in the 4th to 5th century, the Roman Empire weakened. This led Indian traders to shift their focus to Southeast Asia. With the decline of Roman trade routes, maritime trade increased with Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Indonesia, and Cambodia. Indian merchants also spread Hinduism, Buddhism, and Indian culture to these regions. During this time, Indian-influenced kingdoms like Srivijaya and Funan became important trade partners.

Explanation

The Indo-Greek Kingdom was a Hellenistic state that existed in parts of present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Northwestern India from the 2nd century BC to the early 1st century AD.

Option (a) is correct: Bactria was the ancient civilizations of Iranian peoples. Ancient Bactria was located between the Hindu Kush mountain range and the Amu Darya river, covering the flat region that straddles modern-day Afghanistan and Tajikistan. After the conquests of Alexander the Great, Bactria became a Greek kingdom and later came under the rule of various Indo-Greek kings.

Option (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Scythia kingdom comprised the region around Central Asia and north-eastern Europe. It was only in the late 2nd century BC that they invaded the Afghanistan region. Zedrasia is incorrect because there is no historical region or kingdom known as "Zedrasia" associated with the Indo-Greek Kingdom. Aria was important in ancient Persian and Greek history, it was not the area where the Indo-Greek Kingdom was established.

Explanation

The Mahajanapadas were sixteen ancient kingdoms or republics in northern and northeastern India around the 6th century BC. They were significant in shaping India’s political, social, and cultural landscape, with each having its own system of governance. Magadha was the most powerful city-state in India during the 6th century B.C located in present-day Bihar. It was the nucleus of several larger kingdoms or empires between the 6th century BCE and the 8th century CE. The supremacy of Magadha continued under the Nanda (4th century BCE) and Mauryan (4th-2nd century BCE) dynasties. Under the Mauryan dynasty, the empire included almost the entire subcontinent of India.

Explanation

The Greeks (2nd century BCE to 1st century CE in northwestern India), Kushanas (1st to 3rd century CE across northern India and Central Asia), and Shakas (2nd century BCE to 4th century CE in western India) were key powers during the Post-Mauryan period. Greek, Kushanas and Shakas needed legitimacy for their rule for people to accept them as their king. Accepting religion in the local area was the best way to achieve legitimacy. Buddhism provided the easiest entry in comparison to Hinduism which had strict birth related caste structure.

Explanation

Ashoka’s Edicts represent some of the earliest and most extensive inscriptions in Indian history, providing valuable insights into his policies and beliefs. Carved on rocks, pillars, and caves throughout his empire, these edicts reveal Ashoka’s commitment to Dhamma (moral law). The Assertion (A) is true: Ashoka’s edicts emphasize the importance of social harmony and ethical conduct over specific religious devotion. For example, in Rock Edict XII, Ashoka urged people to respect all religions and avoid criticism of other faiths. Similarly, Rock Edict VII emphasizes religious tolerance and harmony, stating that all religions should coexist peacefully. The Reason (R) is also true: His focus was on equity and moral values rather than endorsing a particular religion. Ashoka’s edicts spread ideas of equity, justice, and moral conduct rather than promoting any single religion, even though he embraced Buddhism. Thus, Both statements are true, and R correctly explains A.

Explanation

The Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka are a series of inscriptions on rock surfaces across the Indian subcontinent, issued by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka to communicate his policies, ethical principles, and the spread of Dhamma (moral law).

Option (c) is correct: The Ashoka Major Rock Edicts II and XIII are significant because they provide information about the Sangam Kingdom, which was located in the southern part of India. Rock Edict II mentions the Tamil kingdoms and provides insights into the connections and diplomatic interactions between Ashoka’s Mauryan Empire and the southern kingdoms, particularly emphasizing the relationship with Cholas, Pandyas, and Satyaputras. Rock Edict XIII is famous for describing Ashoka’s Kalinga War and its consequences. It focuses on Ashoka’s messages of Dhamma, non-violence, and the dissemination of his moral teachings to various regions, as shown in the Ashoka Empire 250 BC map.

Explanation

Ashokan pillar architecture is characterized by tall, monolithic stone columns with tapering shafts, polished surfaces, and inscriptions. Examples of some Ashokan Pillars are The Sarnath Pillar (UP), Lauria Nandangarh & Lauria Araraj (Bihar). Statement (a) is correct: Highly polished surfaces, which give them a smooth, lustrous finish. The pillars, made of sandstone, were polished so well that they shine even today. This smooth finish shows the advanced craftsmanship of the Mauryan period. Statement (b) is correct: Monolithic design, meaning each pillar was carved from a single block of stone.These pillars were carved from huge blocks of stone and transported to various locations across the Mauryan Empire. Statement (c) is correct: Tapering shafts, which narrow slightly towards the top, add to their elegance. Statement (d) is incorrect: Ashoka’s stone pillars were not generally parts of architectural structures like temples or gateways. Instead, they were freestanding monolithic columns, typically used for inscription and public proclamation. These pillars were placed at important sites to commemorate events, convey royal edicts, and spread Ashoka’s Dhamma (moral code).

Explanation

The Ashokan Edicts are a series of inscriptions engraved on rocks, pillars, and cave walls across the Indian subcontinent, commissioned by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Dynasty in the 3rd century BC.

Option (a) is correct: The Maski Edict, found in Karnataka, is unique for explicitly mentioning Ashoka’s personal name. It confirms that the titles "Devanampiya" and "Piyadassi" refer to Emperor Ashoka.

Option (b) is incorrect: The Special Kalinga Edicts, issued by Ashoka for Kalinga highlights his shift from violence to Dhamma, promoting moral living and ethical governance.

Option (c) is incorrect: The Rummindei Edict (also known as the Lumbini Pillar Inscription) was discovered at Rummindei (present-day Lumbini in Nepal), which is recognised as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha commemorates Ashoka’s pilgrimage to Lumbini and his dedication to Buddhism.

Option (d) is incorrect: The Kalsi Edict, found in Uttarakhand, is the only Major Rock Edict in North India. It highlights Ashoka’s promotion of Dhamma and moral governance but does not mention his personal name, as shown in the Ashoka Empire 250 BC map. Fig.: Ashoka Empire, 250 BC Map