Q51. The Kushana dynasty originally belonged to which nomadic tribe from Central Asia?
Maurya and Post-Maurya Dynasties: RAS Prelims MCQs
80 RAS Prelims MCQs on the Maurya and post-Maurya dynasties ask about rulers, edicts, officials and sources. Chandragupta Maurya and the Arthashastra, Bindusara, the Kalinga War, Ashoka’s Dhamma, Megasthenes and the Mauryan economy appear alongside the Kushans and Satavahanas, and the explanations tie each fact to its source.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 51–60 of 80 questions
Q52. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the early Kushana rulers.
Explanation
The early Kushana rulers, beginning with Kujula Kadphises, established their power in the North-West. Vima Kadphises was notable for introducing a massive gold coinage system. While their initial coins showed significant Hellenistic influence, they were not exclusive to Greek motifs. For instance, Vima Kadphises’ coins prominently featured Indian religious imagery, such as the depiction of Lord Shiva and his bull Nandi, reflecting the early and rapid Indianization of the dynasty’s cultural identity.
Q53. Match List-I (Kushana Ruler) with List-II (Numismatic/Historical significance).
| Kushana Ruler | Numismatic/Historical significance |
|---|---|
| A. Kujula Kadphises | i. Issued copper coins and took the title ‘Dharmathida’ |
| B. Vima Kadphises | ii. Depicted Lord Shiva with Nandi on his gold coins |
| C. Kanishka | iii. Initiated the Saka Era in 78 CE |
| D. Vasudeva | iv. The last great Kushana king, reflecting total Indianization of the dynasty |
Explanation
Kushana monarchs are distinguished by their specific historical contributions. Kujula Kadphises founded the dynasty, issuing copper coins. Vima Kadphises is famous for his gold coinage featuring Shiva. Kanishka is traditionally credited with starting the Saka Era in 78 CE and being a great patron of Buddhism. Vasudeva, the last prominent ruler, bore a purely Indian name, signifying the deep cultural assimilation of the dynasty into Indian society.
Q54. Which of the following geographic regions was definitely NOT under the political control of the Kushana Empire at its zenith?
Explanation
At its peak, the Kushana Empire was a vast transcontinental power covering Bactria, Gandhara, and much of Northern India, including Mathura. However, its political authority did not extend to Tamilakam, the southern tip of the Indian peninsula. That region remained under the independent control of the Sangam dynasties--the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas. The Kushana influence in the South was limited to indirect commercial ties rather than direct political or military administration.
Q55. Consider the following statements regarding the Kushana Empire:
I. Mathura served as their second capital and a major center of art.
II. They derived immense wealth from controlling the Asian Silk Route.
III. Their gold coins were known for having higher purity than Gupta gold coins.
IV. Kanishka strictly persecuted all religions other than Buddhism.
V. The empire encompassed territories spanning five modern nations.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
I. Mathura served as their second capital and a major center of art.
II. They derived immense wealth from controlling the Asian Silk Route.
III. Their gold coins were known for having higher purity than Gupta gold coins.
IV. Kanishka strictly persecuted all religions other than Buddhism.
V. The empire encompassed territories spanning five modern nations.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
Explanation
The Kushana Empire flourished by controlling the Silk Route and maintaining two capitals at Purushapura and Mathura. Their gold coins were renowned for their high quality and purity. However, the claim that Kanishka persecuted non-Buddhist religions is incorrect. Like many Kushana rulers, Kanishka was noted for his religious eclecticism and tolerance, as evidenced by his coins which depict a diverse array of Greek, Persian, and Indian deities alongside Buddhist symbols.
Q56. The commencement of the Saka Era, widely attributed to the accession of Kanishka, corresponds to which year?
Explanation
The Saka Era, which is still used in the official Indian national calendar, is traditionally believed to have commenced in 78 CE. Most historians associate this date with the accession of the great Kushana emperor Kanishka to the throne. This era marked a period of significant political stability and cultural achievement in Northern India and Central Asia, serving as a vital chronological marker for dating various historical events.
Q57. The capital city of Kanishka, which he transformed into a great center of learning and trade, was:
Explanation
Kanishka established his primary capital at Purushapura, known today as Peshawar. Under his patronage, the city became a magnificent center for international trade and Buddhist learning. He famously constructed a giant stupa and a monastery there, which attracted pilgrims and scholars from across Asia. The strategic location of Purushapura allowed the Kushanas to effectively manage their territories spanning from Central Asia to the Gangetic plains in Northern India.
Q58. Which of the following correctly describes the sequence of prominent foreign groups that invaded north-western India in the post- Mauryan period?
Explanation
After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, North- Western India witnessed a series of foreign incursions. The Indo-Greeks were the first to establish kingdoms, famously under rulers like Menander. They were followed by the Sakas (Scythians), who migrated from Central Asia. Subsequently, the Parthians (Pahlavas) gained control over certain regions. Finally, the Kushanas arrived, eventually unifying these disparate territories into a powerful empire that reached its zenith under Kanishka.
Q59. What was the primary economic effect of the Kushana control over the regions encompassing the Silk Route?
Explanation
Kushana control over the vital land routes connecting China with the Roman Empire significantly boosted India’s economy. By taxing the transit trade and participating in commerce, the empire saw a massive influx of gold, much of it from Rome. This wealth facilitated the issuance of high-quality gold coinage and supported the growth of prosperous urban centers and trade guilds. The resulting economic stability fostered a flourishing environment for culture.
Q60. Which statement is correct regarding Kanishka’s patronage of Buddhism?
Explanation
Kanishka was a fervent patron of Buddhism and is best known for convening the Fourth Buddhist Council at Kundalavana in Kashmir. Under the leadership of Vasumitra and Ashvaghosha, the council aimed to resolve sectarian differences and systematize Buddhist doctrines. A significant outcome was the composition of extensive commentaries and the increasing use of Sanskrit for Buddhist literature, which facilitated the spread of Mahayana Buddhism across Asia.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 51 | (c) Yuezhi |
| 52 | (d) The early Kushanas issued coins exclusively imitating Greek deities with no Indian influence. |
| 53 | (a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv |
| 54 | (b) Tamilakam |
| 55 | (b) IV only |
| 56 | (a) 78 CE |
| 57 | (c) Purushapura (Peshawar) |
| 58 | (b) Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Parthians, Kushanas |
| 59 | (d) Influx of gold and establishment of prosperous urban centers in North India. |
| 60 | (b) He held the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir to codify texts in Sanskrit. |
Key facts from Maurya and Post-Maurya Dynasties
- Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the Nanda dynasty and founded the Maurya Empire.
- Bindusara was called Amitrochates (slayer of foes) by the Greeks; the Syrian king Antiochus I sent Deimachus to his court.
- The Kalinga War was fought in the eighth year of Ashoka’s reign.
- Ashoka appointed Dhamma-mahamattas to spread Dhamma and look after the welfare of the people.
- The Maski Minor Rock Edict names Ashoka; the Bhabru-Bairat Edict in Rajasthan shows his faith in Buddhism.
- Dharmasthiya and Kantakashodhana were the civil and criminal courts of the Mauryan administration.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Maurya and Post-Maurya Dynasties?
This page has 80 practice MCQs on Maurya and Post-Maurya Dynasties (Ancient Indian History). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which Ashokan edict names Ashoka?
The Maski Minor Rock Edict. In most edicts Ashoka calls himself Devanampiya Piyadasi, but the Maski edict gives his personal name Ashoka, which makes it a key source for identifying the Piyadasi of the edicts with Ashoka.
What were Dhamma-mahamattas?
Special officials created by Ashoka to spread the code of Dhamma and to look after the welfare of people of all sects. They are mentioned in his edicts and show how he made moral policy part of administration.
What were Dharmasthiya and Kantakashodhana?
Dharmasthiya courts handled civil cases and Kantakashodhana courts handled criminal cases, as described in the Arthashastra. Together they show how the Mauryan state separated civil disputes from the removal of thorns, meaning crimes against the state.