Q71. Which dynasty is noted for issuing a significant amount of currency in base metals like lead, copper, and potin, rather than gold?
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 71–80 of 80 questions
Q72. Which of the following is the most appropriate reason for the phenomenal economic prosperity of the Satavahana empire?
Explanation
The economic prosperity of the Satavahana Empire was greatly bolstered by the expansion of maritime trade with the Roman Empire. This was facilitated by the discovery of the seasonal monsoon winds by the Greek navigator Hippalus, which allowed ships to cross the Arabian Sea more quickly and safely. This breakthrough enabled Indian ports to export luxury items in exchange for Roman gold, lead, and wine.
Q73. Match List-I (Important Ports/Towns of Satavahana period) with List-II (Modern geographical context).
| Important Ports/Towns of Satavahana period | Modern geographical context |
|---|---|
| A. Barygaza (Bharuch) | i. Coastal Maharashtra |
| B. Sopara | ii. Inland capital on the banks of Godavari |
| C. Pratishthana (Paithan) | iii. Major center in the lower Krishna valley |
| D. Amaravati | iv. Major port at the mouth of Narmada in Gujarat |
Explanation
Several towns were vital to the Satavahana economy. Barygaza (Bharuch) was a major port at the Narmada’s mouth in Gujarat. Sopara served as a significant port on the Maharashtra coast. Pratishthana (Paithan), located on the banks of the Godavari, was the primary inland capital. Amaravati, situated in the lower Krishna valley, was a flourishing religious and commercial center. These locations formed a strategic trade network.
Q74. Which of the following items was generally NOT exported from Indian ports to the Roman Empire during the Satavahana-Kushana period?
Explanation
During the Satavahana and Kushana periods, India was a major exporter of luxury goods to the Roman Empire. These exports included black pepper (known as "Yavanapriya"), fine muslin textiles, ivory, pearls, and various precious stones. However, horses were not an export item; in fact, India was a major importer of high-quality horses from Central and Western Asia to maintain effective cavalry and chariot forces.
Q75. Consider the following statements about trade and economy during the Post-Mauryan and Satavahana periods:
I. Trade guilds (Shrenis or Nigamas) emerged as powerful economic and banking institutions.
II. Internal trade flourished along well-connected overland routes like the Dakshinapatha.
III. Pliny the Elder lamented the drain of Roman gold to India in exchange for luxury goods.
IV. The western coastal ports exclusively traded with China and South-East Asia.
V. Merchant guilds were highly autonomous and even issued their own seals and coins.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
I. Trade guilds (Shrenis or Nigamas) emerged as powerful economic and banking institutions.
II. Internal trade flourished along well-connected overland routes like the Dakshinapatha.
III. Pliny the Elder lamented the drain of Roman gold to India in exchange for luxury goods.
IV. The western coastal ports exclusively traded with China and South-East Asia.
V. Merchant guilds were highly autonomous and even issued their own seals and coins.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
Trade in the post-Mauryan period was highly organized, with autonomous merchant guilds (Shrenis) performing banking functions and issuing their own seals. Inland trade thrived along routes like the Dakshinapatha, which linked North India to the Deccan. The Roman historian Pliny expressed concern over the massive outflow of Roman gold to India for luxury goods. While western ports were active, they primarily traded with the Roman world.
Q76. Identify the correct pair of ancient author and their literary work relevant to understanding the Mauryan period.
Explanation
Vishakhadatta’s Mudrarakshasa is a historical Sanskrit play that provides crucial insights into the rise of Chandragupta Maurya and the political strategies used by Chanakya to overthrow the Nanda dynasty. Although written much later, it preserves valuable traditions about the Mauryan revolution. Other works like the Rajatarangini focus on Kashmir’s history, while the Mrichchhakatika is a social drama set in Ujjain. It remains unique.
Q77. The historical significance of the early land grants (Agraharas and Brahmadeyas) initiated during the Satavahana period lies in the fact that they:
Explanation
The practice of granting tax-free land to Brahmanas and religious institutions, which began during the Satavahana period, had long-term political consequences. These grants transferred administrative and judicial rights from the central government to the beneficiaries. This process gradually led to the weakening of centralized authority and fostered political decentralization. Over centuries, these developments contributed significantly to the emergence of regional power centers and feudal structures.
Q78. Arrange the following Satavahana rulers in their correct chronological order:
I. Yajna Sri Satakarni
II. Simuka
III. Gautamiputra Satakarni
IV. Satakarni I
I. Yajna Sri Satakarni
II. Simuka
III. Gautamiputra Satakarni
IV. Satakarni I
Explanation
The Satavahana dynasty followed a clear chronological progression of major rulers. Simuka founded the dynasty in the late first century BCE. He was followed by Satakarni I, who expanded the kingdom’s influence. Much later, Gautamiputra Satakarni revived the dynasty’s power in the early second century CE by defeating the Sakas. Finally, Yajna Sri Satakarni ruled toward the end of the second century CE.
Q79. Consider the following statements regarding the Junagadh Inscription of Rudradaman:
Statement I: It is the first major inscription in ancient India composed entirely in chaste Sanskrit.
Statement II: It mentions the construction and repair of the Sudarshana Lake, which was originally built during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya.
Which of the following is correct?
Statement I: It is the first major inscription in ancient India composed entirely in chaste Sanskrit.
Statement II: It mentions the construction and repair of the Sudarshana Lake, which was originally built during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
The Junagadh Rock Inscription of the Saka ruler Rudradaman I is highly significant as it is the first major historical record composed in refined classical Sanskrit. It provides a detailed history of the Sudarshana Lake, noting its original construction by Pushyagupta under Chandragupta Maurya and the addition of canals by Tushaspa during Ashoka’s reign. Rudradaman repaired the dam with his own personal resources.
Q80. Which of the following is considered the most appropriate cultural consequence of the repeated foreign invasions (Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Parthians, Kushanas) during the Post-Mauryan period?
Explanation
The repeated invasions by groups like the Indo- Greeks, Sakas, and Kushanas did not lead to the destruction of Indian culture. Instead, these groups were gradually assimilated into Indian society, often adopting Indian names, languages, and religions. This process of Indianization resulted in a vibrant composite culture, evidenced by syncretic art styles and the introduction of new elements in coinage, technology, and advanced astronomy.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 71 | (d) Satavahana |
| 72 | (a) Discovery of monsoon winds by Hippalus which increased Roman trade. |
| 73 | (a) A-iv, B-i, C-ii, D-iii |
| 74 | (a) Horses |
| 75 | (a) I, II, III, and V only |
| 76 | (b) Vishakhadatta - Mudrarakshasa |
| 77 | (c) Led to political decentralization and the emergence of feudal systems. |
| 78 | (a) II, IV, III, I |
| 79 | (c) Both statements are correct. |
| 80 | (b) Assimilation and Indianization of invaders, creating a composite culture. |
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.