Maurya Empire (Part-II)

41. Rulers of which of the following dynasties had diplomatic relations with distant countries like Syria and Egypt? [U.P.P.C.S. (GIC) 2010]

(a) Chola
(b) Gupta
(c) Maurya
(d) Pallavas

Correct Answer: (c) Maurya

Solution:13* inscription of Ashoka provides information that he had a cordial relation with five Yavana kings namely- Antioch (Antiochus II Theos - the ruler of Syria), Turmaya or Turamaya (Ptolemy II Philadelphus - The ruler of Egypt), Antakini or Anikini (Antigonus Gonatas - The ruler of Macedonia), Mag (The ruler of Cyrene), Alik Sundar or Aliero Sentro (Alexander Epirus or the king Epirus).

42. The central point in Ashoka's Dhamma is -: [63ʳᵈ B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2017]

Correct Answer: (e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Solution:Ashoka's Dhamma was primarily based on policy of peace, non-violence & religious toleration. In his 12ᵗʰ rock edict, religious longanimity and growth of the essence of all communities is mentioned.

43. Which of the following inscriptions of Ashoka bans animal sacrifice on certain festive gathering, that probably included a ban on animal killing as well ? [R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2013]

(a) Rock Edict I
(b) Pillar Edict V
(c) Rock Edict IX
(d) Rock Edict XI

Correct Answer: (b) Pillar Edict V

Solution:In the first rock edict, Ashok inscribed as- "here no living beings are to be slaughtered or offered in sacrifice. Formerly in the kitchen of King Piyadasi, thousands of animals were killed everyday for meat. But now with the writing of his Dhamma edict, only three creatures, two peacocks, and a deer are killed out of which deer is not always killed and in future, not even these three creatures will be killed." But as per the question, option (b) is the most suitable answer. According to 5ᵗʰ Pillar edict : King Ashok speaks - After anointed twenty-six year the following animas were declared by me inviolable, viz. parrots, mainas, the arumna, ruddy geese..... Fish are inviolable and must not be sold on the three chaturmasis and on the tishya full moon for three days and on every fast day.

44. Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve food-grains to be utilised during the crisis in the country ? [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 1998]

(a) Sohgavra Copper-plate
(b) Rummindei Pillar - edict of Ashoka
(c) Prayaga-Prasasti
(d) Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra

Correct Answer: (a) Sohgavra Copper-plate

Solution:The earliest known copper plate, known as Sohgaura (Gorakhpur, U.P.) is a Mauryan record that mentions earliest royal order to preserve the food-grains to be utilized during the famine in the country. The other, the Mahasthan inscription of Bogura district (Bangladesh) also describes the relief measures adopted during a famine in the region.

45. Assertion (A) : Ashoka annexed Kalinga to the Mauryan Empire. [U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002]

Reason (R) : Kalinga controlled the land and sea routes to South India.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

Code :

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.

Correct Answer: (a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Solution:The reasons which prompted Ashoka to invade Kalinga were both political and economical. The territory of Kalinga was like a bridge between north and south. People of Kalinga dominated the Indian Ocean and controlled the overseas trade. Their supremacy on the eastern sea coast virtually closed the sea routes in the east for the Magadhan merchants. Similarly, the land routes for internal trade form the Gangetic valley toward Deccan were also controlled by kalinga. If the Kalinga were independent, the overseas and land trades of magadha would be affected. That is why it was necessary to invade Kalinga for Mauryan dynasty.