The Mauryan Empire, spanning from 322 BCE to 185 BCE in ancient India, holds profound significance in history. Understanding Mauryan culture, society, and economy is essential for aspirants preparing for government job comparative exams. This era, marked by the rule of Chandragupta and Ashoka, witnessed a flourishing civilization with distinct socio-economic features.
MCQs with Answers and Explanations:
1. Which of the following refers to tax paid only in cash during the Mauryan period?
- Hiranya
- Bhaga
- Bali
- Kara
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Correct Answer: Hiranya
During the Mauryan period, the “Hiranya” tax referred to a specific tax that had to be paid in cash. It was distinct from other taxes such as Bhaga, Bali, and Kara, which may have been paid in kind or through other means. Hiranya was a cash tax and represented a form of revenue collection in the Mauryan administration.
2. According to Megasthenes, the class officials who collected land tax were known as?
- Sitadhyaksha
- Agranomoi
- Akaradhyaksha
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Agranomoi
According to accounts by Megasthenes, officials responsible for collecting land tax during the Mauryan period were referred to as “Agranomoi.” These officials played a crucial role in revenue collection from agricultural land, highlighting the organized fiscal structure of the Mauryan administration.
3. Which of the following refers to udaka-bhaga?
- Tax on irrigated land
- Tax on fertile land
- Tax on trade
- Tax on production
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Correct Answer: Tax on irrigated land
The “Udaka-bhaga” tax was imposed on irrigated land during the Mauryan period. It was levied at a rate of one-fifth to one-third of the produce. This tax was specifically associated with land that benefited from irrigation, reflecting an aspect of agricultural taxation in the Mauryan era.
4. Pranaya refers to which of the following?
- Emergency tax
- Liquor Tax
- Fruits tax
- Sales tax
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Correct Answer: Emergency tax
“Pranaya” referred to emergency taxes that the state could impose when the treasury was depleted or during financial crises. These taxes included levies on farmers, traders, and the income of certain professions. They served as a means to address urgent financial needs in the Mauryan administration.
5. Duties on imported and exported goods were referred to as which of the following during the Mauryan period?
- Bhaga
- Shulka
- Bali
- Kara
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Correct Answer: Shulka
“Shulka” denoted the duties imposed on imported and exported goods during the Mauryan period. These duties were part of the taxation system and contributed to the state’s revenue. Additionally, the Mauryan administration also imposed excise duties on local manufactures, further enhancing its fiscal resources.
6. During which period did rock-cut architecture emerge?
- Gupta period
- Maurya period
- Vedic period
- Post-Vedic period
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Correct Answer: Maurya period
The Mauryan period witnessed the emergence of various art forms, including rock-cut architecture, stone sculptures, ring stones, disc stones, terracotta figurines, and stupa architecture. These artistic expressions marked an important cultural and artistic legacy of the Mauryan dynasty.
7. Which of the following is an example of rock-cut architecture from the Mauryan period?
- Dhauli caves
- Sanchi Stupa
- Bhimbhetka caves
- Elephanta Caves
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Correct Answer: Dhauli caves
The Dhauli caves near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, are an example of rock-cut architecture from the Mauryan period. These caves contain various rock sculptures, including the front part of an elephant.
8. Which cave consists of the rock sculpture of the front part of an elephant?
- Lomasha Risi cave
- Dhauli caves
- Ajanta caves
- Elephanta Caves
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Correct Answer: Dhauli caves
The Dhauli caves, located near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, contain the rock sculpture of the front part of an elephant. These caves are an example of Mauryan rock-cut architecture.
9. Which Asokan inscription makes a precise reference to taxation?
- Rummindei inscription
- Allahabad pillar inscription
- Barbara cave inscription
- Kandhar Inscription
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Correct Answer: Rummindei inscription
The Rummindei inscription is significant for its precise reference to taxation. It provided valuable insights into fiscal matters and revenue collection during the Mauryan period, offering historical details on financial administration.
10. What is the name for the villages exempted from paying tax during the Mauryan era?
- Pariharaka
- Ayudhiya
- Kupya
- Nagar
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Correct Answer: Pariharaka
Villages that were exempt from paying taxes during the Mauryan era were known as “Pariharaka.” These villages enjoyed tax exemptions, indicating variations in tax obligations across different regions.
11. Which of the following statements are correct with respect to Mauryan society?
1. There was no improvement in the social status of Vaishyas or trading communities and Shudras.
2. This period saw an increase in the number of untouchables.
3. There is mention of Varna or Sati in the Ashokan edicts.
Choose the right option:
- Only 1
- Only 1 and 3
- All of the above
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: None of the above
During the Mauryan period, there was some improvement in the social status of Vaishyas and Shudras. The precise nature of untouchability during this time remains unclear, as does the mention of Varna or Sati in the Ashokan edicts. These aspects reflect aspects of societal organization during the Mauryan era.
12. Which of the following is an example of rock-cut architecture from the Mauryan period?
- Dhauli caves
- Sanchi Stupa
- Bhimbhetka caves
- Elephanta Caves
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Dhauli caves
The Dhauli caves near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, are an example of rock-cut architecture from the Mauryan period. These caves contain various rock sculptures, including the front part of an elephant.
13. What is the name for the villages that supplied soldiers during the Mauryan era?
- Kupya
- Pariharaka
- Nagar
- Ayudhiya
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Correct Answer: Ayudhiya
In the Mauryan administration, villages that had the responsibility of supplying soldiers were referred to as “Ayudhiya.” These villages played a role in maintaining the military and likely contributed to the defense and security of the empire.
14. On what material was the new material culture of the Gangetic basin based during the Mauryan period?
- Use of Iron
- Use of copper
- Use of tin
- Use of bronze
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Correct Answer: Use of Iron
The Mauryan period saw a new material culture emerging in the Gangetic basin, characterized by the extensive use of iron and iron implements. This shift marked technological advancements and changes in material culture during this era.
15. Which of the following art forms were highly patronized by the Mauryan kings, especially Ashoka? 1. Stone sculptures
2. Ring stones
3. Disc stones
4. Terracotta figurines
5. Stupa architecture
Choose the right option:
- 1, 2 and 3
- 2, 3 and 4
- 1, 3, and 5
- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
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Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
The Mauryan kings, particularly Ashoka, were notable for their patronage of various art forms. These included stone sculptures, ring stones, disc stones, terracotta figurines, and the construction of stupas, emphasizing the dynasty’s support for cultural and artistic endeavors.
16. Which of the following Mauryan kings redistributed the Buddha’s relics to every important town and ordered the construction of stupas over them?
- Chandragupta
- Bindusara
- Ashoka
- Dashratha
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Correct Answer: Ashoka
Ashoka, the Mauryan king, redistributed the relics of Buddha to important towns and ordered the construction of stupas over them. This act of reverence and support for Buddhism became a significant aspect of Ashoka’s reign and the Mauryan dynasty’s cultural heritage.
17. From which region is Mauryan art believed to have been influenced?
- Vedic
- Persian
- Mongolian
- African
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Correct Answer: Persian
Mauryan art is believed to have been influenced by Achaemenid or Persian art. Similarities in form and style between the inscriptions of Ashoka and those of Persian king Darius suggest cross-cultural artistic influences during this period.
18. Who were the Sthanikas?
- They collected taxes
- They sold liquor
- They were traders
- Head of a village
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Correct Answer: Head of a village
“Sthanikas” were the heads of groups of 5 or 10 villages in the Mauryan empire. They had the responsibility of collecting taxes and were assisted by “Gopas” in maintaining records and accounts, reflecting the administrative structure of revenue collection.
19. Which of the following was the main source of income in the Mauryan administration?
- State taxes
- Trade
- Donations
- Land revenue
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Correct Answer: Land revenue
Land revenue served as the primary source of income in the Mauryan administration. Although the Mauryas implemented various economic regulations to generate additional revenue, land revenue remained the fundamental source of income for the empire, highlighting the importance of agriculture in the fiscal system.
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