[Ancient History - One Liner]*Chapter 7. The Mauryan Empire

[Ancient History - One Liner]*Chapter 7. The Mauryan Empire

One Liner of Ancient History - The Mauryan Empire

Que. Who founded the Mauryan Empire?

Ans. Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire.

Que. What was the significance of the Mauryan Empire's establishment?

Ans. It marked the first unification of a significant portion of India under a single ruler.

Que. What are the primary types of sources that document the Mauryan era?

Ans. Literary and epigraphical sources document the Mauryan era.

Que. Who wrote the Arthashastra?

Ans. Kautilya wrote the Arthashastra.

Que. What is the Arthashastra primarily about?

Ans. It is a treatise on governance, economics, and statecraft.

Que. Who wrote the Sanskrit drama Mudrarakshasa?

Ans. Visakadatta wrote the Mudrarakshasa.

Que. What does the Mudrarakshasa depict?

Ans. It depicts the establishment of the Mauryan Empire.

Que. Who was Megasthenes?

Ans. He was a Greek ambassador who wrote the Indica.

Que. What does the Indica provide?

Ans. It provides a foreign perspective on the Mauryan Empire.

Que. What are some other literary sources for the Mauryan period besides the Arthashastra, Mudrarakshasa, and Indica?

Ans. Puranas, Buddhist Literature, and Ceylonese Chronicles are other literary sources.

Que. Which literary source is considered the most important for the Mauryas?

Ans. Kautilya's Arthashastra is considered the most important literary source.

Que. What kind of account does the Mudrarakshasa offer?

Ans. It offers a dramatized account of the Mauryan Empire's establishment.

Que. What is a potential limitation of Megasthenes' Indica?

Ans. It may contain exaggerations or inaccuracies.

Que. What are Asoka's inscriptions known as?

Ans. They are known as Asoka's Edicts.

Que. When were Asoka's Edicts deciphered and by whom?

Ans. They were deciphered in 1837 by James Princep.

Que. In what languages and scripts were Asoka's Edicts primarily written?

Ans. They were primarily written in Prakrit using Brahmi or Kharoshti script.

Que. What are the main types of Asoka's Edicts?

Ans. Major and Minor Rock and Pillar Edicts are the main types.

Que. What are some key themes covered in Asoka's Edicts?

Ans. Dhamma, administration, the Kalinga War, and Dhamma propagation are key themes.

Que. What is the significance of Asoka's Edicts?

Ans. They provide invaluable insights into Asoka's reign and the Mauryan period.

Que. What significant event led to Asoka's conversion to Buddhism?

Ans. The Kalinga War led to his conversion.

Que. What do Asoka's Edicts offer firsthand information about?

Ans. They offer firsthand information on Asoka's thoughts, policies, and achievements.

Que. What did Chandragupta Maurya do with Kautilya's assistance?

Ans. He overthrew the Nanda dynasty.

Que. What territories did Chandragupta Maurya establish control over?

Ans. He established control over the Gangetic Valley.

Que. Who did Chandragupta Maurya defeat to acquire territories in the west?

Ans. He defeated Seleucus Nicator.

Que. What religion did Chandragupta Maurya embrace later in his life?

Ans. He embraced Jainism.

Que. Who succeeded Chandragupta Maurya as the second Mauryan emperor?

Ans. Bindusara succeeded him.

Que. What was a key focus of Bindusara's reign?

Ans. He continued the expansionist policies.

Que. Which foreign entity sent an embassy to Bindusara's court?

Ans. Syria sent an embassy.

Que. Which religious sect did Bindusara support?

Ans. He supported the Ajivikas.

Que. Who did Bindusara appoint as the governor of Ujjain?

Ans. He appointed Ashoka.

Que. Who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Indian history among the Mauryan rulers?

Ans. Ashoka the Great is widely regarded as such.

Que. What role did Ashoka play before becoming emperor?

Ans. He served as the governor of Ujjain.

Que. What major war marked a turning point in Ashoka's reign?

Ans. The Kalinga War was the turning point.

Que. What was the result of the Kalinga War on Ashoka?

Ans. It led to his conversion to Buddhism.

Que. What philosophy did Ashoka embrace and promote after his conversion?

Ans. He embraced and promoted Dhamma.

Que. What officials did Ashoka appoint to spread Dhamma?

Ans. He appointed Dharma Mahamatras.

Que. Where did Ashoka send Buddhist missions?

Ans. He sent them to various regions, including Sri Lanka.

Que. Which Buddhist council did Ashoka convene?

Ans. He convened the Third Buddhist Council.

Que. What was the purpose of the Third Buddhist Council?

Ans. To strengthen and unify the Buddhist Sangha.

Que. Which states bordered the Mauryan Empire on its southern frontiers during Ashoka's reign?

Ans. Cholas, Pandyas, Satyaputras, and Keralaputras bordered it.

Que. What regions likely constituted the northern and western frontiers of Ashoka's empire?

Ans. Kashmir and Nepal were likely included.

Que. What did Ashoka's Dhamma emphasize regarding family relationships?

Ans. It emphasized respect and kindness within family.

Que. What did Ashoka's Dhamma advocate for in governance?

Ans. Efficient administration, social welfare, and humane treatment.

Que. What did Ashoka's Dhamma promote regarding living beings?

Ans. Animal welfare and non-violence.

Que. How did Ashoka believe in conquering?

Ans. He believed in conquest through Dhamma.

Que. How did H.G. Wells describe Ashoka?

Ans. He described Ashoka as a "star" among monarchs.

Que. What policy did Ashoka renounce after the Kalinga War?

Ans. He renounced war and pursued a policy of peace.

Que. What happened to the Mauryan Empire after Ashoka's death?

Ans. It was divided into western and eastern parts.

Que. Who was the last Mauryan ruler, whose assassination marked the end of the dynasty?

Ans. Brihatratha was the last ruler.

Que. What are some key achievements of the Mauryan Empire?

Ans. Political unification, administrative reforms, cultural flourishing, and religious tolerance.