Quiz on Ancient Indian Civilization and Mauryan Empire

Ancient Indian Civilization and the Mauryan Empire represent a pivotal chapter in global history, laying the groundwork for complex governance, cultural innovation, and widespread trade networks. From the highly advanced Indus Valley Civilization to the consolidation of the Indian subcontinent under the Mauryan Dynasty, this era introduced monumental figures like Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka the Great, whose reign is a testament to the blend of political strategy and moral philosophy. For history enthusiasts and students preparing for competitive exams, understanding this period is crucial for grasping the roots of Indian society, art, and administrative systems. This quiz aims to test your knowledge of key events, personalities, and concepts from this fascinating epoch.

1. The first major city discovered in the Indus Valley Civilization was:

2. Who founded the Mauryan Empire?

3. The Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft, was written by:

4. The Mauryan king who embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War was:

5. What was the capital of the Mauryan Empire?

6. The Greek ambassador sent to the court of Chandragupta Maurya was:

7. The Lion Capital of Ashoka, found at Sarnath, became the national emblem of which country?

8. What was the official language of the Mauryan administration?

9. The famous Mauryan stupa at Sanchi was originally built by:

10. The Mauryan ruler who adopted Jainism at the end of his life was:

11. What does the term 'Dhamma' in Ashoka's edicts refer to?

12. Which Mauryan ruler was known as 'Amitrochates' by the Greeks?

13. The administrative divisions of the Mauryan Empire were called:

14. What was the name of the Mauryan officer in charge of land measurement and revenue collection?

15. The famous edicts of Ashoka were primarily written in which script?

16. The Mauryan Empire was overthrown by which dynasty?

17. Which of the following sites is NOT associated with the Indus Valley Civilization?

18. The official emblem of the Mauryan Empire was:

19. Which Mauryan ruler extended the empire's boundaries into South India?

20. The chief Mauryan officer responsible for taxation and revenue was known as:

21. The Mauryan state regulated the economy through a network of officials. What was the head of a department known as?

22. The Mauryan art form known for its highly polished pillars is often associated with the reign of:

23. The Mauryan dynasty's last ruler was:

24. What was the main source of income for the Mauryan state?

25. The Mauryan era witnessed a decline in which of the following?

26. The famous 'dancing girl' sculpture was found at:

27. Which of the following was a major port city of the Indus Valley Civilization?

28. The first Indian empire was established by which dynasty?

29. The title 'Devanampriya Priyadasi' was adopted by which ruler?

30. The first full-fledged historical account of Mauryan India is the book 'Indica' written by:

31. Who was the Nanda king overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya?

32. The Mauryan administrative division 'Sthana' was composed of several:

33. Which of the following was a major characteristic of the Mauryan economy?

34. The Mauryan king who sent missionaries to Sri Lanka to spread Buddhism was:

35. The Mauryan palace at Kumhrar, near Pataliputra, was mainly built from:

36. The term 'Sannyasi' in the Arthashastra refers to a:

37. The 'Edicts of Ashoka' are primarily a source of information about:

38. The Indus Valley Civilization is best known for its:

39. The most common motif found on Harappan seals is the:

40. The Mauryan period saw the development of punch-marked coins made of:

41. The Mauryan emperor who was a patron of Jainism was:

42. What was the term for the head of the Mauryan provincial administration?

43. The Kalinga War, a turning point in Ashoka's life, was fought in which modern-day state?

44. The Mauryan Empire's political structure can be described as a:

45. The ancient university that was a famous center of learning during the Mauryan period was:

46. The Mauryan administration's main aim, according to Arthashastra, was to ensure:

47. Which of the following animals was NOT known to the Indus Valley people?

48. The Mauryan king who succeeded Ashoka was:

49. The Mauryan economy was largely based on:

50. The term 'Sannidhata' in Mauryan administration referred to the: