Mauryan Empire MCQ Question and Answer | History MCQ Question

The Shunga dynasty was a Brahmin dynasty, established in 185 BCE, about 50 years after Ashoka's death, when the emperor Brihadratha Maurya, the last ruler of the Maurya Empire, was assassinated by his Senani or commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Shunga, while he was reviewing the Guard of Honour of his forces.

Taxila had great influence on Hindu culture and the Sanskrit language. It is perhaps best known for its association with Chanakya, also known as Kautilya, the strategist who guided Chandragupta Maurya and assisted in the founding of the Mauryan empire.

The decline of the Nanda dynasty and the rise of Chandragupta Maurya, with the guidance of the political strategist Chanakya (also known as Kautilya), has been depicted in the Sanskrit play "Mudrarakshas." This play was written by the renowned ancient Indian playwright and poet, Vishakhadatta.

"Mudrarakshas" is a historical drama that portrays the events and political intrigue leading to the downfall of the Nanda dynasty and the establishment of the Mauryan Empire. It highlights the role of Chanakya in shaping the destiny of Chandragupta Maurya and his rise to power.

Options B, C, and D are not relevant to the specific historical context of the decline of the Nandas and the rise of Chandragupta Maurya, as portrayed in the play "Mudrarakshas."

Therefore, the correct answer is Option A: Mudrarakshas, as it is the Sanskrit play that vividly portrays the decline of the Nandas and the emergence of Chandragupta Maurya under the guidance of Chanakya.

Kushana king Kanishka is also called "Second Ashoka". Like Ashoka, Kanishka also became a convert to Buddhism. Kanishka I or Kanishka the Great, was the emperor of the Kushan dynasty in the second century (c. 127–150 CE). He is famous for his military, political, and spiritual achievements.

Kadambari is a romantic novel in Sanskrit. It was substantially composed by Baṇabhatta in the first half of the 7th century CE, who did not survive to see it through completion. The novel was completed by Banabhatta's son Bhushanabhatta, according to the plan laid out by his late father. It is conventionally divided into Purvabhaga (earlier part) written by Banabhatta, and Uttarabhaga (latter part) by Bhushanabhatta. (An alternate tradition gives the son's name as Pulindabhatta.)

The art and culture of Gandhara, at the crossroads of the Kushan hegemony, continued the traditions of Greco-Buddhist art and are the best known expressions of Kushan influences to Westerners.

Sthaanik were the District Administrator in Maurayan Empire. Provinces were subdivided into districts for purposes of administration, and a group of officials worked in each district.

Indica is the book written by Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador to India around 300 Be. The division of Maurya society into seven classes was particularly mentioned in the 'Indica' of Megasthenes. The Indians generally were divided into seven categories, the wise men (Brahmins), farmers, herdsmen, artisans, soldiers, over lookers and government officials including army and navy officers.

Ajatshatru was born in 492 BC that is approx 200 years before Maurya. Ajatshatru was the king of Haryanka dynasty of Magadh having his capital as Rajgir.

Kharavela was a king of Kalinga in present-day Odisha, India. He ruled somewhere around first or second century BCE. Kharavela is believed to be a follower of Jainism, although the Hathigumpha inscription describes him as a worshipper of all religious orders.