Mauryan Empire - Study Mode

[#1] Which dynasty ruled over 'Magadha' after Mauryan Dynasty?
Correct Answer

(B) Shunga

Explanation

Solution: 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.

[#2] With which of the following centres of learning, Chanakya the famous teacher of Chandragupta Maurya, was associated?
Correct Answer

(A) Taxila

Explanation

Solution: 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.

[#3] The decline of the Nandas at the hands of Kautilya and Chandragupta Maurya has been vividly portrayed in the Sanskrit play written by Kalidasa
Correct Answer

(A) Mudrarakshas

Explanation

Solution: 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.

[#4] Who is called as the 'second Ashoka' ?
Correct Answer

(C) Kanishka

Explanation

Solution: 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.

[#5] Who was the author of the Kadambari, a great romantic play?
Correct Answer

(A) Banabhatta

Explanation

Solution: 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.)