ICSE CLASS 9 HISTORY THE MAURYAN EMPIRE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
A complete discussion on the great Mauryan Dynasty through the blog ICSE Class 9 History The Mauryan Empire Questions and Answers.
A. MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS FOR ICSE CLASS 9 HISTORY THE MAURYAN EMPIRE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
I. Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options.
- By defeating which two powers did Chandragupta Maurya establish a vast empire in India?
(a) The Guptas and the Chalukyas
(b) The Nandas and the Greek Satraps
(c) The Rashtrakutas and the Nandas
(d) The Greek Satraps and the Guptas
Ans. (b) The Nandas and the Greek Satraps
2. Which of the following titles has been correctly matched with the Mauryan ruler?
(a) Bindusara – Slayer of foes
(b) Bindusara – Beloved of gods
(c) Chandragupta – The most beautiful one
(d) Ashoka – The greatest one
Ans. (a) Bindusara – Slayer of foes
3. After the Kalinga War, the Mauryan ruler gave up _________ and adopted _________.
(a) Bherigosha, Digvijay
(b) Dhammagosha, Bherigosha
(c) Bherigosha, Dhammagosha
(d) Dhammagosha, Digvijay
Ans. (c) Bherigosha, Dhammagosha
4. Which of the following was an important benefit of the pan-Indian character of Mauryan administration?
(a) Better attention to the socio-economic life of the people
(b) Frequent revolts in smaller provinces
(c) Larger borders to defend from foreign invasions
(d) All of the above
Ans. (a) Better attention to the socio-economic life of the people
5. Which of the following correctly represents the provinces of the Mauryan Empire?
(a) Magadha, Avanti, Kalinga and Cholamandalam
(b) Magadha, Gandhara, Avanti, Kalinga and the Southern Province
(c) Magadha, Takshila, Ujjain and Tosali
(d) None of the above
Ans. (b) Magadha, Gandhara, Avanti, Kalinga and the Southern Province
6. Which of the following groups consisted of officers belonging to the Provincial Government under the Mauryas?
(a) Purohit, Senapati, Sannidhata, Samaharta
(b) Mahamatra, Pradeshika, Rajuka, Yukta
(c) Pradeshika, Rajuka, Yukta
(d) Bali, Bhaga, Shulka
Ans. (c) Pradeshika, Rajuka, Yukta
II. Read the two statements given below and select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (R).
- A: Chandragupta Maurya established a vast empire by overthrowing the Nanda rulers.
R: He was guided by Kautilya in his wars of expansion.
(a) (R) contradicts (A)
(b) (R) correctly explains (A)
(c) (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect
(d) (A) and (R) are unrelated
Correct Answer: (a)
2. A: Bindusara was known by the title Amitraghata.
R: The word Amitraghata means “Beloved of the Gods”.
(a) (R) contradicts (A)
(b) (R) correctly explains (A)
(c) (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect
(d) (A) and (R) are unrelated
Correct Answer: (c)
3. A: Ashoka abandoned the policy of Bherigosha and adopted Dhammagosha.
R: The Kalinga War caused immense bloodshed and suffering.
(a) (R) contradicts (A)
(b) (R) correctly explains (A)
(c) (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect
(d) (A) and (R) are unrelated
Correct Answer: (a)
4. A: The Mauryan administration had a pan-Indian character.
R: The empire was divided into provinces for effective administration.
(a) (R) contradicts (A)
(b) (R) correctly explains (A)
(c) (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect
(d) (A) and (R) are unrelated
Correct Answer: (a)
5. A: The Mauryan rulers stayed informed about public affairs by maintaining an efficient system of spies throughout the empire.
R: Spies were appointed only for military purposes.
(a) (R) contradicts (A)
(b) (R) correctly explains (A)
(c) (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect
(d) (A) and (R) are unrelated
Correct Answer: (c)
6. A: Bali and Bhaga were two important taxes during the Mauryan period.
R: Bhaga was the king’s share of the agricultural produce.
(a) (R) contradicts (A)
(b) (R) correctly explains (A)
(c) (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect
(d) (A) and (R) are unrelated
Correct Answer: (a)
7. A: The provinces of the Mauryan Empire were ruled entirely independent of the central government.
R: The Mauryan Empire followed a strictly centralized system of administration.
(a) (R) contradicts (A)
(b) (R) correctly explains (A)
(c) (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect
(d) (A) and (R) are unrelated
Correct Answer: (d)
8. A: Dhamma aimed at promoting peace and moral values among the people.
R: It was based on the teachings of Buddhism alone.
(a) (R) contradicts (A)
(b) (R) correctly explains (A)
(c) (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect
(d) (A) and (R) are unrelated
Correct Answer: (c)
B. SHORT QUESTIONS FOR ICSE HISTORY FOR CLASS 9 THE MAURYAN EMPIRE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Name any two important sources that help us to reconstruct the history of the Mauryan Empire.
Answer:
The Arthashastra written by Kautilya is an important literary source of Mauryan history. Ashoka’s inscriptions on rocks and pillars are reliable and contemporary sources. The accounts of foreign writers like Megasthenes also provide useful information.
2. Name the author of the Arthashastra. Why is this work considered important?
Answer:
The Arthashastra was authored by Kautilya, who is also known as Chanakya.It contains detailed information about Mauryan administration, economy and statecraft. It is an important source for understanding the system of government during the Mauryan period.
3. Who wrote the Indica? What information does it provide about the Mauryan period?
Answer:
The Indica was written by Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador to Chandragupta Maurya’s court. It gives information about Mauryan administration, society and economy. It also describes the city of Pataliputra.
4. What is meant by Ashoka’s Dhamma?
Answer:
Ashoka’s Dhamma was a code of moral principles preached by Emperor Ashoka. It stressed non-violence, tolerance, compassion and respect for elders. Its aim was to promote peace and harmony in society.
5. State any two principles of Ashoka’s Dhamma.
Answer:
One principle of Ashoka’s Dhamma was non-violence towards all living beings. Another principle was religious tolerance and respect for all sects. These principles were meant to improve moral behaviour.
6. What was the Kalinga War? What was its impact on Ashoka?
Answer:
The Kalinga War was fought by Ashoka to annex Kalinga to the Mauryan Empire. The war caused great bloodshed and suffering. It transformed Ashoka, who gave up wars and adopted Dhamma.
7. What is a Stupa? Name one Stupa built by Ashoka.
Answer:
A Stupa is a dome-shaped structure built to enshrine the relics of the Buddha. It served as a place of Buddhist worship. The Sanchi Stupa was built by Ashoka.
8. What is meant by Bherigosha and Dhammagosha?
Answer:
Bherigosha means the beating of war drums to announce conquest by war. Dhammagosha means the spread of moral teachings based on Dhamma. Ashoka replaced Bherigosha with Dhammagosha after the Kalinga War.
9. How did Chandragupta Maurya establish the Mauryan Empire?
Answer:
Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the Nanda rulers of Magadha with the help of Kautilya. He also defeated the Greek Satraps in north-west India. Thus, he founded a vast empire.
10. Name any two taxes mentioned in Ashoka’s edicts.
Answer:
Bhaga was the king’s share of agricultural produce. Bali was a religious or customary tax paid by the people. These taxes formed an important source of revenue.
11. How did the Mauryan king keep himself informed about the affairs of the empire?
Answer:
The Mauryan king maintained a network of spies throughout the empire. Officials regularly submitted reports to the king. This helped him maintain effective control.
12. What was the importance of Ashoka’s edicts?
Answer:
Ashoka’s edicts reveal his policy of Dhamma and concern for public welfare. They provide information about Mauryan administration and social life. They are the most reliable sources of Mauryan history.
C. STRUCTURED – QUESTIONS FOR ICSE HISTORY FOR CLASS 9 HISTORY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. With reference to the various sources that give information about the Mauryan Empire, briefly describe the following:
(a) Arthashastra
(b) Indica
(c) Sanchi Stupa
Answer:
(a) Arthashastra
(1) The Arthashastra was authored by Kautilya, who served as the chief minister of Chandragupta Maurya.
(2)It gives detailed information about administration, taxation, army, justice and economic policies.
(3)It is an important literary source for understanding Mauryan governance.
(b) Indica
(1) Indica was written by Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya.
(2) It offers valuable information on the administrative system, social structure and economic life of the Mauryan Empire.
(3)It also gives a detailed account of Pataliputra.
(c) Sanchi Stupa
(1) The Sanchi Stupa was built during the reign of Emperor Ashoka.
(2) It serves as an important archaeological source for understanding Mauryan history.
(3) It provides valuable information about Buddhist art and architectural traditions.
(4)It also reflects Ashoka’s patronage of Buddhism.
2. With reference to Emperor Ashoka, explain briefly the following:
(a) The Kalinga War
(b) Bherigosha and Dhammagosha
(c) Impact of the Kalinga War on Ashoka’s policies
Answer:
(a) The Kalinga War
(1)The Kalinga War was fought by Ashoka to annex Kalinga to the Mauryan Empire.
(2)It resulted in massive loss of life and destruction.
(3)It proved to be a turning point in Ashoka’s life.
(b) Bherigosha and Dhammagosha
(1)Bherigosha refers to the beating of war drums symbolising conquest by war.
(2)Dhammagosha means the spread of moral teachings.
(3)Ashoka replaced Bherigosha with Dhammagosha after the war.
(c) Impact of the Kalinga War on Ashoka’s policies
(1)The horrors of the Kalinga War deeply shocked Ashoka.
(2)He gave up wars of conquest and adopted a policy of peace.
(3)He followed Dhamma and worked for the welfare of his people.
(4)He promoted non-violence and tolerance.
3. With reference to Ashoka’s Dhamma, explain the following:
(a) Meaning of Dhamma
(b) Any two principles of Dhamma
(c) Influence of Dhamma on Ashoka’s administration
Answer:
(a) Meaning of Dhamma
(1)Ashoka’s Dhamma was a moral code of conduct.
(2)It stressed ethical behaviour rather than rituals.
(3)It aimed at promoting peace and harmony.
(b) Any two principles of Dhamma
(1)One principle was non-violence towards all living beings.
(2)Another principle was religious tolerance.
(3)These principles promoted moral upliftment.
(c) Influence of Dhamma on Ashoka’s administration
(1)Ashoka ruled with kindness and justice.
(2)He appointed Dhamma Mahamatras to spread moral values.
(3)He improved public welfare through hospitals and roads.
(4)Administration became humane and people-oriented.
4. With reference to the administration of the Mauryan Empire, explain the following:
(a) Capital and central administration
(b) Provincial administration
(c) Measures taken to keep the king informed
Answer:
(a) Capital and central administration
(1) Pataliputra served as the capital city of the Mauryan Empire.
(2)The king was the supreme authority.
(3)He was assisted by ministers and officials.
(b) Provincial administration
(1)The empire was divided into provinces.
(2)Each province was governed by a royal prince or governor.
(3)Officials like Pradeshikas and Rajukas assisted them.
(c) Measures taken to keep the king informed
(1)The king maintained a network of spies.
(2)Officials submitted regular reports.
(3)Inspectors toured the provinces.
(4)This ensured effective control over the empire.
5. With reference to Chandragupta Maurya, explain briefly:
(a) His rise to power
(b) Role of Kautilya in his success
(c) Importance of his reign
Answer:
(a) His rise to power
(1)Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the Nanda dynasty of Magadha.
(2)He then defeated the Greek Satraps.
(3)This enabled him to establish a vast empire.
(b) Role of Kautilya in his success
(1)Kautilya guided Chandragupta politically and militarily.
(2)He planned strategies against enemies.
(3)His guidance was crucial in empire-building.
(c) Importance of his reign
(1)Chandragupta founded the Mauryan Empire.
(2)He established a strong centralised administration.
(3)His reign laid the foundation for future expansion.
(4)He unified large parts of India.
6. With reference to Ashoka’s inscriptions, explain the following:
(a) Places where the inscriptions were found
(b) Languages and scripts used
(c) Historical importance of the inscriptions
Answer:
(a) Places where the inscriptions were found
(1)Ashoka’s inscriptions were found on rocks and pillars.
(2)They were spread across the empire.
(3)This shows the vast extent of Mauryan rule.
(b) Languages and scripts used
(1)The inscriptions were written mainly in Prakrit.
(2)Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts were used.
(3)Greek and Aramaic were also used in the north-west.
(c) Historical importance of the inscriptions
(1)They reveal Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma.
(2)They provide details of administration and social life.
(3)They are contemporary and reliable sources.
(4)They help reconstruct Mauryan history.
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