EvaluatorIAS
  1. Home
  2. PYQ Explorer
  3. History
  4. Mauryan Empire

History · Ancient

Mauryan Empire: 72 previous year questions

UPSC has asked 72 questions on Mauryan Empire between 1981 and 2026: CDS 25 · CSE 25 · CAPF 10 · NDA 5 · Geo-Scientist 4 · CISF (LDCE) 2 · EPFO (APFC) 1. 42 of them came after 2015, so this is a live topic examiners keep returning to. 25 were set in Civil Services Prelims; the rest come from UPSC's other papers, which draw on the same question bank.

Practise these 72, one at a timeRead the questions

Tap an option to check yourself. Answers follow the official UPSC key; where the key was dropped or disputed the question is not shown.

CDS2026 · 1Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·3

With reference to the Junagadh inscription of Rudradaman, consider the following statements : 1. The script of this inscription is Kharosthi and the language is Prakrit. 2. The inscription records the restoration of a reservoir called Sudarshana Lake. 3. It is an undated inscription. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Junagadh inscription of Rudradaman → records restoration of Sudarshana Lake | Language → Sanskrit, not Prakrit | NOT: it is an undated inscription
Geo-Scientist2026Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·3

A 150 CE inscription of Shaka ruler Rudradaman and a 5th century inscription at the same place from the time of Gupta king Skandagupta refer to which one of the following?

Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)Rudradaman (150 CE) and Skandagupta inscriptions → construction and reconstruction of Sudarshana Lake
Geo-Scientist2026Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·2

Consider the following statements about Ashoka’s Dhamma: I. The theme of Ahimsa is an important aspect of Ashoka’s Dhamma. II. The ceremony of Dhamma is proper courtesy to slaves and servants. III. Dhamma consisted of the promotion of Buddhism. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Ahimsa → important aspect of Ashoka's Dhamma | Ceremony of Dhamma → proper courtesy to slaves and servants | NOT: Dhamma consisted of the promotion of Buddhism
CDS2025 · 2Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·3

Consider the following pairs: Historical Place Well-known for I. Girnar Sudarshana Lake II. Cholistan Terracotta model of Plough III. Mant (near Mathura) Headless standing figure of Kanishka IV. Sannati Asokan Pillar Edict in Odisha How many pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Girnar → Sudarshana Lake | Cholistan → terracotta model of plough | Mant (near Mathura) → headless standing figure of Kanishka | Sannati → Karnataka, not an Asokan pillar edict in Odisha
CDS2024 · 1Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·2

Consider the following statements about the Mauryan State and the forest people : 1. The forest people were subjected to new forms of political and economic dominance and the necessity to subordinate and assimilate them led to a change in the earlier attitude of excluding these people from imperial territory. 2. The State recognised that the forest produce was the sole monopoly of the forest people. 3. The State was concerned with the conservation of forests and to this end the burning of forests was prohibited. 4. The forest people could be harnessed to serve the State and could be used as troops, spies and assassins. How many of the above statements is/are correct?

Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Mauryan State → subordinated and assimilated forest people, ending their exclusion | Forest conservation; burning of forests prohibited | Forest people used as troops, spies and assassins | NOT: forest produce was the sole monopoly of the forest people
CDS2024 · 2Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·1

Which of the following is/are the correct components of the “Lion Capital” at Samath ? 1. The shaft (stambha-yashti) or the tall tapering column 2. An elliptical top part - the abacus, devoid of any carvings 3. Overflowing inverted petals below the abacus Select the answer using the code given below :

Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Sarnath Lion Capital → shaft (stambha-yashti) and overflowing inverted petals below the abacus | Abacus → carved (bull, horse, elephant, lion), not plain
CISF (LDCE)2024Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 8·2

Consider the following statements about the historical evidence of inscriptions in India : 1. The oldest deciphered inscriptions are in Brahmi and Kharoshthi. 2. The earliest inscriptions in the Tamil language are copper plate grants. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer
Answer A (official UPSC key)Oldest deciphered inscriptions → Brahmi and Kharoshthi | Earliest Tamil inscriptions → in rock shelters and caves (Tamil-Brahmi), not copper plate grants
NDA2024 · 1Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 8·2

Consider the following statements about ancient Indian inscriptions : 1. The earliest inscriptions are in Sanskrit. 2. Kharosthi script, used in inscriptions in the north-west, was deciphered with the help of coins of Indo-Greek kings who ruled over the area. 3. Most of the inscriptions mention grand, unique events, and routine agricultural practices do not find mention. How many of the above statements is/are correct ?

Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Earliest inscriptions → Prakrit, not Sanskrit | Kharosthi → deciphered with help of Indo-Greek coins | Most inscriptions → grand, unique events; routine agriculture not mentioned
CAPF2023Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 8·2

Which one of the following statements is correct

Show answer
Answer A (official UPSC key)Brahmi (many Ashokan inscriptions) → shows local variations
CDS2023 · 1Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·2

Consider the following statements about Kanaganahalli archaeological site: 1. It is situated on the bank of Bhima river. 2. The remains of the Kanaganahalli Stupa can be dated between 1st and 3rd centuries CE. 3. Emperor Ashoka‘s image was found at the site. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)Kanaganahalli → on the bank of the Bhima | Stupa remains → between 1st and 3rd centuries CE | Emperor Ashoka's image found at the site
CDS2022 · 1Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·2

Consider the following statements about Ashoka‟s faith in Buddhism : 1. Rummindei Pillar Inscription and Nigali Sagar Pillar Inscription provide clear evidence of Ashoka‘s faith in Buddhism. 2. Minor Rock Edict-I gives evidence of a sudden change in Ashoka‘s faith in Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Show answer
Answer A (official UPSC key)Rummindei and Nigali Sagar inscriptions → clear evidence of Ashoka's faith in Buddhism | NOT: Minor Rock Edict-I shows a sudden change in Ashoka's faith
CSE2022Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·3

According to Kautilya‟s Arthashastra, which of the following are correct? [2022] 1. A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial punishment. 2. If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free. 3. If a son born to a female slave was fathered by her master, the son was entitled to the legal status of the master‘s son. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)Arthashastra → a person could be a slave as a judicial punishment | Female slave bearing her master a son → legally free | Such son → legal status of the master's son
NDA2022 · 2Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·2

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : List-I (Mahamatta) List-II (Function) A. Anta-mahamatta 1. Women‘s welfare B. Ithijhakha-mahamatta 2. Spread of Dhamma C. Dhamma-mahamatta 3. Associated with city administration D. Nagalauiyohalaka- mahamatta 4. In-charge of frontier areas

Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Anta-mahamatta → frontier areas | Ithijhakha-mahamatta → women's welfare | Dhamma-mahamatta → spread of Dhamma | Nagalauiyohalaka-mahamatta → city administration
CDS2019 · 2Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·2

Consider the following statements : 1. According to Mahavamsa, Ashoka turned to the Buddha‘s dhamma when his nephew Nigrodha preached the doctrine to him. 2. Divyavadana ascribes Ashoka being drawn to the Buddha‘s teaching to the influence of Samudra, a merchant-turned monk. 3. Dipavamsa speaks of Samudra, the 12-year-old son of a merchant, as the key figure in Ashoka‘s coming under the influence of the Buddhist dhamma. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Mahavamsa → Ashoka turned to dhamma when nephew Nigrodha preached | Divyavadana → Samudra, merchant-turned monk | NOT: Dipavamsa speaks of Samudra, 12-year-old son of a merchant
CDS2019 · 2Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·2

Consider the following statements : Statement I: The Greek travellers were most impressed by the fertility of India‘s soil and the energy and ability of her cultivators. Statement II: Ancient India knew the use of manure. Code:

Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Greek travellers → impressed by fertility of India's soil and ability of her cultivators | Ancient India knew the use of manure | II does not explain I
CAPF2017Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·2

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists: List I (Official) List II (Office held) A. Samahartri 1. Chief of the B. Samnidhatri 2. Palace Guards C. Sansthadhyaksha 3. Chief collector of revenue D. Antaravamshika 4. Treasurer Code

Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Samahartri → chief collector of revenue | Samnidhatri → treasurer | Sansthadhyaksha → superintendent of markets | Antaravamshika → chief of the palace guards
CDS2016 · 1Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·2

Consider the following statements: 1. The inscriptions on the pillar at Rummindei give vivid details of Ashoka‘s Dhamma. 2. The Nigalisagar inscription records the fact of Ashoka having visited the Konagamana stupa. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Nigalisagar inscription → Ashoka visited the Konagamana stupa | NOT: Rummindei pillar inscriptions give vivid details of Ashoka's Dhamma
CDS2016 · 2Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·3

Consider the following statements: Statement I: King Ashoka abolished capital punishment and disbanded his army. Statement II: After Kalinga War, Ashoka was remorseful and became a Buddhist. Code

Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)After the Kalinga War → Ashoka remorseful, became a Buddhist | NOT: Ashoka abolished capital punishment and disbanded his army
CAPF2014Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 8·2

Consider the following statements Statement I : James Prinsep, an officer in the mint of the East India Company, deciphered Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts which were used in the earliest inscriptions and coins Statement II : James Prinsep found that most of the scripts mentioned a king referred to as Piyadassi—meaning ‗pleasant to behold‘ Code .

Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)James Prinsep (East India Company mint officer) → deciphered Brahmi and Kharosthi | Most inscriptions → king Piyadassi ('pleasant to behold') | II does not explain I
CDS2013 · 1Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·3

Consider the following statements Statement I: There was great exodus of Jaina monks under the leadership of Bhadrabahu to the Deccan following severe famine in the Ganga valley towards the end of Chandragupta‘s reign. Statement II: Chandragupta Maurya joined the Jaina order as a monk. Codes

Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Bhadrabahu led Jaina monks to the Deccan after famine in the Ganga valley (end of Chandragupta's reign) | Chandragupta Maurya joined the Jaina order as a monk | II does not explain I
CDS2013 · 1Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 8·2

Consider the following statements Statement I: Lomash Rishi and Sudama caves in the Barabar hills, modelled on wooden architectural prototypes are examples of the earliest cave architecture in India. Statement II: Barabar hills caves were dedicated by Chandragupta Maurya to Ajivika monks. Codes

Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Lomash Rishi and Sudama caves (Barabar), on wooden prototypes → earliest cave architecture | NOT: Barabar caves were dedicated by Chandragupta Maurya to Ajivika monks
CSE2013Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 8·2

With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements: 1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. 2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. 3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Ellora → caves made for different faiths | Oldest surviving rock-cut caves → Barabar, not Badami | NOT: Barabar caves were made for Ajivikas by Chandragupta Maurya
CDS2012 · 2Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·2

The Dhamma propagated by Ashoka was

Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Ashoka's Dhamma → system of morals consistent with the tenets of most sects
CDS2011 · 1Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·2

Which one among the following statements about Ashokan Edicts is correct?

Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)Greek or Aramaic Ashokan edicts → versions or translations of texts used in other edicts
CSE1998Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·2

Assertion (A): According to Asoka's edicts social harmony among the people was more important than religious devotion. Reason (R): He spread ideas of equity instead of promotion of religion.

Show answer
Answer A (official UPSC key)Asoka's edicts → social harmony more important than religious devotion | Asoka spread ideas of equity, not promotion of religion | R explains A
CSE1990Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·3

Consider the following statements regarding Kautilya's Arthshastra: [1990] 1. It places morality higher than political expediency. 2. It argues the case for a fully-centralised government for the empire 3. It deals with problems of administration as well as laws of property and crime 4. It includes section on government of the State and diplomatic relations with other States. Of these statements

Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Arthashastra → problems of administration, laws of property and crime | Arthashastra → government of the State and diplomatic relations | Arthashastra → political expediency over morality | Arthashastra → does not advocate a fully-centralised government
CSE1987Mauryan EmpireOn card AMH 4·1

Match the columns : A. Roaper 1. Informs about Mauryan Empire B. Kumarahar 2. Treaty of alliance between Bentinck and Ranjit Singh C. Aihole 3. Statue of Lord Bahubali D. Shravan Belgola 4. Sites of Chalukyan architecture Select the correct answer from the codes given below A B C D

Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Ropar → treaty of alliance between Bentinck and Ranjit Singh | Kumarahar → informs about the Mauryan Empire | Aihole → Chalukyan architecture | Shravan Belgola → statue of Lord Bahubali

Related topics

Prehistory & Stone Age · 22Harappan (Indus Valley) Civilization · 65Vedic Age & Later Vedic Society · 48Mahajanapadas, Magadha & Nandas · 29Buddhism, Jainism & Other Sramana Movements · 100Post-Mauryan Dynasties & Foreign Invaders · 69Sangam Age & Early Tamil Kingdoms · 20Gupta Empire · 79Harsha, Vakatakas & Post-Gupta Period · 20Society, Economy, Administration & Law (Ancient) · 35Foreign Contacts, Trade & Cultural Expansion (Ancient) · 19