The Mauryan Empire - 1

Kalhana was a 12th-century Kashmiri historian who wrote the Rajatarangini, a chronicle of Kashmir's history. According to this historical text, Emperor Ashoka (also spelled Asoka) of the Mauryan dynasty is credited with founding the city of Srinagar. Bindusara was Ashoka's father and predecessor, Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the dynasty, and Kunala was Ashoka's son.

Romila Thapar is a renowned Indian historian who has written extensively on ancient Indian history, with a significant focus on the Mauryan Empire, particularly in her work 'Asoka and the Decline of the Mauryas'.

Asoka's Major Rock Edict VI expresses his paternalistic view toward his subjects, famously stating that all men are his children.

Northern Black Polished Ware, abbreviated as NBPW, is the characteristic glossy pottery associated with the Mauryan period in ancient India. PGW is typically associated with the later Vedic period, and OCP is linked to the copper age.

Kautilya's Saptanga theory of the state identifies seven limbs: Swami (king), Amatya (bureaucracy), Janapada (territory/population), Durga (fort), Kosha (treasury), Danda (army/coercion), and Mitra (allies). Since all listed items are part of these seven, the answer is correct.

The Mauryan Empire was divided into provinces. Uttarapatha, the northern province, had its capital at Taxila. Suvarnagiri was the capital of the southern province (Dakshinapatha), and Ujjain was the capital of the western province (Avantiratha).

The Arthasastra was rediscovered by R. Shamasastry in 1905, who found a manuscript in the Oriental Research Institute, Mysore. This discovery was a landmark event in Indian historiography.

The correct sequence of later Mauryan kings is Asoka, followed by his successors Kunala, Samprati, Salisuka, and finally Brihadratha. Option B is the most accurate sequence among the choices provided, though the full list is longer.

Chandragupta Maurya abdicated his throne and traveled to Shravanabelagola in South India with the Jain monk Bhadrabahu. This event is a well-documented tradition in Jain history.

Bindusara was known to the Greeks as Amitrochates, which is the Greek transliteration of the Sanskrit title Amitraghata, meaning slayer of enemies.

The Karmantika was the officer responsible for the supervision of industries, factories, and mines in the Mauryan state as described in the Arthasastra.

The Dyutadhyaksha was the superintendent of gambling, as gambling was a state-regulated activity during the Mauryan period.

Rajjukas were officials appointed by Asoka who were responsible for surveying land and dispensing justice, making their role comparable to modern-day District Magistrates or revenue officers.

The Sannidhata was the chief treasurer or the officer in charge of the royal treasury and storehouses in the Mauryan administration.

Both the Mahasthan inscription and the Sohagaura copper plate contain references to famine relief measures, such as the distribution of food grains and funds from the royal storehouse.

Chandragupta Maurya, guided by Chanakya, overthrew the Nanda dynasty, which was ruled by the unpopular king Dhana Nanda.

Pariharaka villages were those exempted from taxes, often granted to religious institutions or specific groups by the Mauryan state.

The phrase 'Satyameva Jayate' is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad. It is the national motto of India and is inscribed below the Lion Capital of Asoka.

The Puranas, specifically the Vishnu Purana, describe the Mauryas as being of low origin, often identifying them with the Sudra varna.

Toshali was the capital of the Kalinga province, which was referred to as Prachyapatha in the Mauryan administrative structure.

The ancient city of Isila is mentioned in the Brahmagiri minor rock edict of Asoka, located in the Chitradurga district of Karnataka.

Nagara-vyavaharika Mahamattas were judicial officers responsible for the administration of justice in the cities during the Asokan period.

Asoka mentions the creation of the office of Dhamma-Mahamatras in his Rock Edict V, which states they were appointed in the 13th year of his reign.