Mauryans Flashcards
1
Q
Literary sources of Mauryans
A
- Kautilya’s Arthashastra
- Visakadatta’s Mudrarakshasa
- Megasthenes’ Indica
- Puranas
- Jatakas
- Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa [Asoka spreading buddhism in ceylon]
2
Q
when was political unity achieved for the 1st time in India
A
during mauryan period
3
Q
Parts of Kautilya’s arthashastra
A
3 parts, deal with
1st- King and his council, govt dpts
2nd- civil and criminal law
3rd- diplomacy and war
4
Q
what was Visakadatta’s Mudrarakshasa
A
Mudrarakshasa was written by Visakadatta.
A drama in Sanskrit written during the gupta period about how chandragupta overthrew nandas
5
Q
what was mehasthenes indica
A
Megasthenes was the greek ambassador in the court of chandragupta maurya
He gives details about Mauryan administration, esp of pataliputra
+ military + social life
6
Q
who discovered Asoka’s edicts
A
James Princep in 1837
7
Q
Language in which asoka edicts are written
A
Pali
Prakrit
Karoshti
8
Q
types of edicts
A
- Major rock edicts
- Minor rock edicts
- Minor pillar edicts
9
Q
use of asokan pillars
A
Asoka’s dhamma and instructions given to officials
10
Q
which edicts gives info about the kalinga war
A
13th rock edict
11
Q
which edict gives the summary of his efforts to promote dhamma
A
7th pillar edict
12
Q
founder of Mauryan empire
A
chandragupta maurya, assisted by Kautilya/ Chanakya/ Vishnugupta
13
Q
who is selukas niketar
A
Alexander’s general in charge of NW India
He lost to chandragupta maurya and ceded the trans indus territories and gave his daughter for marriage to CM.
Megasthenes was sent by him as the greek ambassador
14
Q
religion of CM
A
Jainism
he stepped down from the throne in favour of his son bindusara
went to sravana begola led by Bhadrabahu and starved himself to death
15
Q
What did the greeks call bindusara
A
Amitragatha / slayer of enemies
16
Q
Who confirms the expansion of mauryan empire under bindusara
A
Taranantha, a buddhist monk
Sangam Tamil literature
17
Q
area under bindusara
A
MAP IT
from kashmir to mysore
18
Q
Which ambassador did Bindusara receive
A
Deimachus from Syrian king Antiochus I
19
Q
religion of bindusara
A
Ajivikas
Ajivikas’ central belief was that absolutely everything is predetermined by fate, or niyati, and hence human action has no consequence one way or the other.
20
Q
Asoka’s initial role
A
governor of ujjain
21
Q
how are Susima and Tissa associated to asoka
A
eldest brother that asoka killed [98 other bros as well] acc to dipavamsa and mahavamsa
Tissa was the toungest bro who was spared
22
Q
Asokan empire area
A
MAP IT
Reached till afghanistan till mysore [never reached to the southern end of india]
23
Q
when did asoka embrace buddhism
A
after his war at kalinga
He was moved to such guilt by the hardships caused to the defeated people by the war that he discarded armed conquests
24
Q
under whose influence did asoka embraxce buddhism
A
Buddhist monk Upagupta
25
Describe Asokas conversion to buddhism
his conversion was gradual and not immediate
He first became a Sakya Upasaka [lay disciple]
Then he gave up hunting, visited Bodh Gaya
he appointed special officers called dhamma Mahamatras to speed up the progress of dhamma
He visited Lumbini garden and other buddhist holy places
He sent a mission to Sri lanka, under his son Mahendra and daughter Sangamitra who planted the branch of the original Bodhi tree
Asoka convened the 3rd buddhist council at patliputra
26
which were his bordering southern most kingdoms during Asoka's reign
Chola's., Pandyas and Satyaputras and Keralaputras
27
was Kashmir a part of the Mauryan empire, acc to whom
Yes, acc to Rajatarangini
28
was nepal a part of mauryan empire
yes
29
what was Asoka's Dhamma
It was a way of life, a code of conduct and a set of principles to be followed by ppl at large. Ashoka’s Dhamma [Dharma in Sanskrit] was not a new religion. It was not a new form of political philosophy either.
These principles were clearly stated in his Edicts
These ten principles are:
1. To be liberal while avoiding egoism.
2. To uphold a high moral standard.
3. To be willing to put one’s own pleasure aside for the sake of the subjects’ well-being.
4. To be truthful and uphold total integrity.
5. To be gentle and kind.
6. To live a humble life to inspire the subjects.
7. To be free of all forms of hatred.
8. To practise non-violence.
9. To develop patience.
10. Respect for the public’s viewpoint to create peace and concord.
30
Was dhamma equated to buddhist teachings
no
buddhism remained his personal belief
31
Why is asoka the greatest ever
termed greater than alexander and julius caesar
his dhamma appeals to humanity even today
known for his benevolent administration
policy of non aggression
looked at larger welfare of humanity
32
what happened to the Mauryan empire after Asoka's death
led to a division of the mauryam empire into western and eastern
western was ruled by Kunala [asoka's son]
eastern was ruled by Dasaratha [asoka's grandson]
western part collapsed due to Bactrian invasion
33
western part collapsed due to
Bactrian invasion
34
last of Mauryan kings
briharatha, who was assassinated by Pushyamitra Sunga
35
describe the Mauryan administration, headings
use for any empire ---- TEMPLATE
1. Central govt
2. Revenue dpt
3. Army
4. Dept of commerce and industry
5. Judicial and Police dpt
6. Census
7. Provincial and local administration
36
central govt during mauryan empire
led to triumph of monarchy in india
Sytems like oligarchies and republics prevalent in pre mauryan era had collapsed
Kautilya- supported monarchical form of govt but did not stand for royal absolutism.
Kautilya advocated the king to take advice of his ministry. hence there was a council of ministers called Mantriparishad.
It consisted of purohita, Mahamantri, Senapati and Yuvaraj.
Civil servants called Amatyas to look after day to day administration. --- a well organised civil service.
37
what were civil servants called during mauryan empire
Amatyas
38
what was chief of the revenue dept called
Samharta
39
what all was revenue collected for
land
irrigation
customs
shop tax
ferry tax
forests
mines
pastures
license fee
40
how much land revenue was collected by mauryans
1/6th of total produce
41
Army of Mauryans was headed by
Senapati
42
who mentioned the mauryan army in their book
greek author, Pliny
43
Mauryan army had consisted of what all parts
6 boards of 5 members here
Infantry
Cavalry
Elephants
Chariots
Navy
Transport and supply
these were headed by Adyakshas or superintendents
44
who ensured retail and wholesale prices and study supply of goods
officers of Adyakshas
45
role of Adyakshas
Adyakshas were officers in Revenue dpt
1. control the retail and wholesale prices of goods and tried to ensure steady supply
2. Controlled weights and measures
3. Levied custom duties
4. Regulated foreign trade
46
what was the chief justice of supreme court called
Dharmathikarim
47
kinds of courts during mauryan empire
both civil and criminal courts
supreme court under dharmathikarim
subordinate courts at both provincial capitals and districts under Amatyas
48
way of punishement under Mauryans
fines
imprisonment
mutilation
death
jail
49
what do edicts mention vis a vis Judiciary
presence of jails and jail officials
remission of sentences
role of dhamma mahamatras against unfair imprisonment
50
role of dhamma mahamatras wrt judiciary
took steps against unjust imprisonment
51
what all was asked in census of mauryan empire
regularly held
1. number of ppl
2. caste
3. occupation
4. animals in house
to check movement of population both foreign and indigenous.
52
the mauryan empire was divided into how many provinces
4
Taxila
Ujjain
Suvarnagiri
Kalinga
53
who were the provincial governors
members of royal family
54
district administration was under
Rajukas, functions similar to modern day collectors
55
whom were rajukas assisted by
Yuktas, subordinate officials
56
who headed village administration
Gramani for a village
Gopa who was in charge of 15 villages
57
Arthashastra talks in depth about what wrt city administration
Nagarika or city superintendent
58
what were monuments made of before Asoka
wood, hence they perished
59
what material was used after asoka
stone
60
only remaining stupa of asoka is at
sanchi
majority of them were destroyed during foreign invasions
61
what animals were on Mauryan pillars
Lion
Elephant
Bull
62
Sarnath pillar
4 lions
Adopted by indian govt with some modification as its state emblem
63
sanch stupa was initially built with
bricks, but was later was enlarged at the time of asoka
64
who presented caves to Ajivikas
by asoka, not bindusara
the interiors of walls are polished like mirrors
they acted as residences of monks
65
caves at barabar are where
near bodh gaya
66
who made caves at barabar hills
Mauryas
67
what led to decline of mauryas
1. Weak successors of asoka
2. Inadequate political and economic institutions to sustain such a vast empire
3. Asoka's pro buddhist policies antagonised buddhists who brought a revolution led by pushyamitra sunga
4. Non violence as a policy reduced the fighting spirit of his army
5. partition of his empire
6. administrative abuses after asoka's reign
68
What religions come under shraman tradition
Buddhism, Jainism, Ajivikas
These are religious movements parallel to vedic movements
69
what is the shraman tradition
Tapasvi/ Yogi, who are seekers and ascetics [lifestyle characterized by abstinence from sensual pleasures, often for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals]
70
why did jainism and buddhism become popular
opposed the varna and jati system
71
what kind of religions and worships exixted during the mauryan period
hindus, buddists, jains, ajivikas
worship of Yakshas and mother goddess was prevalent during that time, so multiple forms of worships existed.
Though, Buddhism became most popular.
72
describe the popularity of Yaksha worship
very popular before and after the advent of buddhism and it was also assimilated in Buddhism and Jainism
73
Did stupas and Viharas exist prior to buddhism as well
yes
they got assimilated inn buddhism
74
art and architecture found during mauryans
stupas
viharas
chaityas
stone pillars
rock cut caves
monumental figure scupltures
75
where did Mauryan pillars take inspiration from
it was prevalent in Achaemian empire as well
76
difference between mauryan and achaemenian pillars
Mauryan, rock cut, thus displaying the carvers skills, Achaemenian were constructed in pieces by a mason, no carving skills as such
Mauryan were independently erected on ground while achaemenian were built on top of buildings
77
where were stone pillars majorly found
north india
78
did stone pillars have inscriptions engraved on them
YES
79
What all capital figures were atop pillars
bull
lion
elephant etc
80
parts of mauryan pillars
top to bottom
capital figure
abascus
inverted lotus in bell shape [base]
shaft [the main lamba pillar type]
81
what kind of abacuses were found in pillars
circular and square
82
where have capital figures been found
In Bihar
Basra bakhira
Lauriya
Nandangarh
Rampurva
In Uttar Pradesh
Sankisa and Sarnath
83
where is the famous lion pillar found
Sarnath
84
lion pillar stands on what kind of abacus
circular
85
animals found on the lion pillar
lions - 5 [4+1]
bull- 1
horse- 1
elephant 1
86
animals found in indias national emblem in 2D`
3 lions
1 horse
1 bull
87
what does the lion capital signify
symbolises dhammachakrapravartana - the first sermon given by Buddha at Sarnath
88
what are Yakshas and yakshinis
male and female guard of lord kuber and his wealth.
they appear in hindu, jain and buddhist texts
not ajivikas since they're atheists
89
position of yaakshas and yakshinis
mostly standing
but also found in sitting position
90
best position of yakshini is found at
Didarganj, patna
standing tall, half naked
91
difference between teracotta and scupltures
difference in delineation of the body
92
where is the rock cut elephant found
dhauli, odisha
93
where are Lomas Rishi
Barabar hills, Gaya in bihar
94
entrance of Lomas rishi cave is
chaitya arch
95
significance of lomas rishi cave
donated by asoka to ajivika sect
96
what is a stupa
a hemispherical structure containing relics [typically of buddhist monks or nuns] that is used as a place for meditation
97
what is chaityas or chaityagriha
place of worship
98
what is a vihara
residential quarters of monks
99
are stupas also associated with brahmanical gods
yes
100
over buddhas relics, where all have stupas been found
In Bihar
Rajagriha
Vaishali
Vethadipa
Pava
In nepal
Kapilavastu
Allakappa
Ramagrama
In UP
Kushinagar
Pippalvina
also in avanti and gandhara
101
religions stupas, chaityas and viharas are associated with
jainism and buddhism
Yes, even jainism
but larger number belongs to buddhism
102
parts of a stupa
top to bottom
chhatra
harnika
anda
pradakshina patha
medhi
torana
vedika
103
examples of famous stupas
Bairat in Rajasthan
Sanchi
104
who provided for building the stupas
royal patronage very lil
patrons range from lay devotees to gahapatis and kings
donations from guilds
105
are names of artisans mentioned on stupas
very few such examples
Kanha from pitamkhora
Balaka at Konadane caves
106
are categories of artisans mentioned on inscriptions
yes
107
how is the shape of chaitya entrance
horse shoe shaped
108
what kind of entrance does the lomas rishi cave have
chaitya arch
109
who built the lion capital pillar
asoka
110
what is dharmachakra
what does it signify
wheel having 8 spokes, representing the eightfold path
Wheel of the Law (dharmachakra), denoting the Buddha's First Sermon in the forest at Sarnath, where he set Buddhist Law (dharma) in motion.
111
what is on our national flag
modified version of dharmachakra called asoka chakra
112
apart from sarnath where else has a lion capital been found
at sanchi but in a dilapilated condition
113
what is a chauri
a fly-whisk [to shoo flies] on yakshinis right hand found at didarganj
114
condition of yakshini at didarganj, patna
its left hand and nose is broken, otherwise good
115
size of yakshini at didarganj
life sized
116
how did patronisation take place for monuments in mauryan times
at times, only a specific portion of the monument is said to have been paronised by a particular patron
117
how was buddhism depicted initially
symbolically via footprints, chakra, lotus and stupas
118
how was buddhism depicted later
by historisation of life events of buddha, this became a part of buddhist tradition
Jataka stories were depicted on the railings of torans of stupas
events of birth, renunciation, enlightenment, dhammachakrapravartana, mahaparinibbana
119
what are jataka stories
stories associated with buddhists previous life
120
what is dhammachakrapravartana
Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath
121
what is mahaparinibbana
liberation from the cycle of birth
122
Name the frequent Jataka stories
Chhadanta
Vidurpundita
Ruru
Sibi
Vessantara
Shama
123
what is Bharut famous for
Bharhut is famous for the ruins of a Buddhist stupa
