The Mauryan Empire — Question 8
Back to all questionsThe two taxes mentioned in the Edicts of Ashoka are:
- Bhaga — It was levied on agricultural produce and cattles.
- Bali — It was religious tribute.
Key Concepts Covered
This question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Mauryan Empire: Question, Taxes, Mentioned, Edicts, Ashoka, The Mauryan Empire. These are fundamental topics in History & Civics that students are expected to master as part of the ICSE Class 9 curriculum.
A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your ICSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of History & Civics papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Write Short Answers
Short answer questions require concise, focused responses. Begin with a clear definition or statement that directly addresses the question. Support your answer with one or two key points or examples. Keep your response to 2-4 sentences. Avoid unnecessary elaboration but ensure you cover all parts of the question. Use subject-specific terminology to demonstrate your understanding.
Key Points to Remember
- Include specific dates, names, and events to support your answers.
- Understand causes and consequences of historical events.
- Compare and contrast different viewpoints where relevant.
- Use chronological order when describing sequences of events.
Practice more questions from The Mauryan Empire — History & Civics, Class 9 ICSE
Chapter Overview: The Mauryan Empire
The Mauryan Empire (c. 322–185 BCE) was the first large-scale centralised empire in Indian history, founded by Chandragupta Maurya with the guidance of his mentor Chanakya (Kautilya). Chandragupta overthrew the Nanda dynasty and built an empire stretching from Afghanistan to Bengal. Kautilya’s Arthashastra provides detailed knowledge of Mauryan administration, economy, and statecraft.
Ashoka, the greatest Mauryan emperor, initially expanded the empire through conquest but was transformed by the horror of the Kalinga War (261 BCE). He adopted Buddhism and propagated Dhamma (moral law) through rock and pillar edicts across the empire. Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma emphasised non-violence, tolerance, respect for elders, and welfare of subjects. The Mauryan Empire featured a sophisticated bureaucracy, a large standing army, and extensive road networks. After Ashoka’s death, the empire declined due to weak successors and the last Mauryan ruler was assassinated by his general Pushyamitra Shunga in 185 BCE.
Board Exam Weightage: 6-7 marks | Difficulty: Moderate
Key Rulers & Events
| Ruler | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Chandragupta Maurya | Founded the empire; defeated Seleucus; guided by Chanakya |
| Bindusara | Expanded southward; called Amitraghata (slayer of enemies) |
| Ashoka | Kalinga War (261 BCE); adopted Buddhism; Dhamma policy; rock/pillar edicts |
Must-Know Concepts
- Arthashastra: Written by Kautilya; treatise on statecraft, economy, military strategy, and governance
- Ashoka’s Dhamma: Not a religion but a moral code — non-violence, tolerance, respect for elders, welfare of subjects, religious harmony
- Rock & Pillar Edicts: Inscribed in Prakrit (Brahmi script); communicated Ashoka’s policies to the people
- Administration: King at centre, provinces (headed by princes), districts, and villages; spies (gudhapurushas) for intelligence
- Kalinga War: Bloodiest conquest; 100,000 killed, 150,000 deported; Ashoka renounced war and embraced Buddhism
- Decline: Weak successors, financial burden of large bureaucracy, division of empire, Pushyamitra Shunga’s coup
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Stating that Ashoka’s Dhamma was Buddhism — it was a broader moral code, not a specific religion
- Confusing Chanakya (author of Arthashastra) with Megasthenes (Greek ambassador who wrote Indica)
- Writing that Ashoka became non-violent before the Kalinga War — the war caused his transformation
- Forgetting to mention sources: Arthashastra, Indica (Megasthenes), Ashoka’s edicts
Scoring Tips
- For Ashoka questions, always discuss: before Kalinga (conqueror), Kalinga War (turning point), after Kalinga (Dhamma propagator)
- Mention specific sources (Arthashastra, Indica, edicts) to demonstrate source-based understanding
- Describe Mauryan administration in a hierarchical format: king → provinces → districts → villages
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ashoka’s Dhamma?
Dhamma was Ashoka’s code of moral conduct applicable to all people regardless of religion. It promoted non-violence, respect for all religions, obedience to parents, generosity to Brahmins and monks, and humane treatment of servants and animals.
What was the significance of the Kalinga War?
The massive bloodshed deeply affected Ashoka. He abandoned the policy of conquest (Digvijaya) for the policy of moral victory (Dhammavijaya), spreading Buddhism and non-violence across his empire and beyond.
Why did the Mauryan Empire decline?
Weak successors after Ashoka could not maintain the vast empire. The large bureaucracy and army were financially draining. Provincial governors became semi-independent, and Pushyamitra Shunga assassinated the last ruler in 185 BCE.