HorthooZ – Kerala GK, PSC Questions & Onam Quiz

01

QUESTION

Which Mauryan pillar capital in Bihar features a majestic quadruplicate set of four addorsed lions seated back-to-back, closely resembling the Sarnath capital?

ANSWER Sanchi Pillar Capital

Explanation

The Ashokan pillar at Sanchi (Stupa No. 1 gateway) features a four-lion capital almost identical in polish and form to the Sarnath capital.

02

QUESTION

Which ancient Buddhist chronicle of Sri Lanka mentions that Chanakya groomed Chandragupta Maurya and trained him in warfare and statecraft at Taxila?

ANSWER Mahavamsa (and Dipavamsa)

Explanation

The Mahavamsa Tika (commentary on Mahavamsa) provides details regarding Chanakya's alliance with Chandragupta Maurya and his education at Taxila.

03

QUESTION

Which later queen of Ashoka was infamous in Buddhist chronicles for attempting to destroy the sacred Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya out of jealousy?

ANSWER Tishyarakshita

Explanation

According to the Ashokavadana, Queen Tishyarakshita pierced the Bodhi tree with a poisonous thorn out of envy of Ashoka's devotion to it.

04

QUESTION

In the Mauryan intelligence apparatus described by Kautilya, what were roaming or wandering spies called?

ANSWER Sanchara

Explanation

Secret agents (Gudhapurushas) were divided into 'Sanstha' (stationary spies based in institutions) and 'Sanchara' (roaming spies moving across regions).

05

QUESTION

What were secret assassins and poisoners in the Mauryan intelligence apparatus known as in the Arthashastra?

ANSWER Rasada and Tikshna

Explanation

Tikshnas were reckless assassins skilled in hand-to-hand elimination, while Rasadas were poisoners employed to eliminate traitors and enemy spies.

06

QUESTION

In the Arthashastra, what was the superintendent of state-controlled slaughterhouses and animal protection called?

ANSWER Sunadhyaksha

Explanation

Sunadhyaksha was the superintendent of slaughterhouses, who prohibited the killing of calves, milch cattle, and protected forest beasts (Abhayaranya).

07

QUESTION

In Mauryan maritime administration, who was the superintendent of ports, shipping, and riverine navigation?

ANSWER Navadhyaksha

Explanation

The Navadhyaksha managed river navigation, port customs, government ferries, and coastal shipping.

08

QUESTION

What primary military branch described in Greek accounts gave the Mauryan army an overwhelming battlefield advantage over Hellenistic forces?

ANSWER Formidable War-Elephant corps (Gaja-Sena)

Explanation

The Mauryan army deployed approximately 9,000 war elephants, which disorganized enemy cavalry and breached enemy fortifications.

09

QUESTION

In Major Rock Edict XIII, which five Hellenistic kings are mentioned by Ashoka as recipients of his Dhamma envoys?

ANSWER Antiochus II, Ptolemy II, Antigonus Gonatas, Magas of Cyrene, and Alexander of Epirus

Explanation

Ashoka dispatched moral embassies to Antiochus II Theos (Syria), Turamaya/Ptolemy II (Egypt), Antikini/Antigonus (Macedonia), Maka/Magas (Cyrene), and Alikasudara/Alexander (Epirus/Corinth).

10

QUESTION

The polished monolithic Mauryan pillar at Lauriya Nandangarh in West Champaran is crowned by which animal capital?

ANSWER Single Lion

Explanation

The Lauriya Nandangarh pillar stands preserved in situ, crowned by a seated single lion facing east.

11

QUESTION

In which Major Rock Edict does Ashoka condemn pointless rituals, ceremonies (Mangalas) performed by women, and superstitious charms?

ANSWER Major Rock Edict IX

Explanation

In Major Rock Edict IX, Ashoka contrasts petty, superstitious domestic rituals (Mangalas) with the true ritual of Dhamma (Dhamma-mangala).

12

QUESTION

Greek sources such as Strabo and Plutarch refer to Chandragupta Maurya by which name?

ANSWER Sandrokottos (Androcottus)

Explanation

Sir William Jones first identified the Greek 'Sandrokottos' as Chandragupta Maurya.

13

QUESTION

Which territory in northwestern India, famous for its wool and trade routes, formed part of Bindusara's western provinces?

ANSWER Gandhara and Arachosia

Explanation

Bindusara maintained intact the northwestern territories ceded by Seleucus, comprising Gandhara, Gedrosia, Arachosia, and Paropamisadae.

14

QUESTION

In the Mudrarakshasa, what lethal weaponized agent was deployed by the opposing minister to assassinate Chandragupta Maurya?

ANSWER Vishkanya (Poison Maiden)

Explanation

In Vishakhadatta's drama, Minister Rakshasa sends a Vishkanya to assassinate Chandragupta, but Chanakya diverts her toward King Parvataka instead.

15

QUESTION

The 'Queen's Edict' (Allahabad-Kosam Pillar) mentions which queen of Ashoka and her royal charities?

ANSWER Kaurwaki (mother of Prince Tivara)

Explanation

The Queen's Edict explicitly names Queen Karuvaki (Kaurwaki), mother of Prince Tivara, commanding that all her donations of mango groves and alms-houses be recorded in her name.

16

QUESTION

In which Major Rock Edict does Ashoka declare his intention to promote medical treatment by importing and planting medicinal herbs where they were lacking?

ANSWER Major Rock Edict II

Explanation

Major Rock Edict II records botanical initiatives: planting medicinal roots, fruit trees along roads, and digging wells for the use of men and animals.

17

QUESTION

According to Jain tradition, Chandragupta Maurya abdicated the throne, became a Jain monk under Acharya Bhadrabahu, and performed Sallekhana at which place?

ANSWER Shravanabelagola

Explanation

Chandragupta spent his final days at Chandragiri hill in Shravanabelagola (Karnataka), fasting unto death via Sallekhana.

18

QUESTION

According to the Tibetan historian Taranatha, Emperor Bindusara and his minister Chanakya subdued the kings and nobles of how many cities between the two seas (Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea)?

ANSWER 16 cities / realms

Explanation

Taranatha's 'History of Buddhism in India' states that Bindusara conquered 16 states, extending Mauryan suzerainty across the peninsula between the eastern and western seas.

19

QUESTION

According to the Puranas, how many total years did the Mauryan dynasty rule across India before its overthrow in 185 BCE?

ANSWER 137 years

Explanation

The Puranic lists state that the Maurya dynasty lasted for 137 years (c. 322 BCE to 185 BCE).

20

QUESTION

In Kautilya's foreign policy framework, what are the six measures of interstate statecraft known as?

ANSWER Shadgunya

Explanation

The Shadgunya comprises: Sandhi (Peace), Vigraha (War), Asana (Neutrality/Waiting), Yana (Marching), Samshraya (Alliance), and Dvaidhibhava (Double Policy).

21

QUESTION

In Ashokan administrative hierarchy, which judicial-administrative officers were granted wide discretionary powers over rural citizens (analogous to modern District Magistrates)?

ANSWER Rajukas

Explanation

Pillar Edict IV describes the Rajukas as officers in charge of hundreds of thousands of rural folk, exercising judicial authority (Vyavahara-samata and Danda-samata).

22

QUESTION

Which region of the Mauryan Empire was famous for producing specialized sea pearls according to the Arthashastra?

ANSWER Pandya realm (Tamraparni / Kaveri estuary)

Explanation

Kautilya's Arthashastra praises 'Pandyakavata' and pearls from the mouth of the Tamraparni river (Gulf of Mannar) as highest in quality.

23

QUESTION

In Kautilya's administrative taxonomy, who was the superintendent of state toll collection and customs barriers?

ANSWER Shaulkika (Shulkadhyaksha)

Explanation

The Shulkadhyaksha (Shaulkika) collected import, export, and transit customs duties (Shulka) at toll gates located at city entrances.

24

QUESTION

Which Ashokan Pillar Inscription in Bihar stands complete with a single lion capital atop an unornamented bell base and was found without any damage?

ANSWER Lauriya Nandangarh

Explanation

The Lauriya Nandangarh pillar in West Champaran stands intact over 32 feet high, crowned by a seated single lion and a frieze of hamsas (geese).

25

QUESTION

In Kautilya's espionage terminology, what was a stationary secret agent trained in palmistry, astrology, and soothsaying called?

ANSWER Kartantika (or Naimittika)

Explanation

Kartantika / Naimittika spies posed as astrologers, palmists, and diviners to extract secret political information from gullible officials and nobles.

26

QUESTION

During the reign of Emperor Bindusara, which province revolted against oppressive ministers and was pacified by Prince Ashoka?

ANSWER Taxila (Takshashila)

Explanation

According to the Divyavadana, the citizens of Taxila rebelled against tyrannical local ministers, and Bindusara sent Prince Ashoka to peacefully resolve it.

27

QUESTION

In the Mauryan period, what was the principal highway connecting Pataliputra to the northwestern passes called in Greek accounts?

ANSWER The Royal Highway

Explanation

Megasthenes described the 'Royal Road' (Uttarapatha) maintained by royal agronomoi (road officials) equipped with mile-markers at every 10 stadia.

28

QUESTION

In Kautilya's Arthashastra, who was the 'Durgapala'?

ANSWER Governor of the Forts within the kingdom

Explanation

The Durgapala was the military governor in charge of inner city forts and royal citadel defenses.

29

QUESTION

Which Ashokan Minor Rock Edict in Rajasthan records Ashoka's affiliation with Buddhism as an Upasaka (lay devotee)?

ANSWER Bhabru / Bairat Edict

Explanation

The Bhabru/Bairat Minor Rock Edict records his reverence for the Sangha and his progressive devotion to Buddhist teachings.

30

QUESTION

In the Arthashastra, what was the irrigation tax levied on crops watered by state-constructed reservoirs and channels called?

ANSWER Udakabhaga

Explanation

Udakabhaga was the state water cess ranging from 1/5th to 1/3rd of the produce, charged for using government irrigation canals and water wheels.

31

QUESTION

What was the name of Ashoka's only own biological brother (co-uterine brother) mentioned in Southern Buddhist chronicles?

ANSWER Tissa (Vitasoka)

Explanation

According to the Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa, Prince Tissa (also referred to as Vitasoka or Sugatra) was Ashoka's only full biological brother.

32

QUESTION

Which heterodox philosophical sect did Emperor Bindusara patronize?

ANSWER Ajivika

Explanation

Bindusara was a patron of the fatalist Ajivika sect; the court astrologer Pingalavatsa was an Ajivika ascetic.

33

QUESTION

In which Major Rock Edict does Ashoka declare: 'All men are my children' (Sarve Manussa Paja Mama)?

ANSWER Separate Kalinga Rock Edict I (Dhauli and Jaugada)

Explanation

In the Separate Kalinga Rock Edict I, Ashoka states that just as he desires all welfare for his own children, he desires the same for all subjects.

34

QUESTION

In Mauryan district governance, who was the revenue and accounting officer in charge of a circle of 5 to 10 villages?

ANSWER Gopa

Explanation

A Gopa maintained census records, land registrations, and revenue accounts for 5 to 10 villages under the supervision of the Sthanika.

35

QUESTION

In the Arthashastra, what was the term for an emergency levy or tax of benevolence extracted by the king during fiscal crises?

ANSWER Pranaya

Explanation

Pranaya (literally 'gift of affection') was an extraordinary emergency levy demanded by the king during fiscal distress.

36

QUESTION

In Major Rock Edict VI, what pledge does Ashoka make regarding administrative efficiency and accessibility to citizens?

ANSWER Reporters (Pativedakas) may report public matters to him anywhere, anytime

Explanation

In Major Rock Edict VI, Ashoka instructs the Pativedakas (informants/reporters) to report affairs of the people at all times and places, even when he is dining or in his bedchamber.

37

QUESTION

According to the commentary on the Mahavamsa, the name 'Maurya' is derived from 'Moriya-nagara', which was built by the Shakyas in a region abundant with which bird?

ANSWER Peacocks (Mayura)

Explanation

The Mahavamsa Tika connects the name Moriya to the peacock (Mayura), stating their capital echoed with the cries of peacocks.

38

QUESTION

The bilingual Ashokan inscription written in both Greek and Aramaic was discovered at which site in Afghanistan?

ANSWER Kandahar (Shar-i-Kuna)

Explanation

The Shar-i-Kuna inscription near Kandahar is a bilingual rock inscription incised in Greek and Aramaic for the Hellenized population.

39

QUESTION

Which Ashokan Pillar Edict explicitly states that the emperor released prisoners 25 times in the 26 years since his coronation?

ANSWER Major Pillar Edict V

Explanation

Pillar Edict V concludes with Ashoka's royal clemency statement: 'Until my twenty-sixth year of coronation, twenty-five releases of prisoners have been made.'

40

QUESTION

Which Ajivika ascetic and court fortune-teller accurately prophesied to Bindusara that young Prince Ashoka would inherit the Mauryan throne?

ANSWER Pingalavatsa

Explanation

The Ashokavadana records that the Ajivika sage Pingalavatsa examined the young princes and foretold Ashoka's future imperial glory.

41

QUESTION

In Major Rock Edict XII, Ashoka mentions which high-ranking female officers who were appointed alongside Dhamma Mahamattas to look after the welfare of women?

ANSWER Ithijhakha Mahamattas (Stryadhyaksha Mahamatras)

Explanation

Major Rock Edict XII mentions Ithijhakha Mahamattas (superintendents of women) appointed to oversee female welfare and moral conduct in royal households and civil society.

42

QUESTION

In the Arthashastra, who was the superintendent of state-controlled liquor manufacturing and taverns?

ANSWER Suradhyaksha

Explanation

The Suradhyaksha managed state distilleries, licensed private brewing, and maintained order inside public drinking establishments.

43

QUESTION

In which Major Rock Edict does Ashoka declare: 'There is no higher duty than promoting the common welfare of all people'?

ANSWER Major Rock Edict VI

Explanation

In Major Rock Edict VI, Ashoka states: 'Katavyamatedo sarva-loka-hitam' (I consider working for the welfare of all people my supreme duty).

44

QUESTION

Which of the following describes the distinctive shape of the Ashokan pillar bell capital base?

ANSWER Inverted (lotus-shaped) bell with fluted petals

Explanation

Mauryan pillar capitals rest on an inverted, stylized lotus bell decorated with delicate long flutes/petals.

45

QUESTION

In Mauryan central administration, who was the 'Samaharta'?

ANSWER Chief Collector-General of Revenue

Explanation

The Samaharta was the revenue collector-general who supervised tax assessment and collection across the empire, while the Sannidhata was the royal treasurer.

46

QUESTION

Kautilya's 'Arthashastra' is primarily a treatise on which subject?

ANSWER Statecraft, political economy, and military strategy

Explanation

The Arthashastra is a comprehensive Sanskrit treatise on statecraft, espionage, economic policy, civil administration, and war strategy.

47

QUESTION

According to the Arthashastra, what was the annual salary in Panas paid to the highest officials (Mantrin, Purohita, Senapati, and Yuvaraja)?

ANSWER 48,000 Panas

Explanation

Kautilya's salary scale fixes 48,000 Panas per annum for top-tier functionaries (Chief Minister, Priest, General, Crown Prince) down to 60 Panas for menial attendants.

48

QUESTION

In Major Rock Edict XII, what fundamental ethical ideal does Ashoka advocate?

ANSWER Religious tolerance and growth of the essential essence of all sects (Vachaguti/Bahusruta)

Explanation

Major Rock Edict XII is a plea for inter-faith harmony, urging people not to extol their own sect while disparaging other sects.

49

QUESTION

In Kautilya's espionage system, who was the 'Vaidehaka' spy?

ANSWER An impoverished trader operating a business to gather urban intelligence

Explanation

A Vaidehaka-vyanjana was an undercover merchant provided with state capital to trade in cities, monitoring commerce and official corruption.

50

QUESTION

Which Ashokan Major Rock Edict site is situated in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, containing inscriptions in Brahmi with unique boustrophedon-like lines?

ANSWER Yerragudi (Erragudi)

Explanation

Yerragudi in Andhra Pradesh contains all 14 Major Rock Edicts as well as Minor Rock Edicts, engraved with some lines written from right to left.

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