HorthooZ – Kerala GK, PSC Questions & Onam Quiz

01

QUESTION

In the Divyavadana, which queen of Bindusara from Champa was the mother of Prince Ashoka?

ANSWER Subhadrangi (Dharma / Janapadakalyani)

Explanation

According to Northern Buddhist texts (Ashokavadana/Divyavadana), Ashoka's mother was Queen Subhadrangi (also called Dharma), a Brahmana maiden from Champa.

02

QUESTION

In the Arthashastra, which fourfold diplomatic expedients (Upayas) are prescribed for resolving conflicts?

ANSWER Sama, Dana, Bheda, and Danda

Explanation

The Upayas are conciliation (Sama), gifts/bribery (Dana), sowing division (Bheda), and military force/punishment (Danda).

03

QUESTION

Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire who overthrew the Nanda dynasty in 322 BCE?

ANSWER Chandragupta Maurya

Explanation

Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire with the mentorship of Chanakya (Kautilya) by defeating the last Nanda ruler, Dhana Nanda.

04

QUESTION

In Major Rock Edict VII, what universal virtue does Ashoka urge across all ascetic sects and religious communities?

ANSWER Self-control (Samyama) and purity of mind (Bhava-shuddhi)

Explanation

Major Rock Edict VII expresses Ashoka's desire that all religious sects reside everywhere, practicing self-restraint and mental purity.

05

QUESTION

What title did Ashoka adopt in his inscriptions, combining 'Beloved of the Gods' and 'Of Gracious Countenance'?

ANSWER Devanampiya Piyadassi

Explanation

Ashoka routinely styled himself 'Devanampiya Piyadassi' (Beloved of the Gods, He who looks on others with kindness).

06

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.

07

QUESTION

Which ancient Buddhist text identifies the Moriya (Mauryan) clan as belonging to a Solar Kshatriya lineage?

ANSWER Mahavamsa

Explanation

Buddhist texts such as the Mahavamsa and Digha Nikaya associate the Moriyas with Pipphalivana, identifying them as of noble Kshatriya origin.

08

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.

09

QUESTION

The Lomas Rishi and Sudama rock-cut caves in the Barabar hills feature which distinct architectural facade characteristic of early wooden architecture?

ANSWER Curved Chaitya arch mimicking vaulted wooden thatch with a frieze of elephants

Explanation

The Lomas Rishi cave facade replicates wooden barrel-vaulted thatch architecture with a finely sculpted frieze of elephants worshipping stupas.

10

QUESTION

In the Arthashastra, which state official was responsible for tracking standard time using water clocks (Ghatika) and solar sundials?

ANSWER Ghatikadhyaksha (or Jyotirvida)

Explanation

Kautilya details the precise measurement of the day into 8 Nalikas/Nadis using standardized clepsydra (water clocks) overseen by time-keepers.

11

QUESTION

In Mauryan central revenue records, what was the tax levied on private agricultural output termed?

ANSWER Bhaga

Explanation

Bhaga was the royal share (typically 1/6th) from private cultivator lands, whereas Sita referred to direct produce from state crown lands.

12

QUESTION

In the Arthashastra, what was the superintendent of mines and metallurgical workshops called?

ANSWER Akaradhyaksha

Explanation

Akaradhyaksha oversaw mining operations and mineral prospecting, a state monopoly in the Mauryan economy.

13

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).

14

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.

15

QUESTION

According to Megasthenes and Strabo, what unique elite military unit guarded the person of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya during royal processions and hunts?

ANSWER Armed female bodyguards (Amazonian guards)

Explanation

Megasthenes noted that Chandragupta Maurya was constantly protected by an escort of armed women bodyguards (Yavanis/Stri-rakshakas).

16

QUESTION

Who rediscovered and first published the full Sanskrit manuscript of Kautilya's Arthashastra in 1909?

ANSWER R. Shamasastry

Explanation

Rudrapatna Shamasastry discovered the palm-leaf manuscript of the Arthashastra in the Oriental Research Institute, Mysore, and published it in 1909.

17

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.

18

QUESTION

According to the Arthashastra, what was 'Varta'?

ANSWER The threefold economic science of Agriculture, Cattle rearing, and Trade

Explanation

Kautilya defines Varta as the practical economic livelihood comprising Krishi (agriculture), Pashupalya (animal husbandry), and Vanijya (commerce).

19

QUESTION

In Kautilya's administrative hierarchy, who was the superintendent in charge of state-owned royal forests and botanical timber reserves?

ANSWER Kupyadhyaksha

Explanation

The Kupyadhyaksha was the superintendent of forest products (Kupya), overseeing timber cutting, medicinal plant gathering, and forest-based craft production.

20

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).

21

QUESTION

Which Greek-Aramaic bilingual inscription of Ashoka mentions that fishermen and hunters ceased their killing activities following the propagation of Dhamma?

ANSWER Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription

Explanation

The Greek portion of the Kandahar inscription explicitly records that the king's hunters and fishermen gave up killing living beings in obedience to royal piety.

22

QUESTION

In Buddhist lore, which monk initiated Emperor Ashoka into the Buddhist faith following the trauma of the Kalinga War?

ANSWER Upagupta (or Samudra)

Explanation

According to the Ashokavadana and Divyavadana, the Buddhist elder Upagupta (son of a perfume seller of Mathura) converted Ashoka.

23

QUESTION

Which Ashokan edict mentions his pilgrimage to Sambodhi (Bodh Gaya) and the replacement of royal pleasure hunts (Viharayatras) with pious tours (Dhammayatras)?

ANSWER Major Rock Edict VIII

Explanation

Major Rock Edict VIII records that ten years after his coronation, Ashoka visited Bodh Gaya and replaced hunting tours (Viharayatras) with tours of piety (Dhammayatras).

24

QUESTION

In the Arthashastra, what was the superintendent of passports and state identity passes called?

ANSWER Mudradhyaksha

Explanation

Mudradhyaksha issued official stamped passes (Mudra) required for citizens and foreign travelers entering or leaving the kingdom.

25

QUESTION

In Major Rock Edict III, Emperor Ashoka mandates that high state officials (Yuktas, Rajukas, and Pradesikas) undertake tours of inspection every five years. What were these tours called?

ANSWER Anusamayana

Explanation

Major Rock Edict III institutes the quinquennial circuit tours of inspection known as 'Anusamayana' to instruct citizens in Dhamma alongside administrative audits.

26

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).

27

QUESTION

Ashoka's son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitta were dispatched to Sri Lanka during the reign of which contemporary king of Anuradhapura?

ANSWER Devanampiya Tissa

Explanation

King Devanampiya Tissa of Sri Lanka converted to Buddhism under Mahendra and planted the sacred branch of the Bodhi tree brought by Theri Sanghamitta.

28

QUESTION

What standard silver coin featuring 5 punch symbols was the official circulating currency of the Mauryan Empire?

ANSWER Pana (Karshapana)

Explanation

The Mauryan Pana (silver punch-marked coin weighing approx 3.5 grams or 32 rattis) was the standard unit of account and state salaries.

29

QUESTION

Which ancient Chinese historical chronicle mentions the diplomatic missions between the Hellenistic courts and the Mauryan court of Bindusara?

ANSWER Weilue (by Yu Huan)

Explanation

The 3rd-century Chinese text Weilue mentions diplomatic embassies and overland trade connecting the Roman/Hellenistic orient with northern India.

30

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.

31

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.

32

QUESTION

Who was the 'Ganikadhyaksha' in the administrative system of the Arthashastra?

ANSWER Superintendent of Courtesans and Public Entertainers

Explanation

The Ganikadhyaksha regulated courtesans, dancers, and actors, collecting state taxes on their earnings and recruiting female spies.

33

QUESTION

In the Arthashastra, what was the superintendent in charge of the royal elephant corps and state elephant preserves called?

ANSWER Hastyadhyaksha

Explanation

The Hastyadhyaksha managed elephant sanctuaries (Hasti-vana), elephant capture, stabling, training, and veterinary healthcare for battle.

34

QUESTION

Which ancient Mauryan-era limestone inscription found in the Bogra district of Bangladesh records emergency grain and monetary relief during a famine?

ANSWER Mahasthan Inscription

Explanation

The Mahasthan Inscription refers to Pundanagala (Pundravardhana) and commands that Gandaka and Kakini coins and paddy be disbursed to drought-affected citizens.

35

QUESTION

Who was the 'Pautavadhyaksha' in Mauryan administration?

ANSWER Superintendent of Standard Weights and Measures

Explanation

The Pautavadhyaksha was tasked with standardizing, inspecting, and stamping official weights and measures used in commerce.

36

QUESTION

In which regnal year of Ashoka (c. 261 BCE) did the devastating Kalinga War take place?

ANSWER 8th regnal year

Explanation

Major Rock Edict XIII states that Ashoka conquered Kalinga eight years after his royal coronation (in his 9th year of reign).

37

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).

38

QUESTION

According to the Mahavamsa, how many sons did Emperor Bindusara have from different queens?

ANSWER 101 sons

Explanation

The Mahavamsa states that Bindusara had 101 sons, of whom Sumana (Susima) was the eldest, Ashoka the middle, and Tissa (Vitasoka) the youngest co-uterine brother.

39

QUESTION

Which Hellenistic geographer in Alexandria based his account of India on the memoirs of Megasthenes and Deimachus?

ANSWER Eratosthenes (and Strabo)

Explanation

Eratosthenes, the chief librarian at Alexandria, drew upon Megasthenes and Deimachus to reconstruct the geography and dimensions of the Indian subcontinent.

40

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.

41

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).

42

QUESTION

In the Arthashastra, what was the superintendent of the state royal armory and weapon manufacturing called?

ANSWER Ayudhagaradhyaksha

Explanation

The Ayudhagaradhyaksha oversaw the manufacture, storage, repair, and inventory of bows, arrows, armor, catapults, and artillery weapons.

43

QUESTION

Which ancient trade route connected Pataliputra to Taxila and northwestern frontiers, famously renovated as the Grand Trunk Road in later eras?

ANSWER Uttarapatha (Northern Highway)

Explanation

The Uttarapatha was the premier overland trans-regional arterial trade corridor running across northern India from the Bay of Bengal (Tamralipti) to Central Asia.

44

QUESTION

Which Maurya king was reigning when the Greco-Bactrian King Antiochus III the Great crossed the Hindu Kush into northwestern India in 206 BCE to renew friendship?

ANSWER Sophagasenus (Subhagasena)

Explanation

Polybius records that Antiochus III renewed the ancestral alliance with the Indian king Sophagasenus (Subhagasena) in Kabul/Gandhara and received 150 war elephants.

45

QUESTION

Which special class of high-ranking royal officers was created by Ashoka in his 14th regnal year to propagate morality and communal welfare?

ANSWER Dhamma Mahamattas

Explanation

Ashoka instituted the office of 'Dhamma Mahamatta' (described in Major Rock Edict V) to foster moral welfare and oversee justice across all sects.

46

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).

47

QUESTION

Which city was the headquarters of the southern viceroyalty (Dakshinapatha) under the Mauryan Empire?

ANSWER Suvarnagiri

Explanation

Suvarnagiri ('the golden mountain', located near Jonnagiri/Kanakagiri in Andhra/Karnataka) was the seat of the southern Mauryan Viceroy (Kumara).

48

QUESTION

Which Mauryan-period copper plate inscription discovered in Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) records royal drought relief measures and the distribution of grain from state storehouses (Koshthagara)?

ANSWER Sohgaura Copper Plate

Explanation

The Sohgaura Copper Plate Inscription (written in Mauryan Brahmi) details the construction of state granaries to alleviate famines.

49

QUESTION

In Kautilya's Mandala Theory of foreign policy, what is the king seeking imperial expansion called?

ANSWER Vijigishu

Explanation

The 'Vijigishu' (the ambitious conqueror) forms the nucleus of the concentric Mandala system of interstate relations.

50

QUESTION

Which grandson of Ashoka is renowned in Jain chronicles as an ardent patron of Jainism who erected thousands of Jain shrines?

ANSWER Samprati

Explanation

Jain traditions credit King Samprati with actively propagating Jainism across western and southern India, earning him a status comparable to Ashoka in Buddhism.

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