Why did Ashoka give up war after the Kalinga war?

Ashoka won the Kalinga war but was horrified by the massive loss of life — over one lakh killed and many more displaced — which led him to renounce war and embrace Buddhism and Dhamma.

Who founded the Maurya Empire?

Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire in 322 BCE with the guidance of his advisor Chanakya (Kautilya).

What is the Arthashastra?

The Arthashastra, written by Kautilya (Chanakya), is a treatise on statecraft, administration, and economic policy that provides detailed information about the Mauryan administration.

What are the important sources for studying the Mauryan period?

The Arthashastra by Kautilya, Indica by Megasthenese, and Mudrarakshasa by Vishakadatta are the key literary sources for the Mauryan period.

From Chiefdoms to Empires Exercise Solutions | KalviGavani

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From Chiefdoms to Empires — Exercise Solutions

Use this page alongside the official Samacheer Kalvi textbook. Solve every exercise question on your own first, then check the solutions below.

I. Choose the Correct Answer (MCQs)

Q1. The Kingdom which was most powerful among the four Mahajanapadas.

(a) Kosala
(b) Magadha
(c) Vatsa
(d) Avanti

Answer(b) Magadha ✓

Magadha emerged as the most powerful Mahajanapada due to its strategic location, rich iron ore deposits, thick forests providing timber and elephants, and strong rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatasatru.

Q2. Among the following, who was the contemporary of Gautama Buddha?

(a) Ajatasatru
(b) Bimbisara
(c) Udayin
(d) Mahapadma Nanda

Answer(a) Ajatasatru ✓

Ajatasatru, the king of Magadha, was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha. He was the son of Bimbisara.

Q3. Which of the following are the sources of the Mauryan period?

(a) Artha Sastra
(b) Indica
(c) Mudrarakshasa
(d) All the above

Answer(d) All the above ✓

All three — Arthashastra by Kautilya, Indica by Megasthenese, and Mudrarakshasa by Vishakadatta — are important literary sources for the Mauryan period.

Q4. Chandragupta Maurya abdicated the throne and went to Sravanabelagola along with Jaina Saint ____.

(a) Bhadrabahu
(b) Gosala
(c) Parsva
(d) Mahavira

Answer(a) Bhadrabahu ✓

Chandragupta Maurya, in his later years, embraced Jainism and went to Sravanabelagola (in present-day Karnataka) with the Jain saint Bhadrabahu, where he performed Sallekhana (fasting unto death).

Q5. ____ was the ambassador of Seleucus Nicator.

(a) Kautilya
(b) Vishakadatta
(c) Ashoka
(d) Megasthenese

Answer(d) Megasthenese ✓

Megasthenese was sent as an ambassador by Seleucus Nicator (the Greek ruler) to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. He wrote the book Indica describing Mauryan society and administration.

Q6. Who was the last emperor of the Mauryan Dynasty?

(a) Ashoka
(b) Bindusara
(c) Brihadratha
(d) Dasharatha

Answer(c) Brihadratha ✓

Brihadratha was the last Mauryan ruler. He was assassinated by his general Pushyamitra Sunga, who then established the Sunga dynasty.

II. Match the Statement with the Reason

Q1. Statement (A): Ashoka is considered as one of India's greatest rulers. Reason (R): He ruled according to the principle of Dhamma.

AnswerBoth A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A ✓

Ashoka's greatness is directly linked to his governance based on Dhamma — his policy of peace, welfare, and moral living made him one of India's greatest rulers.

Q2. Statement 1: Chandragupta Maurya was the first ruler who unified entire India under one political unit. Statement 2: The Arthashastra provides information about the Mauryan administration.

AnswerBoth 1 and 2 are correct ✓

Chandragupta Maurya unified most of India under one empire, and the Arthashastra by Kautilya is a key source of information about Mauryan administration.

Q3. Statement 1: Chandragupta Maurya was the first king of Magadha. Statement 2: Rajagriha was the capital of Magadha.

AnswerOnly Statement 2 is correct ✓

Rajagriha was indeed the early capital of Magadha, but Chandragupta Maurya was not the first king of Magadha — Bimbisara of the Haryanka dynasty was an earlier ruler.

Q4. Arrange the following dynasties in chronological order: Haryanka, Sishunaga, Nanda, Maurya.

AnswerHaryanka — Sishunaga — Nanda — Maurya ✓

The correct chronological sequence of Magadhan dynasties is: Haryanka (founded by Bimbisara) → Sishunaga → Nanda → Maurya (founded by Chandragupta Maurya).

Q5. Factors contributing to the rise of the Magadhan Empire: (1) Strategic location, (2) Thick forest supplied timber and elephants, (3) Control over sea, (4) Availability of rich deposits of iron ores.

Answer1, 2, and 4 only ✓

Magadha's rise was due to its strategic location, forests providing timber and war elephants, and iron ore deposits. Control over the sea was not a factor — Magadha was an inland kingdom.

III. Fill in the Blanks

1. Rajagriha was the earliest capital of Magadha.

2. Mudrarakshasa was written by Vishakadatta.

3. Ashoka was the son of Bindusara.

4. The founder of the Maurya Empire was Chandragupta Maurya.

5. Dhamma Mahamattas were appointed to spread Dhamma all over the empire.

IV. True or False (with Corrections)

Q1. The title Devanam Piya was given to Chandragupta Maurya.

AnswerFalse ✓

Correction: The title "Devanampiya" (beloved of the gods) was given to Ashoka, not Chandragupta Maurya.

Q2. Ashoka gave up war after his defeat in Kalinga.

AnswerFalse ✓

Correction: Ashoka did not suffer a defeat in Kalinga — he actually won the Kalinga war. It was the massive loss of life and suffering that horrified him and led him to renounce war and embrace Dhamma.

Q3. Ashoka's Dhamma was based on the principle of Buddhism.

AnswerTrue ✓

Ashoka's Dhamma was influenced by Buddhist principles of non-violence, compassion, and tolerance, though it was also a universal moral code for all his subjects regardless of their religion.

Q4. The lions on the currency notes is taken from the Rampurwa bull capital.

AnswerFalse ✓

Correction: The lions on India's currency notes and the national emblem are taken from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka, not the Rampurwa bull capital.

Q5. Buddha's relics were placed in the centre of the Stupas.

AnswerTrue ✓

Stupas were originally built to house the relics of the Buddha at their centre. Later, stupas were also built to house relics of other enlightened beings.

V. Match the Following

#	Column A	Column B	Match
1	Gana	(a) Arthasastra	(3) People
2	Megasthenese	(b) Religious tours	(4) Indica
3	Chanakya	(c) People	(1) Arthasastra
4	Dharmayatras	(d) Indica	(2) Religious tours

VI. Very Short Answer Questions

Q1. Mention any two literary sources of the Mauryan period.

Answer1. Arthashastra — written by Kautilya (Chanakya), a treatise on statecraft and administration 2. Indica — written by Megasthenese, describing Mauryan society and administration

(Other sources: Mudrarakshasa by Vishakadatta)

Q2. What is a stupa?

AnswerA stupa is a dome-shaped structure built to house the sacred relics of the Buddha or other holy persons. It serves as a place of worship, meditation, and reverence for Buddhists.

Q3. Name the dynasties of Magadha.

AnswerThe four dynasties that ruled Magadha were: 1. Haryanka dynasty (founded by Bimbisara) 2. Sishunaga dynasty 3. Nanda dynasty (last ruler: Dhana Nanda) 4. Maurya dynasty (founded by Chandragupta Maurya)

Q4. What were the sources of revenue during the Mauryan period?

AnswerThe main sources of revenue during the Mauryan period were:

Land revenue (called Bhaga — one-sixth of the produce)
Taxes on trade and crafts
Fines and penalties
Tributes from feudatories
Taxes on forests, mines, and irrigation

Q5. Who assisted Nagarika in the administration of towns?

AnswerSthanikas and Gopas assisted the Nagarika in the administration of towns. The Nagarika was the chief administrator of a town or city.

Q6. What do you know from the Rock Edicts II and XIII of Ashoka?

Answer

Rock Edict II mentions Ashoka's welfare measures for people and animals — he arranged for medical treatment, planted trees, and dug wells along roads.
Rock Edict XIII describes the horrors of the Kalinga war and Ashoka's deep remorse, which led him to renounce war and embrace the path of Dhamma.

Q7. Which classical Tamil poetic works have references to the Mauryans?

AnswerThe Sangam literature works Ahananuru and Purananuru contain references to the Mauryans, indicating awareness of Mauryan power in ancient Tamil Nadu.

VII. Short Answer Questions

Q1. What did Ashoka do to spread Buddhism? (Write any three points)

Answer1. Ashoka sent missionaries (including his own children Mahendra and Sanghamitra) to various parts of India and abroad (like Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia) to spread Buddhism. 2. He convened the Third Buddhist Council at Pataliputra to resolve differences among Buddhist monks and consolidate the teachings. 3. He built numerous stupas, viharas, and got Buddhist teachings inscribed on rock edicts and pillars across his empire to propagate Dhamma.

Q2. Write any three causes for the rise of Magadha.

Answer1. Strategic location — Rajagriha and Pataliputra were well-fortified capitals. Pataliputra was situated at the junction of the Ganges and the Son rivers, enabling easy transport and trade. 2. Thick forests — The forests around Magadha supplied timber for construction and elephants for the army, giving Magadha a military advantage. 3. Rich iron ore deposits — The availability of iron ore enabled the production of superior weapons and agricultural tools, strengthening both military power and agricultural productivity.

VIII. HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)

Q1. Kalinga war became a turning point in Ashoka's life. How?

AnswerThe Kalinga war (c. 261 BCE) was one of the bloodiest wars in Indian history. Ashoka won the war, but the aftermath changed him profoundly:

Over one lakh people were killed and many more were displaced and suffered.
The sight of so much death, suffering, and destruction deeply moved Ashoka.
He realised that military conquest brought only suffering, not true victory.
He renounced war and violence and embraced the teachings of the Buddha.
He devoted the rest of his reign to spreading Dhamma — a code of moral conduct emphasising non-violence, compassion, tolerance, and respect for all religions.
This transformation earned him the title "Devanampiya" (beloved of the gods) and made him one of the greatest rulers in world history.

Q2. Write any five welfare measures you would do if you were a king like Ashoka.

Answer1. Build hospitals and veterinary clinics for the treatment of both humans and animals. 2. Construct roads, rest houses, and wells along trade routes for the convenience of travellers. 3. Provide free education and medical facilities for all citizens, especially the poor. 4. Ensure fair justice and reduce harsh punishments — following Ashoka's principle of compassionate governance. 5. Promote moral and ethical values among citizens through education and public messaging, encouraging tolerance, non-violence, and respect for all religions.

IX. Picture Study

Q1. What are edicts?

AnswerEdicts are official orders or proclamations inscribed on rocks, pillars, and cave walls by rulers for public information. Ashoka's edicts spread his message of Dhamma across the empire.

Q2. How are Ashokan edicts useful?

AnswerAshokan edicts are useful because they provide:

Information about Ashoka's Dhamma and his welfare policies
Details about the extent of the Mauryan Empire
Knowledge of Mauryan administration and governance
Insight into the social and religious conditions of the period
Evidence of Ashoka's efforts to promote peace, tolerance, and moral living

Q3. Where were these edicts inscribed?

AnswerAshokan edicts were inscribed on rocks, pillars, and cave walls at various locations throughout the empire — from Afghanistan in the northwest to Karnataka in the south, and from Gujarat in the west to Odisha in the east.

Q4. Name the script used in the Sanchi Inscription.

AnswerThe Brahmi script was used in the Sanchi inscription. Brahmi was the most widely used script in Ashokan inscriptions.

Q5. How many Rock Edicts are there?

AnswerThere are 14 major Rock Edicts of Ashoka, found at various locations across the Indian subcontinent.

X. Who Am I?

Q1. I belonged to the Haryanka dynasty. I extended territory by matrimonial alliances. My son is Ajatasatru.

AnswerBimbisara

Bimbisara was the founder of the Haryanka dynasty. He strengthened Magadha through matrimonial alliances with the ruling families of Kosala, Vaishali, and Madra.

Q2. I played a significant role in the transformation of society. I am used in making ploughshare.

AnswerIron

Iron was crucial for making ploughshares (improving agriculture) and weapons (strengthening military power), both of which transformed ancient Indian society.

Q3. I was known as Devanampiya. I embraced the path of peace.

AnswerAshoka

Ashoka was given the title "Devanampiya" (beloved of the gods). After the Kalinga war, he embraced Buddhism and the path of peace and Dhamma.

Q4. I established the first largest empire in India. I performed Sallekhana.

AnswerChandragupta Maurya

Chandragupta Maurya founded the first large empire in India. In his later years, he embraced Jainism and performed Sallekhana (fasting unto death) at Sravanabelagola.

Q5. I am found in the Lion Capital of Ashoka. I am at the centre of our national flag.

AnswerThe Ashoka Chakra (Dharma Chakra)

The Ashoka Chakra (wheel with 24 spokes) from the Lion Capital at Sarnath is featured at the centre of India's national flag.

XI. Decipher the Code — The Mauryan Empire

Using the number-to-letter code (A=1, B=2, C=3, ...):

1. (8,1,18,25,1,14,11,1) → H-A-R-Y-A-N-K-A = Haryanka 2. (13,1,21,18,25,1) → M-A-U-R-Y-A = Maurya 3. (21,4,1,25,9,14) → U-D-A-Y-I-N = Udayin 4. (19,16,9,3,5,19) → S-P-I-C-E-S = Spices 5. (14,1,12,1,14,4,1) → N-A-L-A-N-D-A = Nalanda 6. (2,8,1,7,1) → B-H-A-G-A = Bhaga 7. (18,15,3,11,5,4,9,3,20) → R-O-C-K-E-D-I-C-T = Rock Edict 8. (1,13,9,20,18,1,7,1,20,8,1) → A-M-I-T-R-A-G-H-A-T-A = Amitraghatha 9. (4,8,1,18,13,1,3,8,1,11,8,1) → D-H-A-R-M-A-C-H-A-K-R-A = Dharmachakra 10. (13,1,14,4,18,9,16,1,18,9,19,8,1,4) → M-A-N-D-R-I-P-A-R-I-S-H-A-D = Mantriparishad

XII. Answer Grid

#	Question	Answer
1	Name the two kinds of government in North India during 6th century BCE	Monarchy (kingdoms) and Gana/Sangha (republics)
2	Who conducted the second Buddhist Council at Vaishali?	Kalashoka
3	What is the modern name for Kalinga?	Odisha
4	Town was administered by ____	Nagarika
5	Where was the third Buddhist Council convened by Ashoka?	Pataliputra
6	Name any two major Mahajanapadas	Magadha and Kosala
7	Which inscription records the construction of Sudarshana lake?	Junagadh Rock Inscription of Rudradaman
8	Who was the last Nanda ruler?	Dhana Nanda
9	Name the silver coin used during the Mauryan period	Purana (Dharana)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Saying "Ashoka was defeated in the Kalinga war." Ashoka won the Kalinga war. It was the massive loss of life — not military defeat — that made him renounce war. This is a very common exam mistake.

2. Confusing "Devanampiya" with Chandragupta Maurya. The title Devanampiya (beloved of the gods) belongs to Ashoka, not Chandragupta Maurya.

3. Mixing up the dynasties of Magadha. The correct chronological order is: Haryanka → Sishunaga → Nanda → Maurya. Bimbisara founded the Haryanka dynasty; Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya dynasty.

4. Confusing Viharas, Chaityas, and Stupas. Viharas = monasteries (living quarters for monks); Chaityas = prayer halls/shrines; Stupas = dome-shaped structures housing relics. Do not mix these.

5. Writing "Ashoka's Dhamma was Buddhism." Ashoka's Dhamma was influenced by Buddhism but was not identical to it. Dhamma was a universal moral code applicable to all religions — emphasising non-violence, tolerance, respect for elders, and welfare of all beings.

6. Confusing literary sources. Arthashastra was written by Kautilya (Chanakya); Indica was written by Megasthenese; Mudrarakshasa was written by Vishakadatta. Each source has a different author — do not mix them up.

7. Forgetting Magadha's specific advantages. When asked "why Magadha rose to power," students must mention all three factors: strategic location, thick forests (timber + elephants), and iron ore deposits. Control over the sea is NOT a factor — Magadha was inland.

Exam Checklist

Before your exam, make sure you can:

[ ] List the four dynasties of Magadha in chronological order (Haryanka → Sishunaga → Nanda → Maurya)
[ ] Explain at least three reasons for the rise of Magadha (location, forests, iron ore)
[ ] Describe the Mauryan Empire — founder, extent, and significance
[ ] Identify key Mauryan rulers: Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusara, Ashoka, Brihadratha
[ ] Explain the impact of the Kalinga war on Ashoka and his adoption of Dhamma
[ ] List the literary sources: Arthashastra (Kautilya), Indica (Megasthenese), Mudrarakshasa (Vishakadatta)
[ ] Differentiate between key terms: Nagarika, Dhamma Mahamatta, Mantriparishad, Bhaga
[ ] Explain the features of Ashoka's Dhamma and its edicts (Rock Edicts, Pillar Edicts)
[ ] Identify key monuments: Sarnath Lion Capital, Ashoka Chakra, Stupas
[ ] Distinguish between Viharas, Chaityas, and Stupas
[ ] Answer "Who Am I" questions on Bimbisara, Iron, Ashoka, Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka Chakra
[ ] Explain the administration of Mauryan towns (Nagarika, Sthanikas, Gopas)
[ ] Describe the significance of Ashokan edicts and their locations

Frequently Asked Questions

Haryanka, Sishunaga, Nanda, and Maurya were the four dynasties that ruled Magadha in chronological order.