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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(Other sources: Mudrarakshasa by Vishakadatta)
Q2. What is a stupa?
Q3. Name the dynasties of Magadha.
Q4. What were the sources of revenue during the Mauryan period?
- 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?
Q6. What do you know from the Rock Edicts II and XIII of Ashoka?
- 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?
VII. Short Answer Questions
Q1. What did Ashoka do to spread Buddhism? (Write any three points)
Q2. Write any three causes for the rise of Magadha.
VIII. HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)
Q1. Kalinga war became a turning point in Ashoka's life. How?
- 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.
IX. Picture Study
Q1. What are edicts?
Q2. How are Ashokan edicts useful?
- 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?
Q4. Name the script used in the Sanchi Inscription.
Q5. How many Rock Edicts are there?
X. Who Am I?
Q1. I belonged to the Haryanka dynasty. I extended territory by matrimonial alliances. My son is Ajatasatru.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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