✅ Answer: B) 500 war elephantsChandragupta gave Seleucus 500 war elephants in exchange for territories (Afghanistan, Balochistan, parts of Persia). Seleucus also sent Megasthenes as ambassador to Chandragupta’s court. These elephants later helped Seleucus defeat his rivals in the Wars of the Diadochi (successors of Alexander).

✅ Answer: C) R. ShamasastryR. Shamasastry, a Sanskrit scholar and librarian at the Oriental Research Institute in Mysore, rediscovered and translated the Arthashastra in 1904. The Arthashastra, written by Kautilya (Chanakya), is a comprehensive treatise on statecraft, economics, and military strategy with 15 books.

✅ Answer: C) 261 BCEThe Kalinga War was fought in 261 BCE. It was Ashoka’s last military conquest. The war resulted in 100,000 killed and 150,000 deported. Ashoka’s remorse is described in Rock Edict XIII. After Kalinga, Ashoka converted to Buddhism and adopted Dhamma Vijaya (conquest through righteousness).

✅ Answer: B) SarnathIndia’s National Emblem is adopted from the Sarnath Lion Capital — four lions back-to-back on an abacus with four animals (lion, elephant, horse, bull) and a Dharma Chakra. It was adopted on January 26, 1950. The motto “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth alone triumphs) is from the Mundaka Upanishad.

✅ Answer: D) Rock Edict XIIIRock Edict XIII is the most important Ashokan edict — it describes the Kalinga War, Ashoka’s remorse, his conversion to Buddhism, and his adoption of Dhamma Vijaya. Rock Edict V mentions the appointment of Dhamma Mahamatras. Rock Edict I bans animal sacrifice.

✅ Answer: B) JainismChandragupta Maurya abdicated (~297 BCE) in favour of his son Bindusara and converted to Jainism under the influence of Jain monk Bhadrabahu. He migrated to Shravanabelagola (Karnataka) and died by Sallekhana (Jain practice of fasting unto death). Ashoka (his grandson) converted to Buddhism.

✅ Answer: B) Pushyamitra ShungaPushyamitra Shunga, the commander-in-chief of the Mauryan army, killed the last Mauryan king Brihadratha in 185 BCE and founded the Shunga dynasty. The Shungas were Brahmins who revived Brahmanical Hinduism. They patronised the Sanchi Stupa (added the famous toranas/gateways).

✅ Answer: B) PrakritAshoka’s edicts are written in Prakrit language (the language of common people) using Brahmi script (most), Kharosthi (northwest), and Greek/Aramaic (Afghanistan). Ashoka deliberately used Prakrit — not Sanskrit (language of priests) — to communicate directly with all his subjects.

✅ Answer: A) Patna (Pataliputra)The Didarganj Yakshi was found at Patna (ancient Pataliputra). It is a polished sandstone sculpture of a female figure (Yakshi) and is considered the finest example of Mauryan sculpture. It demonstrates the remarkable Mauryan polish technique. It is now displayed at the Patna Museum.

✅ Answer: B) Beloved of Gods, of Gracious Mien“Devanampiya” means “Beloved of Gods” and “Piyadassi” means “of Gracious Mien” (pleasant to behold). Ashoka used this title in his edicts instead of his personal name. The Maski Minor Rock Edict was the first to mention the name “Ashoka” directly, helping historians identify Devanampiya Piyadassi as Ashoka.