Maharashtra Board Class 6 Science Chapter 7 India during the Maurya Period Solutions

India During The Maurya Period Class 6 Questions And Answers

1. Answer In One Sentence:

Question 1. Why did the satraps begin to fight among themselves?
Answer: After Alexander's death, a struggle for power began among the satraps that he had appointed.
In simple words: After Alexander's death, his appointed governors (satraps) started fighting among themselves for control and power.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding the immediate aftermath of Alexander's death is crucial for questions on regional power struggles.

Question 2. Who did Ashoka send to Sri Lanka for the spread of Buddhism?
Answer: Ashoka sent his own son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka for the spread of Buddhism.
In simple words: Emperor Ashoka sent his children, Mahendra and Sanghamitra, to Sri Lanka to help spread the Buddhist religion there.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the names Mahendra and Sanghamitra and their role in the propagation of Buddhism for factual recall questions.

Question 3. What were the occupations of the people during the Mauryan period?
Answer: During the Mauryan period, there were many occupations like carving and engraving on ivory, weaving and dyeing cloth and metal work. Black, glazed pottery was produced. Ship building and technology of making articles of iron had also developed.
In simple words: Mauryan people engaged in diverse occupations such as ivory carving, cloth weaving and dyeing, metalwork, pottery making, shipbuilding, and iron crafting.

🎯 Exam Tip: Listing various economic activities and crafts provides a comprehensive answer. Focus on specific examples like ivory carving and shipbuilding.

Question 4. Which animal engravings are found on the pillars erected by Emperor Ashoka?
Answer: Excellent carvings of animals like the lion, elephant, bull are found on the pillars erected by Ashoka.
In simple words: Ashoka's pillars feature remarkable carvings of animals such as lions, elephants, and bulls.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recall the specific animals (lion, elephant, bull) associated with Ashokan pillars, as this is a common detail asked in exams.

2. Can You Explain ?

Question 1. Satrap
Answer: When Alexander was forced to return back to Greece, he appointed Greek officers to administer the conquered territories. They were called satraps.
In simple words: Satraps were Greek officers appointed by Alexander to govern the lands he conquered before he returned to Greece.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define 'satrap' accurately, linking it to Alexander's administration of conquered territories.

Question 2. Sudarshan
Answer: Emperor Chandragupta Maurya built a dam called 'Sudarshan' near Junagadh in Gujarat state.
In simple words: Sudarshan refers to a significant dam constructed by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya near Junagadh in Gujarat.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that Sudarshan refers to a dam and associate it with Chandragupta Maurya and the Gujarat region.

Question 3. 'Devanampiyo Piyadasi'
Answer: The name given to Emperor Ashoka which means beloved of the Gods and he who looks on with affection.
In simple words: 'Devanampiyo Piyadasi' was a title for Emperor Ashoka, meaning 'beloved of the Gods' and 'one who looks on with affection'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Know the meaning and significance of the title 'Devanampiyo Piyadasi' as it directly relates to Emperor Ashoka's reign and philosophy.

Question 4. Ashtapad
Answer: The game of chess was called Ashtapad.
In simple words: Ashtapad was the ancient name for the game of chess.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify 'Ashtapad' as the historical name for chess in the context of ancient Indian games.

3. Recall And Describe:

Question 1. The extent of Chandragupta Maurya's empire.
Answer:
• Chandragupta Maurya defeated the Nanda dynasty and established his rule in Magadha.
• He won Avanti and Saurashtra and began to extend the boundaries of his empire.
• On defeating Seleucus Nicator he included the north west region of Kabul, Kandahar and Herat in the Mauryan Empire.
In simple words: Chandragupta Maurya expanded his empire by conquering the Nanda dynasty in Magadha, winning Avanti and Saurashtra, and gaining regions like Kabul, Kandahar, and Herat after defeating Seleucus Nicator.

🎯 Exam Tip: For describing the empire's extent, mention key regions and significant victories like the defeat of the Nanda dynasty and Seleucus Nicator.

Question 2. The extent of Ashoka's empire.
Answer: Ashoka's empire extended from Afghanistan in the northwest and Nepal in the north to Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in the south, and from Bengal in the east to Saurashtra in the west.
In simple words: Emperor Ashoka's vast empire stretched from Afghanistan in the northwest to Nepal in the north, covering areas down to Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in the south, and from Bengal in the east to Saurashtra in the west.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state the geographical boundaries (north, south, east, west) of Ashoka's empire, including significant regions like Afghanistan and Saurashtra.

4. Match The Following:

Question 1.

🎯 Exam Tip: Carefully cross-reference each historical figure or entity in Column A with their correct description or association in Column B.

5. What Is Your Opinion?

Question 1. Alexander had to turn back.
Answer:
• During the Indian invasion, Alexander's army had to suffer severe hardships.
• The army was also away from home for a very long time so the soldiers were eager to go back.
• Therefore, they rebelled, against Alexander and he was forced to go back to Greece.
In simple words: Alexander's army faced severe difficulties, was far from home, and eventually rebelled, forcing him to turn back to Greece.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining why Alexander turned back, emphasize the hardships faced by his army, their desire to return home, and the resulting rebellion.

Question 2. Coins of Greek kings were characteristic.
Answer:
• The Greek kings minted characteristic coins.
• On one side, the coin had a picture of the king who had minted the coin and on the other side, a picture of a Greek God.
• The name of the king was also written on the coin.
• Alexander's coins were of the same type.
In simple words: Greek coins were unique because they depicted the king who minted them on one side and a Greek God on the other, along with the king's name.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the distinctive features of Greek coins, such as the depiction of the king and a Greek God, and the inscription of the king's name.

Question 3. Emperor Ashoka decided never to wage war again.
Answer:
• Emperor Ashoka decided never to wage war again when he witnessed the bloodshed and devastation caused by Kalinga war.
• Emperor Ashoka had a change of heart and embraced Buddhism.
In simple words: Ashoka chose to stop waging war after witnessing the immense suffering and destruction during the Kalinga war, which led him to embrace Buddhism.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect Ashoka's decision to stop warfare directly to the Kalinga war's devastation and his subsequent conversion to Buddhism.

6. Describe In Your Own Words:

Question 1. Public welfare works of Emperor Ashoka
Answer:
• Emperor Ashoka laid stress on the creation of facilities for the welfare of the people.
• He made provision for free medicines and medical treatment for people as well as for animals.
• He built many roads.
• He dug wells and built dharmashalas.
In simple words: Emperor Ashoka focused on public welfare by providing free medical care for both people and animals, constructing roads, digging wells, and building rest houses (dharmashalas).

🎯 Exam Tip: When detailing Ashoka's welfare works, remember to include provisions for healthcare (human and animal), infrastructure (roads, wells), and rest facilities.

Question 2. Means of entertainment and sport of the Mauryan period.
Answer:
• Different festivals and functions were celebrated in villages and towns.
• Dance and music concerts were a part of entertainment.
• Wrestling bouts and chariot races were popular.
• Board games and chess called Ashtapad was also popular.
In simple words: Mauryan entertainment included festivals, functions, dance and music performances, popular sports like wrestling and chariot races, and board games like Ashtapad (chess).

🎯 Exam Tip: List a variety of entertainment forms, distinguishing between community events (festivals), performing arts (dance, music), sports (wrestling, chariot races), and indoor games (Ashtapad).

Class 6 History Chapter 7 India During The Maurya Period Additional Important Questions And Answers

Complete The Sentence By Choosing The Correct Option:

Question 1. Alexander, the Greek emperor, invaded ___ northwestern frontier in 326 BCE.
(a) China
(b) India
(c) Nepal
Answer: (b) India
In simple words: Alexander the Great invaded the northwestern part of India in 326 BCE.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the specific region (northwestern frontier) and the year (326 BCE) of Alexander's invasion of India.

Question 2. Emperor Alexander appointed Greek officers to ___ the conquered territories.
(a) teach
(b) develop
(c) administer
Answer: (c) administer
In simple words: Alexander appointed Greek officers to govern the territories he had conquered.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the administrative role of the Greek officers appointed by Alexander in the conquered regions.

Question 3. Alexander died on his way back to Greece in 323 BCE at ___ .
(a) Babylon
(b) Sri Lanka
(c) Nepal
Answer: (a) Babylon
In simple words: Alexander died in Babylon in 323 BCE while returning to Greece.

🎯 Exam Tip: Crucially remember Babylon as the place where Alexander died in 323 BCE.

Question 4. Alexander's campaign led to an ___ in trade between India and the western world.
(a) decrease
(b) standstill
(c) increase
Answer: (c) increase
In simple words: Alexander's military expeditions actually boosted trade connections between India and the Western world.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that Alexander's campaigns, despite being military, had a positive impact on trade relations between East and West.

Question 5. The ___ who accompanied Alexander introduced India to the western world through their writings.
(a) historians
(b) physicians
(c) musicians
Answer: (a) historians
In simple words: Historians traveling with Alexander documented India, introducing it to the Western world through their written accounts.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize the role of historians accompanying Alexander in providing valuable written accounts about India to the West.

Question 6. Greek ___ sculpture Indian art.
(a) dominated
(b) influenced
(c) crippled
Answer: (b) influenced
In simple words: Greek sculptural styles had an impact on and shaped Indian art.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the cultural exchange between Greek and Indian art, specifically the influence of Greek sculpture on Indian artistic traditions.

Question 7. Indian kings started ___ similar coins like the Greeks.
(a) printing
(b) sculpting
(c) minting
Answer: (c) minting
In simple words: Indian kings began to produce coins that were similar in style to those of the Greeks.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that minting coins was a practice influenced by Greek methods, leading to similar styles in India.

Question 8. Chandragupta Maurya founded the ___ Empire.
(a) Gupta
(b) Nanda
(c) Maurya
Answer: (c) Maurya
In simple words: Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Empire.

🎯 Exam Tip: Directly associate Chandragupta Maurya with the establishment of the Mauryan Empire.

Question 9. After Alexander's death, a struggle for power began among the ___ he had appointed.
(a) satraps
(b) ministers
(c) ambassadors
Answer: (a) satraps
In simple words: After Alexander died, his appointed governors, known as satraps, began to fight among themselves for control.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recall that satraps were the key figures involved in the power struggle following Alexander's demise.

Question 10. Seleucus Nicator was Alexander's ___ .
(a) satrap
(b) general
(c) ambassador
Answer: (b) general
In simple words: Seleucus Nicator was one of Alexander the Great's generals.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify Seleucus Nicator's role as a general under Alexander, which is important for understanding subsequent political events.

Question 11. ___ became the king of Babylon after Alexander's death.
(a) Megasthenes
(b) Chandragupta
(c) Seleucus Nicator
Answer: (c) Seleucus Nicator
In simple words: After Alexander's death, Seleucus Nicator took control and became the ruler of Babylon.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note that Seleucus Nicator was a successor who gained control of Babylon after Alexander's death.

Question 12. ___ , Seleucus Nicator's ambassador stayed back at Chandragupta Maurya's court.
(a) Megasthenes
(b) Alexander
(c) Ashoka
Answer: (a) Megasthenes
In simple words: Megasthenes, who was Seleucus Nicator's ambassador, remained at Chandragupta Maurya's court.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember Megasthenes' name and his diplomatic role as Seleucus Nicator's ambassador to Chandragupta Maurya's court.

Question 13. Megasthene's book ___ is an important source for the study of India during the Mauryan period.
(a) Maruti
(b) Indica
(c) Honda
Answer: (b) Indica
In simple words: Megasthenes' book, titled 'Indica', is a vital historical source for understanding India during the Mauryan period.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize 'Indica' as the key literary source written by Megasthenes, offering insights into Mauryan India.

Question 14. Chandragupta was succeeded by his son ___ .
(a) Ashoka
(b) Bindusara
(c) Shishunag
Answer: (b) Bindusara
In simple words: Chandragupta Maurya was succeeded by his son, Bindusara, as the next emperor.

🎯 Exam Tip: Know the direct line of succession: Chandragupta Maurya was succeeded by Bindusara.

Question 15. After Bindusara's death, his son ___ succeeded to the throne in 273 BCE.
(a) Ashoka
(b) Chandragupta
(c) Samudragupta
Answer: (a) Ashoka
In simple words: Following Bindusara's death, his son Ashoka became emperor in 273 BCE.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the succession from Bindusara to Ashoka and the specific year 273 BCE for Ashoka's ascension.

Question 16. Emperor Ashoka ___ Kalinga.
(a) dominated
(b) destroyed
(c) conquered
Answer: (c) conquered
In simple words: Emperor Ashoka conquered the kingdom of Kalinga in a major war.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify Kalinga as the major kingdom conquered by Emperor Ashoka, an event pivotal to his later change of heart.

Question 17. Ashoka was deeply moved by the, ___ of the Kalinga war.
(a) bloodshed
(b) strength
(c) bravery
Answer: (a) bloodshed
In simple words: Ashoka was profoundly affected by the massive loss of life and violence during the Kalinga war.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize that the bloodshed and suffering of the Kalinga war were the primary reasons for Ashoka's deep remorse.

Question 18. Ashoka had embraced ___ .
(a) Christianity
(b) Buddhism
(c) Islam
Answer: (b) Buddhism
In simple words: After the Kalinga war, Emperor Ashoka converted to and adopted Buddhism.

🎯 Exam Tip: Know that Buddhism was the religion Emperor Ashoka embraced after witnessing the horrors of war.

Question 19. Ashoka sent his own son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to ___ for the spread of Buddhism.
(a) Nepal
(b) Sri Lanka
(c) China
Answer: (b) Sri Lanka
In simple words: Ashoka dispatched his children, Mahendra and Sanghamitra, to Sri Lanka to propagate Buddhist teachings.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember Sri Lanka as the country where Ashoka sent his children to spread Buddhism.

Question 20. Ashoka also ___ many stupas and viharas.
(a) built
(b) painted
(c) destroyed
Answer: (a) built
In simple words: Emperor Ashoka was responsible for the construction of numerous stupas and viharas (Buddhist monasteries).

🎯 Exam Tip: Associate Ashoka with the significant construction of Buddhist architectural structures like stupas and viharas.

Question 21. Ashoka made provisions for free medicines and medical treatment for people as well as for the ___ .
(a) travellers
(b) citizens
(c) animals
Answer: (c) animals
In simple words: Ashoka established free medical facilities for both human populations and animals, showing his compassion.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight Ashoka's unique welfare measure of providing medical care not just for people but also for animals.

Question 22. Ashoka dug wells and built ___ .
(a) stupas
(b) caves
(c) dharmashalas
Answer: (c) dharmashalas
In simple words: Ashoka undertook public works such as digging wells and constructing dharmashalas, which are rest houses.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember 'dharmashalas' as one of the key public utilities (along with wells) built by Ashoka for travelers and the public.

Question 23. There was a Council of Ministers which advised the king in matters of ___ .
(a) administration
(b) war
(c) weather
Answer: (a) administration
In simple words: A Council of Ministers assisted the king by providing advice on matters related to the governance and management of the empire.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that the Council of Ministers played a crucial advisory role, particularly in the effective administration of the kingdom.

Question 24. During the Maurya period, ___ production had great importance.
(a) agricultural
(b) machine
(c) glassware
Answer: (a) agricultural
In simple words: Agricultural production was of significant importance during the Mauryan period, forming the backbone of the economy.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize agriculture as the most vital form of production and economic activity during the Mauryan era.

Question 25. Dance and music concerts were part of ___ .
(a) night life
(b) entertainment
(c) competition
Answer: (b) entertainment
In simple words: Dance and music performances were popular forms of recreation and amusement for people.

🎯 Exam Tip: Classify dance and music concerts as key elements of public and private entertainment in the Mauryan period.

Question 26. Chess was called ___ .
(a) Ashtapad
(b) Chakra
(c) Satraps
Answer: (a) Ashtapad
In simple words: The game of chess was historically referred to as Ashtapad.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember 'Ashtapad' as the ancient Indian name for the game of chess.

Question 27. The pillars erected by Ashoka are excellent ___ of the Indian sculpture.
(a) statues
(b) showpiece
(c) specimens
Answer: (c) specimens
In simple words: Ashoka's pillars are regarded as fine examples or specimens of Indian sculptural art.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that Ashokan pillars are considered prime examples (specimens) of ancient Indian sculptural skill.

Question 28. The chakra or wheel on the Ashoka pillar at Sarnath has a place of ___ on the Indian national flag.
(a) honour
(b) show
(c) visibility
Answer: (a) honour
In simple words: The chakra from the Sarnath Ashoka pillar is honored by being featured prominently on India's national flag.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect the Sarnath Ashoka pillar's chakra to its esteemed place (honour) on the Indian national flag.

Question 29. After the decline of Emperor Ashoka, the Mauryan empire began to ___ .
(a) expand
(b) decline
(c) incline
Answer: (b) decline
In simple words: Following Emperor Ashoka's death, the powerful Mauryan empire started to weaken and shrink.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note that Ashoka's death is often seen as a turning point, after which the Mauryan empire began its decline.

Match The Following:

Question 1.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure a clear understanding of each term/person in Column A to accurately match them with their correct counterparts in Column B.

Answer In One Sentence:

Question 1. Who were satraps?
Answer: As Alexander was forced to return back to Greece, he appointed Greek officers called satraps to administer the conquered territories.
In simple words: Satraps were Greek officials appointed by Alexander to manage the regions he conquered when he had to leave for Greece.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define satraps accurately by identifying them as Greek officers appointed by Alexander to govern conquered territories.

Question 2. When and where did Emperor Alexander die?
Answer: Alexander died on the way back to Greece in 323 BCE at Babylon.
In simple words: Emperor Alexander died in Babylon in 323 BCE while returning to Greece.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember both the location (Babylon) and the year (323 BCE) of Alexander's death.

Question 3. What gave rise to the Gandhara school of art?
Answer: Greek sculpture influenced Indian art, giving rise to Gandhara school of art.
In simple words: The Gandhara school of art emerged from the influence of Greek sculpture on traditional Indian art forms.

🎯 Exam Tip: Link the emergence of the Gandhara school of art directly to the influence of Greek sculptural styles on Indian art.

Question 4. Who founded the Mauryan Empire?
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire.
In simple words: Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Empire.

🎯 Exam Tip: State clearly that Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Empire.

Question 5. Who was Seleucus Nicator?
Answer: Seleucus Nicator was Alexander's general.
In simple words: Seleucus Nicator was a general in Alexander the Great's army.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify Seleucus Nicator as one of Alexander's key generals.

Question 6. Who stayed back at Chandragupta's court?
Answer: Megasthenes, Seleucus Nicator's ambassador stayed back at Chandragupta's court.
In simple words: Megasthenes, an ambassador sent by Seleucus Nicator, remained at Chandragupta Maurya's royal court.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember Megasthenes and his diplomatic role as the ambassador who stayed at Chandragupta's court.

Question 7. Which book did Megasthenes write?
Answer: Megasthenes wrote the book 'Indica' which is an important source for the study of India during the Mauryan period.
In simple words: Megasthenes authored the book 'Indica,' which provides valuable historical information about Mauryan India.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state 'Indica' as the book written by Megasthenes and its significance as a historical source for the Mauryan period.

Question 8. Who succeeded Chandragupta?
Answer: After Chandragupta renounced the throne, he was succeeded by his son Bindusara.
In simple words: Chandragupta Maurya voluntarily gave up his throne and was succeeded by his son, Bindusara.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the immediate line of succession for the Mauryan emperors.

Question 9. Who succeeded Bindusara?
Answer: After Bindusara's death, his son Ashoka succeeded the throne in 237 BCE.
In simple words: Ashoka, Bindusara's son, became the emperor after his father's death in 237 BCE.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the succession from Bindusara to Ashoka and the specific year of Ashoka's ascension.

Question 10. Which religion did Ashoka embrace?
Answer: Ashoka embraced Buddhism.
In simple words: Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism, profoundly influencing its spread.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism is a pivotal event in ancient Indian history; be sure to remember this detail.

Question 11. Which was the capital of the Mauryan Empire?
Answer: Pataliputra was the capital of the Maurya empire.
In simple words: The central administrative city of the Mauryan Empire was Pataliputra.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identifying the capital city is essential for understanding the geographical and administrative center of the empire.

Question 12. When did the Mauryan Empire decline?
Answer: The Mauryan Empire declined after the death of Emperor Ashoka.
In simple words: The Mauryan Empire began to weaken and decline after the reign and death of Emperor Ashoka.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ashoka's death is often considered a turning point leading to the decline of the Mauryan Empire.

Question 13. Which was the largest empire in ancient India?
Answer: The Mauryan Empire was the largest empire in ancient India.
In simple words: The Mauryan Empire covered the widest area among all ancient Indian empires.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize the Mauryan Empire's significant geographical extent as a key feature.

Question 14. What is the significance of Ashoka pillar at Sarnath?
Answer: The chakra or wheel on the Ashoka pillar at Sarnath has a place of honour on the Indian national flag.
In simple words: The Ashoka Chakra from the Sarnath pillar is a revered symbol found on India's national flag, representing dharma and progress.

🎯 Exam Tip: The Sarnath pillar and its Ashoka Chakra hold immense national importance for India.

Answer In Short:

Question 1. How did Alexander invade India?
Answer:
• Alexander invaded India's northwestern frontier.
• Crossing the Indus river he reached Takshashila.
• On the way he met forceful opposition from the local kings. He defeated them all and successfully reached Punjab.
In simple words: Alexander entered India through the northwest, crossed the Indus to reach Takshashila, and after overcoming local resistance, advanced into Punjab.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the geographical entry point and initial conquests of Alexander's invasion.

Question 2. How was Alexander's campaign advantageous to India?
Answer: Alexander's campaign led to an increase in the trade between India and the western world. The historians who accompanied Alexander introduced India to the western world through their writings.
In simple words: Alexander's campaign boosted trade relations between India and the West and facilitated the exchange of knowledge through the accounts of accompanying historians.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the positive outcomes of Alexander's campaign, specifically in trade and cultural exchange.

Question 3. Describe the Sarnath pillar.
Answer:
• The chakra or wheel on the Sarnath pillar has a place of honour on the Indian national flag.
• The pillar has lions on all four sides but only three are visible from the front.
In simple words: The Sarnath pillar features the Ashoka Chakra, a revered symbol on India's national flag, and is topped with four lions, though typically only three are visible.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the key features and national significance of the Sarnath pillar.

Give Reasons:

Question 1. Ashoka had pillar edicts and stone inscription engraved throughout his kingdom.
Answer:
• Ashoka came to believe that truth, non-violence, compassion and forgiveness were the important values.
• He wanted to spread these teachings among the common people.
• He, therefore, had pillar edicts and stone inscripitions engraved throughout his kingdom.
In simple words: Ashoka, driven by his belief in values like truth, non-violence, and compassion, had edicts and inscriptions carved across his empire to disseminate these teachings among his subjects.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand Ashoka's motivations for using rock and pillar edicts as a means of communication and moral guidance.

Describe The Following:

Question 1. Art and literature during the period of Emperor Ashoka.
Answer: During the period of Emperor Ashoka, the art of rock cut sculpture was promoted. The pillars erected by Ashoka are excellent specimens of Indian sculpture. There are excellent carvings of animals like the lion, elephant, bull on these pillars. The chakra or wheel on the Ashoka pillar at Sarnath has a place of honour on the Indian national flag.
In simple words: During Ashoka's reign, rock-cut sculpture flourished, exemplified by his elaborately carved pillars featuring animal figures and the Ashoka Chakra, a symbol now on India's national flag.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on Ashoka's patronage of rock-cut sculpture and the significance of the Sarnath pillar as a prime example of Mauryan art.