CBSE Study Material Based on NCERT

Course: CBSE Class 6 – General Knowledge

Unit 2: Indian History & Heritage

Lesson: Mauryan Empire (Ashoka the Great)

Study Module

Introduction

The Mauryan Empire was one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient India. Founded by Chandragupta Maurya, it reached its greatest extent under Emperor Ashoka, who is remembered as Ashoka the Great. The Mauryan Empire played a significant role in shaping Indian history through strong administration, military strength, and the spread of moral values.

The Mauryan Empire

• The Mauryan Empire was established around 321 BCE
• It ruled a large part of the Indian subcontinent
• Capital city was Pataliputra (modern Patna)

Ashoka the Great

Ashoka was the third ruler of the Mauryan dynasty and its most famous emperor.

Early Reign

• Ashoka came to the throne after his father, Bindusara
• Initially, he followed a policy of conquest and warfare

Kalinga War

• Fought around 261 BCE
• Caused great loss of life and suffering
• This war deeply changed Ashoka’s attitude

Ashoka’s Change of Heart

After witnessing the destruction caused by the Kalinga War:

• Ashoka adopted Buddhism
• Gave up wars and violence
• Followed the policy of Dhamma

Ashoka’s Dhamma

Dhamma was a code of moral conduct.

Main Principles of Dhamma

• Non-violence
• Truthfulness
• Respect for elders
• Kindness towards animals
• Religious tolerance

Ashoka spread Dhamma through inscriptions on pillars and rocks.

Administration under Ashoka

• Empire divided into provinces
• Governors were appointed to administer provinces
• Officers were appointed to look after public welfare

Ashoka’s Edicts

• Written instructions engraved on rocks and pillars
• Informed people about Dhamma
• Found in different parts of India

Importance of Ashoka

• First ruler to preach peace and non-violence
• Promoted welfare of people
• Encouraged religious harmony

Decline of the Mauryan Empire

• Weak successors after Ashoka
• Large empire difficult to control
• The empire declined after Ashoka’s death

Conclusion

The Mauryan Empire under Ashoka the Great represents a golden chapter in Indian history. Ashoka’s transformation from a conqueror to a promoter of peace and moral values makes him one of the greatest rulers of ancient India.

Questions and Answers

Short Answer Questions (10)

1. Who founded the Mauryan Empire?

Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire.

2. Who was Ashoka?

Ashoka was the greatest ruler of the Mauryan Empire.

3. What was the capital of the Mauryan Empire?

Pataliputra was the capital.

4. Which war changed Ashoka’s life?

The Kalinga War changed Ashoka’s life.

5. What religion did Ashoka follow after the Kalinga War?

Ashoka adopted Buddhism.

6. What was Ashoka’s policy called?

It was called Dhamma.

7. How did Ashoka spread his ideas?

Through rock and pillar edicts.

8. What does Dhamma teach?

Dhamma teaches moral and ethical values.

9. Who was Ashoka’s father?

Bindusara was Ashoka’s father.

10. Why is Ashoka called ‘the Great’?

Because he promoted peace, welfare, and moral values.

Long Answer Questions (10)

11. Describe the Mauryan Empire.

The Mauryan Empire was one of the largest empires in ancient India.

• Founded by Chandragupta Maurya
• Capital at Pataliputra
• Strong administration and army

12. Write a short note on Ashoka’s early reign.

Ashoka was a powerful ruler in his early years.

• Followed a policy of conquest
• Expanded the empire
• Fought the Kalinga War

13. Explain the significance of the Kalinga War.

The Kalinga War was a turning point in Ashoka’s life.

• Caused massive destruction
• Led Ashoka to regret violence
• Inspired him to follow peace

14. What is meant by Ashoka’s Dhamma?

Dhamma was Ashoka’s moral code.

• Encouraged non-violence
• Promoted tolerance
• Focused on ethical living

15. How did Ashoka spread Dhamma?

Ashoka spread Dhamma through edicts.

• Rock inscriptions
• Pillar inscriptions
• Messages for public welfare

16. Describe Ashoka’s administration.

Ashoka ruled through an organised system.

• Provinces under governors
• Officials for public welfare
• Justice and order maintained

17. What steps did Ashoka take for public welfare?

Ashoka worked for people’s welfare.

• Built roads and rest houses
• Provided medical care
• Protected animals

18. Why are Ashoka’s edicts important?

They provide historical information.

• Explain Ashoka’s ideas
• Show governance methods
• Reflect ancient values

19. What led to the decline of the Mauryan Empire?

The empire declined after Ashoka.

• Weak rulers
• Large territory
• Administrative difficulties

20. Why is Ashoka remembered as a great ruler?

Ashoka is remembered for his values.

• Promoted peace
• Followed non-violence
• Worked for welfare of all

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

MCQs with Answers and Detailed Explanations (20)

1. Who founded the Mauryan Empire?

a) Ashoka
b) Bindusara
c) Chandragupta Maurya
d) Harsha

Answer: c) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: He established the Mauryan Empire.

2. Who was Ashoka’s father?

a) Chandragupta Maurya
b) Bindusara
c) Bimbisara
d) Ajatashatru

Answer: b) Bindusara
Explanation: Bindusara was Ashoka’s father.

3. The capital of the Mauryan Empire was:

a) Ujjain
b) Taxila
c) Pataliputra
d) Kalinga

Answer: c) Pataliputra
Explanation: It was the administrative centre.

4. Which war changed Ashoka’s policy?

a) Panipat War
b) Kalinga War
c) Plassey War
d) Battle of Hydaspes

Answer: b) Kalinga War
Explanation: It caused Ashoka to renounce violence.

5. After the Kalinga War, Ashoka adopted:

a) Jainism
b) Hinduism
c) Buddhism
d) Zoroastrianism

Answer: c) Buddhism
Explanation: He followed Buddhist principles.

6. Ashoka’s moral code was called:

a) Dharma
b) Dhamma
c) Nyaya
d) Karma

Answer: b) Dhamma
Explanation: Dhamma focused on moral living.

7. Ashoka’s teachings were spread through:

a) Manuscripts
b) Coins
c) Edicts
d) Paintings

Answer: c) Edicts
Explanation: Messages were engraved on rocks and pillars.

8. What did Dhamma promote?

a) War
b) Luxury
c) Non-violence
d) Expansion

Answer: c) Non-violence
Explanation: Dhamma stressed peace and compassion.

9. Which religion did Ashoka promote?

a) Hinduism
b) Jainism
c) Buddhism
d) Islam

Answer: c) Buddhism
Explanation: He supported Buddhist values.

10. Who was Ashoka’s grandfather?

a) Bindusara
b) Harsha
c) Chandragupta Maurya
d) Bimbisara

Answer: c) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Chandragupta was Ashoka’s grandfather.

11. Which animal symbol is associated with Ashoka?

a) Tiger
b) Elephant
c) Lion
d) Horse

Answer: c) Lion
Explanation: The Lion Capital is linked with Ashoka.

12. Ashoka ruled during which century BCE?

a) 5th century BCE
b) 4th century BCE
c) 3rd century BCE
d) 2nd century BCE

Answer: c) 3rd century BCE
Explanation: Ashoka ruled in the 3rd century BCE.

13. Which region was conquered in the Kalinga War?

a) Magadha
b) Punjab
c) Kalinga
d) Gandhara

Answer: c) Kalinga
Explanation: The war was fought over Kalinga.

14. Ashoka’s empire was divided into:

a) Districts
b) Provinces
c) Villages
d) Kingdoms

Answer: b) Provinces
Explanation: Provinces were governed by officials.

15. Which of the following was NOT part of Dhamma?

a) Tolerance
b) Non-violence
c) War
d) Kindness

Answer: c) War
Explanation: Dhamma rejected violence.

16. Ashoka’s edicts were written on:

a) Paper
b) Palm leaves
c) Rocks and pillars
d) Cloth

Answer: c) Rocks and pillars
Explanation: These were durable materials.

17. Which value did Ashoka encourage among people?

a) Greed
b) Hatred
c) Compassion
d) Power

Answer: c) Compassion
Explanation: Compassion was central to Dhamma.

18. What happened after Ashoka’s death?

a) Empire expanded
b) Empire declined
c) Empire remained stable
d) Empire became democratic

Answer: b) Empire declined
Explanation: Weak rulers followed Ashoka.

19. Ashoka is remembered mainly for his:

a) Conquests
b) Wealth
c) Moral teachings
d) Palaces

Answer: c) Moral teachings
Explanation: His Dhamma made him great.

20. Why is Ashoka called ‘the Great’?

a) He ruled for a long time
b) He built many cities
c) He promoted peace and welfare
d) He expanded the empire the most

Answer: c) He promoted peace and welfare
Explanation: His rule focused on moral governance.

This study material is strictly aligned with the NCERT syllabus and fully suitable for CBSE Class 6 examination standards.