Available Answers

1. 1.

   Fill in the blanks.

   1. Megasthenes the Greek ethnographer wrote the ______________.
   2. ______________ was popularly known as Chanakya and he wrote the ______________.
   3. ______________ deciphered the Brahmi Script in ______________.
   4. ______________ was Alexander's general who fought with Chandragupta in ______________.
   5. Ashok organised the ______________ Buddhist Council at ______________.
2. 2.

   Match the columns.

   Column I	Column II
   1. Gramikas and Ayaktas	a. officers responsible for spreading Dhamma
   2. Mantriparishad	b. Superintendent
   3. Adhyakshas	c. treasurer
   4. Dhamma mahamattas	d. village officials
   5. Shrinidhata	e. council of ministers

    

3. 3.

   Read the passage carefully and answer the given questions.

   The pillars of Ashok are a series of monolithic columns made in the Indian subcontinent, by the Mauryan Emperor Ashok during his reign. The most basic from of architecture constructed from monoliths is a rock-cut building, such as the monolithic churches of Ethiopia built by the Zagwe dynasty. With the expansion of Ethiopian state, architecture continued to evolve incorporating new traditions. The architectural style included more wood and rounder structures.

   1. What is the monolithic style of architecture? How did it reach Ethiopian civilization?
   2. Find out about monolithic architecture during the Zagwe dynasty.
   3. Gebre Mesqel Lalibela from the Zagwe Dynasty is credited with having constructed the rock-hewn monolithic churches of Lalibela. Search about one monolithic church from the Zagwe Dynasty and write specifications about the size, time taken to construct and the location.
4. 4.

   Study the image and answer these questions.

   

   1. Identify the structure shown in the image.
   2. Find out when and by whom was it built.
   3. What is the significance of this structure?
5. 5.

   Read the following translation of one of Ashok's edicts and answer the questions.

   'In the past, kings went on pleasure tours, which consisted of hunts and other similar amusements. The Beloved of the Gods, the King Piyadassi, when he had been consecrated ten years, went to the tree of Enlightenment. From that time arose the practice of tours connected with dhamma, during which meetings are held with ascetics and Brahmanas, gifts are bestowed, meetings are arranged with aged folk, gold is distributed., meetings with the people of the countryside are held, instruction in dhamma is given, and questions on dhamma are answered. The Beloved of the Gods, the king Piyadassi, derives more pleasure from this, than from any other enjoyments.' In this translation, Ashok has been referred to as King Piyadassi.

   1. How did Ashok set a personal example which propagates his principle of dhamma?
   2. What did Ashok do on the tours connected with dhamma?
6. 6.

   Name the main historical sources for the Maurya period.