The question asks to identify the founder of the Maurya Empire. This requires knowledge of ancient Indian history, specifically the origins of one of its most significant empires.
Correct Option: B) Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Maurya Empire. He established the empire by overthrowing the Nanda dynasty around 322 BCE, with the strategic guidance of his mentor Chanakya (Kautilya).
The question asks to identify the mentor and chief advisor of Chandragupta Maurya. This is a direct historical fact related to the Mauryan Empire. We need to recall the key figures associated with Chandragupta Maurya's rise to power and his administration.
Correct Option: B) Chanakya (Kautilya) was the mentor and chief advisor of Chandragupta Maurya. He played a crucial role in Chandragupta's ascent to power and the establishment of the Mauryan Empire. He is also known as Kautilya and is traditionally credited with writing the Arthashastra.
The question asks to identify the Hellenistic ruler who sent Megasthenes as an ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. This requires knowledge of the historical interactions between the Mauryan Empire and the Hellenistic kingdoms that emerged after Alexander the Great's death.
Correct Option: C) Seleucus Nikator. Seleucus I Nicator was one of Alexander the Great's generals who founded the Seleucid Empire. After his conflict with Chandragupta Maurya, he sent Megasthenes as an ambassador to the Mauryan court.
The question asks to identify the book authored by Kautilya that details Mauryan administration. This requires knowledge of ancient Indian texts and their authors, specifically those related to the Mauryan period.
Correct Option: B) Arthashastra is the correct answer. It is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, written by Kautilya (also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta), who was a prime minister to the first Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya. The book provides a detailed and comprehensive account of the Mauryan administration, including aspects of governance, law, economics, and foreign policy.
The question asks to identify the author of the Sanskrit drama 'Mudrarakshasa', which details the political intrigues and events leading to the establishment of the Mauryan Empire by Chandragupta Maurya. This requires knowledge of ancient Indian literature and history.
Correct Option: C) Vishakhadatta wrote 'Mudrarakshasa'. This Sanskrit play is a historical drama that vividly portrays the political machinations and diplomatic strategies employed by Chanakya to bring about the rise of Chandragupta Maurya and the downfall of the Nanda dynasty.
The question asks about the territories ceded by Seleucus Nikator to Chandragupta Maurya. This refers to a significant historical event, the Seleucid-Mauryan War, which concluded with a peace treaty. To answer this, we need to recall the terms of that treaty and the geographical regions involved.
Correct Option: B) Arachosia, Gedrosia, and Parapomisadai. These three regions, corresponding to parts of modern Afghanistan and Pakistan, were ceded by Seleucus Nikator to Chandragupta Maurya as part of their peace treaty, in exchange for 500 war elephants.