The question asks about the place where Chandragupta Maurya spent his last years, according to Jain tradition. This requires knowledge of historical accounts related to Chandragupta Maurya's life and his association with Jainism.
Correct Option: C) Shravana Belagola is historically and traditionally recognized as the place where Chandragupta Maurya spent his last years and performed Sallekhana, according to Jain tradition.
The question asks to identify the immediate successor of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire. This requires knowledge of the succession line of the early Mauryan rulers.
B) Bindusara — Bindusara was the son of Chandragupta Maurya and succeeded him as the second Mauryan emperor. He ruled from approximately 298 BCE to 273 BCE.
The question asks for the title by which Bindusara, the second Mauryan emperor, was known to Greek writers. This requires knowledge of historical names and epithets used by foreign sources for Indian rulers.
Correct Option: B) Amitrochates
Bindusara, the son of Chandragupta Maurya and father of Ashoka, was known to Greek writers by the title "Amitrochates." This is a Greek transliteration of the Sanskrit word "Amitraghata," which means "slayer of enemies." This title reflects his military prowess and expansionist policies.
The question asks about the reign during which Ashoka served as viceroy (governor) of Taxila and Ujjain. This requires knowledge of the Maurya dynasty's succession and the key roles played by its prominent members, particularly Ashoka, before he became emperor.
Correct Option: B) Bindusara was Ashoka's father and the emperor during whose reign Ashoka served as viceroy of Taxila and Ujjain. Ashoka was sent to quell a rebellion in Taxila and later served as the governor of Ujjain, gaining crucial administrative and military experience before ascending the throne himself.
The question asks about the individual who assisted Ashoka in ascending the throne of Magadha. This requires knowledge of the key figures during the Mauryan period, particularly those associated with Ashoka's early reign and succession.
B) Radhagupta — Radhagupta was a trusted minister who served Bindusara and later played a vital role in helping Ashoka acquire the throne of Magadha, especially during the succession struggle.
The question asks for the year in which the Kalinga War took place. This is a factual question related to ancient Indian history, specifically the Mauryan Empire and Emperor Ashoka.
Correct Option: B) 261 BCE
The Kalinga War was a major conflict fought between the Mauryan Empire under Emperor Ashoka and the state of Kalinga (modern-day Odisha). It is one of the most significant wars in Indian history, known for its immense bloodshed and its profound impact on Emperor Ashoka, leading to his conversion to Buddhism and his policy of Dhamma-vijaya (conquest by righteousness).