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M.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2020

Mauryan Biography

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Ashoka won the Avanti Mahajapad and merged it in the Mauryan empire during Bindusara rule. What text does it refer to?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Buddhist literature provides rich biographical details of Ashoka's early life before he became the emperor.

Explanation The Samantapāsādikā, a commentary by Buddhaghosa, mentions that Ashoka served as the Viceroy of Avanti (Ujjain) and successfully governed the region during the reign of his father, Bindusara.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: This text is a key source for the 'pre-Dhamma' political career of Ashoka.
Logic 2: Other texts listed (Panini/Patanjali) are primarily linguistic or grammatical works.

Active Recall

Question

Where was Ashoka serving when his father Bindusara died?

Answer

He was serving as the Viceroy of Ujjain, the capital of Avanti, which was a crucial strategic province.

Core Insight

Ashoka's experience in Avanti was vital to his subsequent victory in the Mauryan war of succession, as it gave him a power base independent of Pataliputra.

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