Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Consider the following statements: Assertion (A): Ashoka annexed Kalinga to the Mauryan Empire. Reason (R): Kalinga controlled the land and sea routes to South India. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: A
Concept
Imperial expansion is often driven by the need to secure strategic gateways and economic arteries.Explanation
Kalinga (Modern Odisha) was a powerful maritime state. Ashoka invaded it in his 8th regnal year (261 BCE) because Kalinga sat on the vital land and sea routes connecting Magadha with the Deccan and South India.Logical Breakup
Assertion (A): True. Ashoka annexed Kalinga after a bloody conflict mentioned in Rock Edict XIII.
Reason (R): True. Kalinga's strategic position for trade with Southeast Asia and South India was a major geopolitical driver for the Mauryas.