Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Consider the following statements: Assertion (A): The Mauryan kings did not bestow land-grants on religious basis. Reason (R): The peasants revolted against land grants. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: C
Concept
Land-grant systems in India evolved significantly between the Mauryan and Gupta periods. The Mauryans favored a centralized cash-based or service-based bureaucracy.Explanation
Unlike the later Gupta or Satavahana periods, Mauryan administration (as per Arthashastra) typically avoided creating autonomous religious pockets through land grants, preferring to pay officials in cash (panas).Logical Breakup
Assertion (A): True. While Ashoka donated caves (e.g., Barabar), the systematic bestowing of tax-free villages (Agraharas) was not a Mauryan feature.
Reason (R): False. There is no historical evidence of peasant revolts specifically targeting the 'concept' of land grants during the Mauryan era.