Which of the following statements about the Mauryan period is correct? 1. Magadha emerged as a powerful kingdom and consolidated control over other regions. 2. By the third century BCE, the Mauryan control was limited to the Magadha region only. 3. Religious practices were diverse, including the worship of Yakshas and mother goddesses. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Which of the following statements about the Mauryan… - NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture MCQ

NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture — Chapter 3: Arts of the Mauryan Period

mcqeasy

Which of the following statements about the Mauryan period is correct?

Magadha emerged as a powerful kingdom and consolidated control over other regions.
By the third century BCE, the Mauryan control was limited to the Magadha region only.
Religious practices were diverse, including the worship of Yakshas and mother goddesses.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT An Introduction to Indian Art · Page 1

Options

A1 and 3 only
B1 and 2 only
C1, 2 and 3
D2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Mauryan period (c. 321-185 BCE) marked the first major political unification of the Indian subcontinent, centered in Magadha. Culturally, it was characterized by the coexistence of courtly art (pillars, stupas) and popular folk traditions.

Statement 1 is Correct: Magadha, aided by its strategic location, fertile Gangetic plains, and control over iron resources, emerged as the nucleus of the Mauryan Empire. From this base, the Mauryas consolidated administrative and military control over vast regions of the subcontinent, creating a centralized pan-Indian empire.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: The 3rd century BCE covers the reigns of major Mauryan rulers, including Ashoka (c. 268-232 BCE). During this time, the Mauryan Empire was at its zenith, extending from the Hindu Kush mountains in the northwest to the northern borders of Mysore in the south. It was not limited to the Magadha region; rather, it controlled nearly the entire subcontinent except for the extreme south.

Statement 3 is Correct: Religious life in the Mauryan period was diverse. Apart from the state patronage of Buddhism (under Ashoka) and the presence of Brahmanism and Jainism, popular folk religion was widespread. This included the worship of Yakshas (nature spirits) and mother goddesses, evidenced by monumental free-standing stone sculptures like the Didarganj Yakshi and the Parkham Yaksha found from this era.

Key Takeaway: The Mauryan Empire represented the peak of territorial expansion in ancient India during the 3rd century BCE, and its cultural landscape included a blend of institutional religions and indigenous Yaksha worship.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Arts of the Mauryan Period

The name of the artisan "Kanha" is recorded in an inscription at which one of the following cave sites?

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Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I | List II A. Pitalkhora | 1. Great Stupa B. Kondane | 2. Stupa of 3rd century BCE C. Bairat | 3. Inscription of disciple Balaka D. Sanchi | 4. Inscription of artisan Kanha

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The entrance facade of the Lomus Rishi cave is decorated with which architectural motif?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Yaksha and Yakshini images of the Mauryan period: 1. They are mostly found in a seated meditation position. 2. A distinguishing element in these images is their polished surface. 3. The Yakshi figure from Didarganj is a fine example showing sensitivity towards the human physique. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The "Didarganj Yakshini" is depicted holding which object in her right hand?

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