Ashoka and the Spread of Buddhism

Who was the key figure in spreading Buddhism during the Mauryan Empire?

• Chandragupta Maurya

• Ashoka

• Siddhartha Gautama

• Kautilya

What major event led Ashoka to convert to Buddhism?

• The death of his father

• A devastating famine

• The Battle of Kalinga

• His pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya

Which principle became central to Ashoka’s rule after his conversion to Buddhism?

• Militarism

• Ahimsa (Non-violence)

• Expansionism

• Caste-based rule

How did Ashoka promote Buddhism within and beyond India?

• By creating military campaigns in foreign lands

• By sending missionaries and issuing edicts promoting Buddhist values

• By forcing people to convert

• By building statues and temples in every city

Which of the following was a significant outcome of Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism?

• Increased military conquests

• Establishment of a new capital

• Spread of Buddhism to other parts of Asia

• Abandonment of all governmental duties

What was the primary purpose of Ashoka's edicts?

• To declare war on neighboring states

• To promote trade and commerce

• To communicate his policies and promote moral values

• To announce royal decrees and tax laws

Which of the following regions did Ashoka send missionaries to, in order to spread Buddhism?

• Europe

• Southeast Asia

• North America

• Australia

What was the language used in many of Ashoka's edicts?

• Sanskrit

• Greek

• Pali

• Latin

Which of the following is NOT a feature of Ashoka's rule after his conversion to Buddhism?

• Promotion of animal welfare

• Construction of hospitals

• Encouragement of religious tolerance

• Expansion of the military

What was the impact of Ashoka's rule on the Mauryan Empire's administration?

• It became more centralized and authoritarian

• It focused on welfare and moral governance

• It neglected infrastructure development

• It prioritized military expansion over governance