Question 1

True or false: Chandragupta met Alexander the Great during Alexander's Indian campaign.

Accepted Answer

False. No historical evidence supports a meeting; Chandragupta rose to power after Alexander's retreat and death in 323 BCE.

Question 2

True or false: The Arthashastra was written by Chandragupta himself as a practical guide.

Accepted Answer

False. The Arthashastra is attributed to Kautilya (Chanakya), Chandragupta's advisor, though it likely reflects their collaborative governance style.

Question 3

True or false: Chandragupta's empire stretched from the Hindu Kush to the Bay of Bengal.

Accepted Answer

True. His empire covered most of the Indian subcontinent, from modern Afghanistan in the west to Bengal in the east, and south to the Narmada.

Question 4

True or false: Chandragupta Maurya defeated Seleucus I Nicator and gained vast territories, including parts of modern Afghanistan.

Accepted Answer

True. Around 305 BCE, Chandragupta Maurya's victory over Seleucus I Nicator resulted in a treaty where Seleucus ceded territories (e.g., Arachosia, Paropamisadai) in present-day Afghanistan, along with a marriage alliance.

Question 5

True or false: Chandragupta Maurya was the first ruler to unify all of India under a single government.

Accepted Answer

False. Chandragupta Maurya's empire did not include the southernmost Tamil kingdoms, so he never unified the entire Indian subcontinent.

Question 6

True or false: Chandragupta Maurya abdicated his throne to become a Jain monk.

Accepted Answer

True. Chandragupta Maurya converted to Jainism, renounced his empire, and became a monk under Bhadrabahu. He later fasted to death at Shravanabelagola, as recorded in Jain tradition.

Question 7

True or false: Chandragupta Maurya converted to Jainism late in life and became a monk.

Accepted Answer

True. Jain texts state Chandragupta abdicated his throne, became a Jain monk under Bhadrabahu, and undertook sallekhana (ritual fasting) at Shravanabelagola.

Question 8

True or false: Chandragupta died in battle while defending his empire from a Greek invasion.

Accepted Answer

False. He abdicated, became a Jain monk, and died by ritual fasting (sallekhana) in Karnataka, not in battle.

Chandragupta Maurya Trivia Questions