Question

Which of the following does not represent an important source material for the Mauryan period?

• A. Literary works
• B. Foreign accounts
• C. Numismatic evidence
• D. Epigraphic sources

Answer 1

The correct option is C Numismatic evidence

Inscriptions and literature are a valuable source to know about the history of the Mauryan empire. The literary sources include Kautilya’s Arthasastra, Visakha Datta’s Mudra Rakshasa, Megasthenese’s Indica, Buddhist literature, and Puranas. The inscriptions include Ashokan edicts and inscriptions and material remains such as silver and copper punch-marked coins. Moreover, due to Alexander’s invasion of India, a number of Greek travelers came to India. They were first to communicate to the outside world what they saw of India. Megasthenes recordings in his book ‘Indica’ about his experience in the empire.