Q. Which of the following was the main reason of the downfall of Mauryan empire?
(a) Weak successors of Ashoka who could not control the empire properly
(b) Religious policy of Ashoka
(c) Ashoka maintained friendly relations with his neighbours
(d) None of the above
Ans: (a) Weak successors of Ashoka who could not control the empire properly
Explanation: The main reason for the downfall of the Mauryan Empire was (a) weak successors of Ashoka who could not control the empire properly.
The Mauryan Empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya and further expanded by his successor Ashoka, reached its peak under Ashoka’s rule. However, after Ashoka’s death, the empire started to decline due to various factors, including weak successors.
Ashoka’s successors, especially the immediate ones, were not able to maintain the same level of governance and control over the vast empire. They lacked the administrative skills and political acumen of Ashoka, which resulted in internal conflicts and instability. This weakened the central authority and made it difficult to effectively govern the empire.
Furthermore, the empire faced external threats from various regions, including invasions and rebellions. The weak successors were unable to effectively deal with these challenges and protect the empire’s territories.
While Ashoka’s religious policy, which focused on Buddhism and non-violence, might have had some impact on the empire, it is primarily the weakness of his successors that led to the downfall of the Mauryan Empire.
Therefore, the correct answer is (a) weak successors of Ashoka who could not control the empire properly.