Mauryan Empire PYQs – Ancient History, SSC & Railway

Topic:Mauryan Empire - Diplomatic Relations
Seleucus Nicator was a Greek general who became ruler of the Seleucid Empire after Alexander's death.
After being defeated by Chandragupta Maurya in 305 BCE, Seleucus signed a treaty and sentMegasthenesas his ambassador.
Megasthenes stayed atPataliputra(modern Patna) during Chandragupta's reign and wroteIndica, describing Mauryan administration and society.
Answer: Option 1 → Chandragupta Maurya

Topic: Ashoka's Inscriptions
Rock Edict XIII is the most famous inscription where Ashoka expresses deep remorse and regret after the Kalinga war.
Key points mentioned in Rock Edict XIII:
- Describes the horrors and suffering caused by the Kalinga war
- Expresses Ashoka's grief over the death and destruction
- Marks his conversion to Buddhism and adoption of Dhamma
Answer: Option 1 → Rock Edict XIII

Topic:Kautilya's Arthashastra - Judicial System
Dharmasthiya:Civil court dealing with disputes among citizens (civil cases, property, contracts, family matters).
Kantakashodhana:Criminal court dealing with disputes between state and citizens (crimes, offenses against state).
Other options: Mantriparishad (council of ministers), Sangha-Gana (republican assemblies), Sabha-Samiti (Vedic assemblies).
Answer: Option 1 → Dharmasthiya and Kantakashodhana

Correct Answer: Kalinga War (Option 2)
The Kalinga War (261 BCE) was a pivotal moment in Emperor Ashoka's life. The war resulted in massive destruction and the death of approximately 1 lakh soldiers, and 1.5 lakh people were displaced. Witnessing this devastation filled Ashoka with remorse, leading him to renounce violence and embrace Buddhism (Dhamma). He thereafter propagated ahimsa (non-violence) and righteousness through his edicts.
Why others are wrong:
- His coronation ceremony: This marked the beginning of his reign, not a spiritual transformation.
- Treaty with Sri Lanka: Ashoka sent missionaries to Sri Lanka but this was a result, not a cause, of his conversion.
- Revolt of Taxila: Ashoka suppressed this revolt early in his reign; it did not inspire his conversion to Dhamma.

Correct Answer: Promoting ethical life and social harmony — Option (c)
The main objective of Ashoka's Dhamma was to promote ethical life and social harmony. About Ashoka's Dhamma: Emperor Ashoka (ruled c. 268–232 BCE) developed a unique concept called 'Dhamma' as a guiding principle for his subjects and governance; Dhamma is NOT the same as Buddhism: Many scholars clarify that Ashoka's Dhamma was NOT simply a policy to spread Buddhism; it was a broad ethical and moral code meant for all people regardless of religion; Dhamma vs. Buddhism: Ashoka did personally convert to Buddhism after the Kalinga War (c. 261 BCE); but his Dhamma was a universal moral code applicable to all his subjects — Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, etc.; Key principles of Dhamma: Non-violence (Ahimsa): Respect for life; Tolerance of all religious sects; Truth and honesty; Kindness to all living beings; Respect for parents, elders, and teachers; Dana (generosity) and charity; Social harmony — peaceful coexistence; Dhamma Mahamattas : Ashoka appointed special officers (Dhamma Mahamattas ) to spread Dhamma; He sent missionaries to foreign lands (Sri Lanka, Central Asia, etc.) but primarily to promote ethical conduct; Ashoka's Rock Edicts and Pillar Edicts: These inscriptions spread Dhamma principles; Written in Brahmi script, Kharosthi, Greek, and Aramaic; Major Rock Edicts (14), Minor Rock Edicts, Pillar Edicts (7); Key quote from his edicts: 'All sects deserve reverence' — shows tolerance, not exclusive Buddhism; Dhamma's goal: Personal moral development, social welfare, and harmony among different religious groups.
Option (a) Spreading Buddhism as state religion — Incorrect: Ashoka's Dhamma was NOT simply about spreading Buddhism as a state religion; while Ashoka was personally a devout Buddhist, his Dhamma was a universal moral/ethical code applicable to all citizens regardless of their religion; his Dhamma edicts emphasize non-violence, tolerance, and respect for all religions — NOT the exclusive promotion of Buddhism; he did send Buddhist missionaries but the Dhamma itself was broader.
Option (b) Promoting administrative centralization — Incorrect: Promoting administrative centralization was NOT the main objective of Ashoka's Dhamma; administrative organization was a separate aspect of Mauryan governance; Dhamma was primarily a moral and ethical code for personal conduct and social harmony; the Dhamma Mahamattas (officers) were appointed for ethical/welfare purposes, not primarily for administrative centralization.
Option (d) Establishing alliances with foreign rulers — Incorrect: Establishing alliances with foreign rulers was NOT the main objective of Ashoka's Dhamma; while Ashoka did send emissaries and missionaries to foreign kings (Antiochus II of Syria, Ptolemy II of Egypt, etc.) to spread Dhamma, the primary objective was moral reform and social harmony; foreign outreach was secondary to the domestic ethical and welfare goals of the Dhamma.

Correct Answer: Statecraft and administration — Option (c)
The Arthashastra , attributed to Chanakya (also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta ), the chief minister of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya (around 4th century BCE), is an ancient Indian treatise primarily concerned with statecraft, economic policy, military strategy, and administration. The text covers topics including the duties of a king, governance of the state, revenue collection, diplomacy, espionage, war tactics, and the management of agriculture and trade. It is considered one of the earliest works on political science and economics in the world.
Option (a) Poetry and literature — Incorrect: The Arthashastra is a treatise on political economy and governance, not poetry or literature; classical Sanskrit poetry is associated with works like Kalidasa's Abhijnanasakuntalam .
Option (b) Religious rituals — Incorrect: Religious rituals are covered in the Vedas, Agamas, and Puranas; the Arthashastra is a secular work on statecraft.
Option (d) Astronomy — Incorrect: Ancient Indian astronomy is covered in texts like Aryabhatiya; the Arthashastra deals with governance and administration.

Mauryan Society (322-185 BCE)
Social Structure:
Well-organized hierarchical society with varna system (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras).
Occupational Diversity:
Arthashastra mentions numerous occupations - farmers, artisans, traders, soldiers, administrators, craftsmen.
Guilds (shrenis) regulated trade and crafts.
Economic Base:
Advanced agriculture with settled communities, not tribal.
Urban centers like Pataliputra showed complex social organization.
Society was NOT egalitarian - clear class distinctions existed.
Answer: Option 1 → An organised society with distinct social classes and a wide range of occupational groups

Topic:Mauryan Administration - Ashoka's Dhamma
Ashoka appointed special officers calledDhamma Mahamatta(Dharma Mahamatras) in his 13th year of reign.
Their duties: Spread Dhamma policy, promote moral values, ensure welfare of all religious sects, and supervise charitable works.
These officials worked among all sections of society including royal family, common people, and different religious groups.
Answer: Option 1 → Dhamma Mahamatta

Topic:Mauryan Administration - Agricultural Officials
Sitadhyakshawas the superintendent of agriculture in Mauryan empire.
Primary responsibilities:
• Supervised state agriculture and crown lands (Sita lands)
• Managed cultivation on royal estates
• Oversaw agricultural operations and revenue collection from crown lands
Other officials:
•Panyadhyaksha- Superintendent of commerce/trade
•Aksapataladhyaksha- Keeper of records/accounts
•Samaharta- Chief collector of revenue
Answer: Option 2 → Sitadhyaksha

Topic:Mauryan Empire Administration
Arthashastraby Kautilya (Chanakya) is the primary text.
Written during Chandragupta Maurya's reign (~300 BCE).
Describes statecraft, economics, military strategy, and governance.
Answer: Option 3 → Arthashastra

Topic:Mauryan Administration under Chandragupta Maurya
Key Features:
Chandragupta Maurya established a highly centralised bureaucratic system.
Administration was guided byKautilya's Arthashastra, which detailed governance principles.
Empire divided into provinces with appointed officials (not hereditary governors).
Other Options:
Revenue collection was state-controlled, not by religious institutions.
Feudal land grants became prominent in later medieval period.
Answer: Option 2 → Centralised bureaucracy guided by Arthashastra

Before becoming emperor, Ashoka served as viceroy under Bindusara.
Key Fact:Ashoka was appointed as viceroy ofUjjain(Avanti).
Ujjain was an important provincial center in western India.
Later, he also served briefly in Taxila to suppress a revolt.
Answer: Option 2 → Ujjain

Correct Answer: Visakhadatta (Option 4)
Mudrarakshas ('The Signet Ring of the Rakshasa') is a Sanskrit play written by Visakhadatta (also spelled Vishakhadatta ). It narrates the story of how Chanakya secured the throne of Chandragupta Maurya by outwitting the minister Rakshasa using a signet ring. It is an invaluable source for understanding the Mauryan political period.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 – Bhasa was an earlier Sanskrit playwright known for plays like Swapnavasavadatta and Urubhangam .
Option 2 – Chanakya wrote the Arthashastra (treatise on statecraft), not Mudrarakshas .
Option 3 – Banabhatta wrote Harshacharita and Kadambari during the Harsha period (7th century CE).

According to Megasthenes' account in 'Indica', the city administration of Patliputra was managed by six committees, each consisting of 5 members (total of 30 members). These committees handled functions like industrial arts, care of foreigners, births and deaths registration, trade and commerce, manufacture and sale of goods, and collection of taxes on articles sold.
Why other options are incorrect:
- 3: Incorrect; Megasthenes specifically mentions 5 members per committee.
- 4: Incorrect; the committees had 5 members, not 4.
- 6: Incorrect; the number 6 refers to the total committees, not the members in each committee.

The correct answer is northwest (Option 1). After Alexander the Great's departure, he left Greek satraps (governors) in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent (present-day Punjab and Sindh). Chandragupta Maurya, with the help of Chanakya, defeated these Greek satraps in the northwest and established the Maurya Empire. Options 2, 3, and 4 are geographically incorrect in this context.

Correct Answer: 1 – Ashoka.
The ruins of an 80-pillar hall (ashtasthambha) were discovered at Kumhrar (ancient Pataliputra, modern Patna, Bihar). This magnificent columned hall is believed to have been part of Ashoka's palace. The Greek ambassador Megasthenes described the Mauryan palace at Pataliputra as one of the most magnificent structures of the ancient world. Archaeological excavations at Kumhrar revealed the remains of this grand assembly hall.
Samudragupta (Option 2) and Chandragupta I (Option 3) were Gupta dynasty rulers.
Harshavardhana (Option 4) ruled from Kanauj, not Pataliputra.

Correct Answer: 2 (Seleucus)
Megasthenes was a Greek ethnographer and explorer who was sent as an ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya by Seleucus I Nicator (the Seleucid ruler). He wrote the famous work 'Indica', which gives detailed accounts of Mauryan society and administration.
Option 1 (Philip) is incorrect - Philip II was Alexander's father and had no direct dealings with Chandragupta.
Option 3 (Harshvardhan) is incorrect - Harshvardhan was a 7th-century Indian emperor, not a Greek ruler.
Option 4 (Alexander) is incorrect - Alexander died in 323 BC; Megasthenes was sent by Seleucus, who succeeded Alexander in that region.

Correct Answer: Bindusara
Chandragupta Maurya was succeeded by his son Bindusara around 297 BCE. Bindusara ruled the Mauryan Empire for about 25 years. He was followed by his son Ashoka, who became one of India's greatest emperors.
Why other options are wrong:
Ashoka - Succeeded Bindusara (the third Mauryan emperor, not the second).
Dhanananda - Last ruler of the Nanda dynasty, predecessor of Chandragupta Maurya.
Bimbisara - King of Magadha ( Haryanka dynasty), much earlier than Chandragupta.

Option 3 is correct. The hallmark of Mauryan royal architecture is the introduction of monolithic (single-stone) polished stone pillars — such as the Ashokan pillars — which were carved from single sandstone blocks and given a highly lustrous polish. This 'Mauryan polish' is unique to this period and distinguishes it from all pre-Mauryan construction.
• Option 1 is wrong: Mud bricks were used in pre-Mauryan and Indus Valley periods; Mauryan architecture used stone extensively.
• Option 2 is wrong: Iron tools for stone carving existed before the Mauryan period; this is not a distinguishing feature.
• Option 4 is wrong: Domed structures (stupas) emerged in the Mauryan era, but domed roofs over religious structures is not the most distinctive feature of Mauryan royal architecture compared to monolithic pillars.

Chandragupta Maurya is correct. Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire around 322 BCE after overthrowing the last Nanda ruler (Dhana Nanda) with the guidance of his mentor Chanakya (Kautilya). He united the Indian subcontinent into the first large pan-Indian empire and defeated the Greek general Seleucus Nicator. He later abdicated and became a Jain monk, fasting to death (Sallekhana) in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka.
• Ashoka: The grandson of Chandragupta Maurya; he expanded the empire but did not found it.
• Kanishka: A great Kushan emperor (c. 127 CE); not related to the Maurya Empire.
• Samudragupta: The greatest ruler of the Gupta Empire (c. 335–375 CE); a separate dynasty entirely from the Mauryas.

The correct answer is Proclamation of dhamma and moral values (Option 2).
Emperor Ashoka's edicts and inscriptions (rock edicts, pillar edicts, minor edicts) primarily proclaimed his dhamma (righteous conduct), emphasizing moral values such as non-violence, truthfulness, compassion, respect for all religions, and welfare of humans and animals. These inscriptions were engraved across his vast empire to spread his philosophy of governance.
Option 1 - Economic reforms and trade policies: Ashokan inscriptions do not primarily focus on economic reforms; they are overwhelmingly moral and religious in content.
Option 3 - Military conquests and territorial expansion: Asoka explicitly moved away from military expansion after the Kalinga War; his inscriptions reflect remorse, not glorification of conquests.
Option 4 - Expansion of the Gupta Empire: Asoka was a Mauryan Emperor (3rd century BCE); the Gupta Empire came much later (4th-6th century CE).

The correct answer is Yaksha (Option 1).
Yaksha (male) and Yakshini (female) statues are among the finest examples of Mauryan sculpture, known for their monumental size, high polish (the characteristic Mauryan polish), and lifelike, voluptuous human figures. Famous examples include the Parkham Yaksha and the Didarganj Yakshini. They represent the transition from earlier folk art to sophisticated court art.
Option 2 - Buddha: Realistic Buddha images in sculpture developed primarily during the Gandhara and Mathura periods (Kushana era), not during the Mauryan period when Buddha was depicted symbolically (lotus, footprints, wheel).
Option 3 - Lion: While Mauryan lion capitals (like the Sarnath Lion Capital) are famous, they are not described as 'monumental size with detailed human figures.'
Option 4 - Shiva: Monumental Shiva sculpture did not characterise the Mauryan period; such sculptures became prominent in later periods.

The most defining and distinctive feature of Mauryan art associated with Emperor Ashoka is the monolithic polished stone pillars (Ashokan Pillars), each crowned with animal capitals — the most famous being the Lion Capital of Sarnath (now India's national emblem) showing four back-to-back lions on an abacus with a Dhamma Chakra. These pillars were erected across the empire with Dhamma edicts. Option 3 is correct.
Option 1 is wrong: While stupas (hemispherical domes) like the Great Stupa at Sanchi were built or expanded during the Mauryan period, the stupa itself is not uniquely defining of Mauryan art — it was refined further during the Shunga and later periods; the Ashokan pillars are the most characteristic Mauryan element.
Option 2 is wrong: Monumental stone temples are NOT a feature of Mauryan architecture; the Mauryans primarily used wood and later stone for palaces and pillars, not elaborate stone temples — these became prominent in later periods.
Option 4 is wrong: Free-standing sculptures of Buddha as a human figure emerged only during the Kushana period (Mathura and Gandhara schools); in the Mauryan period, Buddha was represented symbolically (wheel, footprint, bodhi tree) — not in human form.

Emperor Ashoka, after the devastating Kalinga War (261 BCE), embraced Buddhism and actively spread it beyond India's borders by sending missionaries to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, West Asia, and parts of Europe. Option 3 is correct.
Option 1 is wrong: Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire and later embraced Jainism; he did not spread Buddhism outside India.
Option 2 is wrong: Bindusara expanded the Mauryan Empire southward but is not associated with spreading Buddhism internationally.
Option 4 is wrong: Brihadratha was the last Mauryan emperor, assassinated by Pushyamitra Shunga; he had no significant role in spreading Buddhism.

In Kautilya's Arthashastra , ' Kantakasodhana ' literally means 'removal of thorns' — these special courts dealt with criminal offenses, malpractices, exploitation, and violations of state laws by merchants, officials, and anti-social elements regarded as 'thorns' in society. Option 3 is correct.
Option 1 is wrong: Military offenses and war crimes were handled by separate military courts and councils in the Mauryan Empire, not by Kantakasodhana courts.
Option 2 is wrong: Enforcing religious reforms and moral conduct was a function of the Dharmamahamatta (officers of religious and social welfare), not the Kantakasodhana courts.
Option 4 is wrong: Land disputes and property issues were handled by civil courts ( Dharmasthiya ), a separate judicial institution, not the Kantakasodhana courts.

Arthashastra is the ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy written by Chanakya (also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta), the chief minister of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya (around 4th century BCE). It is one of the most comprehensive works on governance, diplomacy, taxation, and administration in ancient literature.
Option (b) is incorrect: Manusmriti was written by Manu and deals with social codes, laws, and dharma — not specifically statecraft and economics.
Option (c) is incorrect: The Mahabharata is an ancient epic attributed to sage Vyasa; it is not a treatise on statecraft by Chanakya.
Option (d) is incorrect: The Rigveda is one of the four Vedas and is a collection of hymns; it is not a political or economic treatise.

Correct Answer: They had capitals topped with lion sculptures.
The Ashokan pillars are known for their polished sandstone shafts and animal capitals at the top, most famously the Lion Capital of Sarnath (now the National Emblem of India). Lions, bulls, and elephants were common motifs on these capitals.
Option 2: Incorrect. Ashokan pillars are found across the Indian subcontinent including Bihar, UP, Delhi, Haryana — not just South India.
Option 3: Incorrect. They were made of single pieces of polished sandstone, not bronze or silver.
Option 4: Incorrect. They were royal proclamation pillars, not fire altars.

The credit for establishing an efficient spy system in the Mauryan Empire goes to Chandragupta Maurya . With the guidance of his chief advisor Chanakya (Kautilya) , Chandragupta created a strong network of spies who helped him in administration, maintaining law and order, and keeping an eye on officials and enemies. The Arthashastra , written by Kautilya, highlights the importance of espionage in governance, and this system became one of the key strengths of the Mauryan administration.

The correct answer is Chandragupta Maurya . He founded the Maurya Empire in 321 BCE after overthrowing the Nanda dynasty with the guidance and support of Chanakya (Kautilya) , the author of Arthashastra . Chandragupta united most of the Indian subcontinent under one central administration, making it the first major empire in India. His reign laid the foundation for political unity and strong administration. Later, his grandson Ashoka the Great expanded the empire to its greatest territorial extent and spread Buddhism.
Other Options: Bindusara was Chandragupta Maurya’s son and the second Mauryan ruler.
Ashoka was the grandson of Chandragupta and the most famous Mauryan ruler.
Harshavardhana ruled much later (7th century CE) and belonged to the Vardhana dynasty, not the Maurya Empire.

Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus I Nicator (Greek ruler of West Asia/Seleucid Empire) to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. He lived in Pataliputra and wrote the famous account 'Indica', which provides valuable information about Mauryan India.
Al-Biruni: 11th century Persian scholar who came during Mahmud of Ghazni's time; Ibn Battuta: 14th century Moroccan traveller who visited during Muhammad bin Tughluq's reign; Marco Polo: 13th century Venetian traveller . Hence, Megasthenes is correct.

Correct Answer: Ashoka (Option 3)
The reign of Emperor Ashoka (c. 268-232 BCE) saw the greatest advancements in Mauryan architecture. He commissioned the construction of stupas (including Sanchi Stupa), pillars (Ashokan Pillars with edicts), rock-cut caves (Barabar Caves), and monasteries across the empire. This architectural flourishing was largely driven by his conversion to Buddhism.
Why others are wrong:
Option 1 - Bimbisara: He was the founder of the Haryanka dynasty, not the Mauryan, and predates Ashoka.
Option 2 - Bindusara: He was Chandragupta's son and Ashoka's father, with no major architectural achievements on record.
Option 4 - Ajatashatru: He was a king of Magadha from the Haryanka dynasty, not a Mauryan emperor.

Correct Answer: 321 BC
Chandragupta Maurya established the Maurya Empire around 321 BCE (Before Common Era). With the guidance of his mentor Chanakya (Kautilya), he overthrew the last Nanda king Dhanananda and founded the Maurya Empire with Pataliputra (modern Patna) as its capital. The Maurya Empire became the first pan-Indian empire, stretching from the northwest (modern Pakistan and Afghanistan) to the south and east.
Why other options are wrong:
- 211 BC: More than 100 years after the empire was established; the Maurya Empire had already ended by this time.
- 426 BC: Too early; more than a century before Chandragupta Maurya.
- 524 BC: Around the time of Bimbisara (Magadha); Chandragupta Maurya was not yet born.

Most of Ashoka's rock and pillar edicts were composed in Prakrit, using the Brahmi script (with some in the Kharosthi script in northwestern regions, and Greek/Aramaic in border areas). Prakrit was the common language of the people at the time. Pali is associated with the Theravada Buddhist canon but most edicts are in Prakrit. Arabic came much later; English is completely anachronistic.

Correct Answer: Kautilya
The Arthasastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy written by Kautilya (also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta ). He was the prime minister and adviser to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya (4th century BCE). The Arthasastra covers topics including governance, law, taxation, foreign policy, and warfare.
Why other options are wrong:
- Ashoka: Known for his Rock Edicts promoting Dhamma (righteousness); did not write the Arthasastra .
- Visakhadatta : Ancient Indian playwright who wrote ' Mudrarakshasa '; not the author of Arthasastra .
- Megasthenes : A Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya who wrote 'Indica'; not the author of Arthasastra .

Most of Ashoka's edicts (3rd century BCE) were written in the Brahmi script in Prakrit.
A few in the north-west were in Kharosthi and Aramaic, but predominantly Brahmi was used.

The Achaemenid (Persian) influence on Mauryan sculpture is visible in its bold, massive realism — exemplified by the polished sandstone pillars and the lifelike rendering of animal capitals (Sarnath lion capital etc.).

At Dhauli (Odisha), the rock above Ashoka's Kalinga edict has been sculpted into the front portion of an elephant — believed to be one of the earliest Buddhist sculptures in India.
The elephant symbolises the Buddha.
Hence, Elephant is the correct answer.

Mauryan pillars (Ashoka Pillars) featured lions, bulls, elephants, and horses. Eagle (Garuda) was not a common motif on Mauryan stone pillars. Answer: Eagle

Lauriya Nandangarh is located in West Champaran district of Bihar and houses an Ashokan pillar — correctly matched.
Sarnath is in Uttar Pradesh (not Gujarat).
Sanchi is in Madhya Pradesh (not Odisha).
Amaravati is in Andhra Pradesh (not Madhya Pradesh).

Chandragupta Maurya, guided by Kautilya's Arthashastra, set up an extremely centralized bureaucracy with the king at the apex, supported by a council of ministers and a network of officials, spies and a standing army.
Harshavardhana's administration was relatively decentralized and feudatory in nature.
Samudragupta is famous for military conquests rather than centralized administration.
Pulakeshin II of the Chalukyas had a more decentralized feudal set-up.
Hence the most centralized administration is that of Chandragupta Maurya.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Sandstone
Ashoka's pillars (3rd century BCE) were predominantly carved from Chunar sandstone — a fine-grained, cream/buff- coloured sandstone quarried from Chunar (near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh). The Chunar sandstone allowed the remarkable mirror-like polish characteristic of Mauryan art. Famous examples include the Lion Capital at Sarnath (now India's national emblem) and the pillars at Lauriya Nandangarh , Rampurwa , and Allahabad.
Option 1 (Marble): Marble is used in Mughal architecture (Taj Mahal); not the material for Ashokan pillars.
Option 2 (Granite): Granite is used in South Indian temple architecture (Pallava, Chola periods); not used for Ashokan pillars.
Option 4 (Basalt): Basalt is a volcanic rock used in some Deccan structures; not the material for Ashokan stone pillars.