2024 · Q25
Consider the following statements about the Mauryan State and the forest people:
- 1The forest people were subjected to new forms of political and economic dominance and the necessity to subordinate and assimilate them led to a change in the earlier attitude of excluding these people from imperial territory.
- 2The State recognised that the forest produce was the sole monopoly of the forest people.
- 3The State was concerned with the conservation of forests and to this end the burning of forests was prohibited.
- 4The forest people could be harnessed to serve the State and could be used as troops, spies and assassins.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
General KnowledgeHistory of India
- A1
- B2
- C3
- D4
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: under the Mauryas the earlier policy of excluding forest tribes gave way to subordinating and assimilating them under imperial dominance. Statement 2 is correct: the Arthashastra tradition recognises forest produce as the monopoly of the forest people. Statement 3 is incorrect: there was no Mauryan prohibition on burning forests for conservation; clearing of forests was in fact encouraged for agriculture. Statement 4 is correct: forest people were harnessed as troops, spies and assassins for the state. With three statements correct, the answer is (C).