In the Mauryan period, which city served as the capital of the Mauryan kingdom and the centre from which the empire was administered?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests basic knowledge of ancient Indian political geography by asking about the capital of the Mauryan kingdom. The Mauryan Empire, especially under Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka, is a major topic in Indian history, and identifying its capital helps ground other facts about administration and expansion.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on the capital city of the Mauryan kingdom.
• Options are Pataliputra, Vaishali, Lumbini and Gaya.

Concept / Approach:
Pataliputra, near modern Patna, is well known as the capital of the Mauryan Empire. Greek and Indian sources mention it as Palibothra or Pataliputra, a grand fortified city. Vaishali was the capital of the Licchavis and an important republican centre. Lumbini is a sacred place associated with the birth of the Buddha, and Gaya is a religious site linked to both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, not the Mauryan capital. The approach is to match the empire with the correct capital city, which is Pataliputra.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Mauryan dynasty ruled from a central capital in the eastern Ganga plain. Step 2: Identify that capital as Pataliputra, located near the confluence of major rivers. Step 3: Note that Vaishali belongs to the Licchavi republic tradition and is distinct from the Mauryan royal capital. Step 4: Recognise Lumbini as a religious birthplace site of the Buddha, not as an administrative capital of the Mauryas. Step 5: Select Pataliputra as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Multiple historical sources, including Megasthenes' account and the Arthashastra tradition, associate Mauryan administrative activity with Pataliputra. Archaeological finds in the area, such as pillars and remains of wooden palisades, further support its role as a major urban and political centre. Other locations listed in the options are important but not described as the Mauryan capital in standard texts. This confirms that Pataliputra is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Vaishali: Capital of the Licchavis and a republican centre, but not the Mauryan imperial capital.
Lumbini: Known as the birthplace of the Buddha and an important pilgrimage site, not a capital city.

Gaya: A major religious town associated with rituals and Buddhist history, but not the administrative capital of the Mauryan kingdom.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students mix up Vaishali and Pataliputra because both are important ancient cities in Bihar. Others may be distracted by the religious importance of Lumbini and Gaya. The safest way to avoid mistakes is to clearly memorise that the Mauryan political centre was Pataliputra, while Vaishali, Lumbini and Gaya were significant for other reasons.

Final Answer:
The capital of the Mauryan kingdom was Pataliputra.