Which of the following statements describes an important contribution of the Mauryan Empire?(1 point)
A The police in the Mauryan Empire worked independently of the government.
B New types of crops were grown on farms watered by irrigation.
C The Mauryans invented the religion of Hinduism.
D Chandragupta Maurya established the first centralized government in India.
D Chandragupta Maurya established the first centralized government in India.
D Chandragupta Maurya established the first centralized government in India.
The correct answer is D: Chandragupta Maurya established the first centralized government in India. To arrive at this answer, we need to analyze each of the statements and eliminate the incorrect options.
Option A states that the police in the Mauryan Empire worked independently of the government. This statement is not true since the police force in the Mauryan Empire was a part of the government and worked under its authority. Therefore, option A is incorrect.
Option B states that new types of crops were grown on farms watered by irrigation. While agriculture and irrigation were important aspects of the Mauryan Empire, the invention of new types of crops is not specifically attributed to them. This statement does not fully describe an important contribution of the Mauryan Empire. Hence, option B is incorrect.
Option C states that the Mauryans invented the religion of Hinduism. This statement is incorrect as Hinduism existed before the time of the Mauryan Empire. Although the Mauryans played a role in the promotion of Hinduism, they did not invent it. Therefore, option C is incorrect.
Option D states that Chandragupta Maurya established the first centralized government in India. This statement is accurate. Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire, introduced a centralized form of government, which exercised authority over various regions of India. This centralization of power was a significant contribution of the Mauryan Empire. Thus, option D is the correct answer.
In conclusion, the correct statement describing an important contribution of the Mauryan Empire is D: Chandragupta Maurya established the first centralized government in India.