Matched Pairs and Explanations:

1 → d: The Maurya Empire had its capital in Pataliputra, from where governance was centralized)

2 → c: Ashoka’s edicts promoted the spread of Buddhism and moral values across the empire.

3 → b: Kauṭilya wrote the Arthashastra, a book on governance and strategy.

4 → e: Chandragupta Maurya introduced administrative reforms that helped manage the empire.

5 → a: Ashoka’s reign was marked by the Kalinga War, which led to his conversion to Buddhism and promotion of peace.