Post-Mauryan Period

1. Kushanas were the descendants of which of the following Central Asian

Kushanas were the descendants of which of the following Central Asian Tribes ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Hiung-nu” option2=”Wu-Sun” option3=”Little Yueh-Chi” option4=”Great Yueh-Chi” correct=”option4″]

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The Kushanas were one of the five major tribes that constituted the Yueh-Chi confederation. After being driven westward from China by the Xiongnu, the Yueh-Chi settled in Bactria. The Kushana branch of the Great Yueh-Chi rose to prominence and founded the Kushana Empire.
– The Kushanas were a part of the Yueh-Chi confederation.
– They migrated westward from China.
– They belonged to the Great Yueh-Chi branch, distinct from the Little Yueh-Chi.
The Great Yueh-Chi conquered the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom and later expanded into northern India, establishing a vast empire that flourished from the 1st to the 3rd centuries CE. Famous Kushana rulers include Kanishka.

2. Who among the following Kings is said to have destroyed a confederacy

Who among the following Kings is said to have destroyed a confederacy of Tamil States in circa 155 BCE?

[amp_mcq option1=”Bindusara” option2=”Karikala” option3=”Gautamiputra Satakarni” option4=”Kharavela” correct=”option4″]

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The Hathigumpha inscription of King Kharavela of Kalinga mentions his military campaigns and achievements. In the 11th year of his reign, he is recorded as having destroyed a confederacy of Tamil states (Tamiladesam). While the exact dating of Kharavela is debated among scholars, a prominent theory places his reign in the latter half of the 2nd century BCE, making the date “circa 155 BCE” consistent with this event mentioned in his inscription. None of the other rulers mentioned (Bindusara, Karikala, Gautamiputra Satakarni) are associated with defeating a Tamil confederacy around this specific period.
– Kharavela was a powerful king of the Mahameghavahana dynasty of Kalinga.
– His Hathigumpha inscription in Udayagiri caves is the primary source of information about his reign and activities.
– The inscription details his campaigns against various rulers and regions, including the Tamil states.
Different scholars propose varying dates for Kharavela’s reign, ranging from the late 2nd century BCE to the early 1st century CE. However, the event of defeating the Tamil confederacy is a specific claim from his inscription, and its dating to circa 155 BCE aligns well with some proposed timelines for Kharavela. Bindusara was a Mauryan emperor much earlier (c. 298–272 BCE), Karikala was an early Chola king whose period is debated but generally earlier, and Gautamiputra Satakarni was a Satavahana ruler in the 2nd century CE.

3. Consider the following information : Archaeological Site State

Consider the following information :

Archaeological SiteStateDescription
1.ChandraketugarhOdishaTrading Port town
2.InamgaonMaharashtraChalcolithic site
3.MangaduKeralaMegalithic site
4.SalihundamAndhra PradeshRock-cut cave shrines

In which of the above rows is the given information correctly matched ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2″ option2=”2 and 3″ option3=”3 and 4″ option4=”1 and 4″ correct=”option2″]

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The correct answer is B, indicating that only rows 2 and 3 are correctly matched.
1. Chandraketugarh is an archaeological site located in West Bengal, not Odisha. It was indeed an important ancient port city and urban centre, but the state is incorrectly matched.
2. Inamgaon is a major archaeological site located in Maharashtra. It is a significant and well-studied Chalcolithic period site, known for its evidence of early farming villages in the Deccan region. This row is correctly matched.
3. Mangadu is a place in Kerala, and archaeological findings including megalithic burials have been reported from sites in or near Mangadu in Kerala. While perhaps not as famous as some other megalithic sites, the description as a “Megalithic site” in Kerala is considered correct in this context.
4. Salihundam is an important Buddhist archaeological site in Andhra Pradesh. It features structural remains of stupas, chaityas, viharas, and monastic complexes, as well as sculptures and inscriptions. It is not primarily known for “Rock-cut cave shrines” in the way sites like Ajanta or Ellora are. While there might be minor rock-cut elements, this description is generally inaccurate for Salihundam.
Archaeological sites provide crucial evidence for reconstructing ancient history. Chandraketugarh highlights ancient trade networks, Inamgaon provides insights into early village life and farming, Mangadu (in the context of Kerala) points to the widespread practice of megalithic traditions in South India, and Salihundam is important for understanding the spread of Buddhism in the region.

4. The Junagarh inscription goes on to tell us that during the reign of R

The Junagarh inscription goes on to tell us that during the reign of Rudradaman, in the year 72 of the Saka era, there occurred a terrible storm. What would be the time in CE of the occurrence of that terrible storm?

[amp_mcq option1=”150 CE” option2=”181 CE” option3=”130 CE” option4=”120 CE” correct=”option1″]

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The correct option is A.
The Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman I is a significant historical record. It mentions the repair of the Sudarshana Lake, originally built during the time of Chandragupta Maurya and improved by Ashoka. The inscription specifically states that a terrible storm occurred in the year 72 of the Saka era, causing damage to the lake’s embankment, which Rudradaman subsequently repaired.

The Saka era is a historical calendar era. Its epoch (year 0 or year 1) is widely accepted to correspond to 78 CE.
To convert a year in the Saka era to a year in the Common Era (CE), you typically add 78 to the Saka year.

Given Saka era year = 72.
Time in CE = Saka year + 78
Time in CE = 72 + 78
Time in CE = 150 CE.

Therefore, the terrible storm mentioned in the Junagarh inscription occurred in 150 CE.

The Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman I is located on the Girnar hill near Junagarh in Gujarat. It is notable for being one of the earliest and longest inscriptions in chaste Sanskrit. It provides valuable information about the history of the region under the Western Satrap ruler Rudradaman I, including details about the Sudarshana Lake’s construction and repairs, and his administration. Rudradaman I was a powerful ruler of the Western Satraps, a Saka dynasty that ruled parts of western and central India. The inscription also provides details about his military achievements and personal qualities.

5. The ruler Vindhyashakti during the period preceding the Gupta Age is a

The ruler Vindhyashakti during the period preceding the Gupta Age is associated with which one of the following dynasties ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Vakatakas” option2=”Chalukyas” option3=”Kalachuris” option4=”Sungas” correct=”option1″]

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Vindhyashakti is widely regarded as the founder of the Vakataka dynasty. The Vakatakas rose to prominence in the Deccan around the mid-3rd century CE, a period immediately preceding or overlapping with the rise of the Gupta Empire in Northern India.
The Vakatakas were a significant power in central and southern India for about two centuries after the decline of the Satavahana dynasty and before the complete dominance of the Guptas. Vindhyashakti established the dynasty’s control over a substantial territory.
The Chalukyas rose much later (6th century CE onwards). The Kalachuris also emerged later (around 6th century CE in some regions, 8th-12th centuries CE in others). The Sungas ruled in Northern India after the Mauryas (2nd-1st centuries BCE). Therefore, the Vakatakas, founded by Vindhyashakti, are the dynasty associated with the period preceding the Gupta Age among the given options.

6. Which one of the following statements with reference to the ancient In

Which one of the following statements with reference to the ancient Indian coins is *not* correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”The Indo-Greeks issued the first coins bearing the name and images of rulers.” option2=”The Kushanas issued the first gold coins.” option3=”The Kushana gold coins were different in weight from the coins issued by contemporary Roman emperors.” option4=”These Kushana gold coins have been found from several sites in north India and central Asia.” correct=”option3″]

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Statement C is incorrect. The Kushana gold coins, particularly those issued by Vima Kadphises, were heavily influenced by the weight standards of the Roman Empire’s gold coins (aureus/denarius), suggesting a similarity in weight rather than being necessarily different. This standard was likely adopted to facilitate trade between the Kushana Empire and the Roman Empire.
While the Kushanas were prominent issuers of gold coins in ancient India on a large scale, their initial gold coinage often followed Roman weight standards. The statement claims their weight was *different* from contemporary Roman emperors’ coins, which is generally inaccurate for the early Kushana period when the standard was borrowed.
Statement A is correct; the Indo-Greeks were the first to issue coins bearing the portraits and names of rulers in India. Statement B is generally considered correct in the context of widespread, standardized gold coinage, although some earlier limited gold issues might have existed. Statement D is correct; Kushana coins, including gold ones, have been widely found in archaeological sites across North India and Central Asia, reflecting the extent of their empire and trade networks.

7. Which one of the following statements about coins struck during 200 BC

Which one of the following statements about coins struck during 200 BCE to 300 CE in the Indian subcontinent is not correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”The Indo-Greeks introduced bilingual and biscript legends on their coins.” option2=”The Kushanas minted large quantities of gold coins as well as copper coins of low denomination.” option3=”The Satavahanas issued coins of silver, copper, lead and potin.” option4=”Absence of Negama coins suggests the declining power and authority of merchant guilds.” correct=”option4″]

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The correct answer is D) Absence of Negama coins suggests the declining power and authority of merchant guilds.
While Negama (or Nigama) coins issued by merchant guilds or towns were prominent in the pre-200 BCE period, their prevalence declined significantly during the period 200 BCE to 300 CE with the rise of powerful centralized kingdoms (Indo-Greeks, Kushanas, Satavahanas) that issued their own standardized coinage. However, stating that their “absence” (implying complete disappearance) occurred and *definitively* suggests a general “declining power and authority of merchant guilds” is likely incorrect or an oversimplification. Merchant guilds continued to be important economic actors during this period, even if their role in currency issuance changed or diminished. The decline in guild-issued coinage might reflect the state asserting greater control over currency rather than a complete collapse of guild power.
A) The Indo-Greeks were among the first to introduce bilingual (Greek and Prakrit) and biscriptal (Greek and Kharoshthi) legends on their coins, which is historically accurate.
B) The Kushanas are well-known for issuing a large volume of gold coins, especially under rulers like Kanishka, and also produced various denominations of copper coinage. This statement is correct.
C) The Satavahanas issued coins in various metals. Lead was a commonly used metal for their coinage, along with potin (an alloy), copper, and silver. This statement is correct.

8. The Satavahanas are identified in the Puranas by which one of the foll

The Satavahanas are identified in the Puranas by which one of the following epithets?

[amp_mcq option1=”Andhras” option2=”Shakas” option3=”Kshatrapas” option4=”Sungas” correct=”option1″]

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The Satavahana dynasty, which ruled parts of south-central India from around the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE, is primarily referred to as the Andhras in the Puranic literature. This identification has led to discussions among historians regarding the original homeland of the Satavahanas and the relationship between the Puranic accounts and epigraphic/numismatic evidence. However, the Puranas consistently associate the Andhra name with the dynasty that ruled from the Deccan after the fall of the Sungas and Kanvas.
– The Satavahanas were significant rulers in the Deccan region, successors to the Mauryas and patrons of Buddhism and Brahmanism.
– Key sources for Satavahana history include Puranas, inscriptions (like Nashik and Nanaghat), and coins.
– The term “Andhra” in Puranas refers to the dynasty, possibly indicating their ethnic origin or later area of rule (Andhra region).
– Shakas and Kshatrapas were contemporary rivals, particularly the Western Kshatrapas.
– Sungas were a dynasty that ruled in North India before the Satavahanas rose to prominence in the Deccan.
The capital of the Satavahanas varied over time, including places like Pratishthana (Paithan) and Amravati. Their rule is noted for promoting trade and cultural exchange.

9. In the Mathura School of Art, Buddha’s images are largely carved in

In the Mathura School of Art, Buddha’s images are largely carved in

[amp_mcq option1=”Dhyana Mudra” option2=”Abhaya Mudra” option3=”Dharmachakra Mudra” option4=”Varada Mudra” correct=”option2″]

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In the Mathura School of Art, Buddha images are significantly characterized by the Abhaya Mudra, especially in the standing postures. This mudra, where the right hand is raised with the palm facing outwards and fingers pointing upwards, symbolizes reassurance, fearlessness, protection, and peace. Early Mathura images often depict the Buddha in this posture and mudra, representing him as a powerful, dynamic figure dispelling fear.
– The Mathura School of Art flourished in and around Mathura from the 1st to 3rd centuries CE.
– It developed indigenous Indian styles, using red sandstone.
– Mathura Buddha images often show Indian facial features, fleshy bodies, and a flowing robe draped over one shoulder.
– The standing Buddha in Abhaya Mudra is a hallmark of the Mathura school.
Other mudras:
– Dhyana Mudra: Hand pose for meditation, typically with hands resting on the lap.
– Dharmachakra Mudra: Gesture of teaching the first sermon, symbolizing the turning of the Wheel of Dharma. Often seen in seated Buddha images.
– Varada Mudra: Gesture of granting boons or charity, with the hand pointing downwards.
While other mudras are present, Abhaya Mudra is notably prominent in the early Mathura standing Buddha images.

10. Which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. The Satavahana

Which of the following statements is/are correct ?

  • 1. The Satavahanas ruled over parts of western India and the Deccan
  • 2. The Satavahanas repaired and rebuilt Sudarshana Lake

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option1″]

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Let’s evaluate the statements about the Satavahanas:
1. The Satavahanas ruled over parts of western India and the Deccan: The Satavahana dynasty was a prominent kingdom in the Deccan region, which includes parts of present-day Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Their rule also extended into parts of Karnataka and occasionally into Western India (like northern Konkan and parts of Gujarat). This statement is correct.
2. The Satavahanas repaired and rebuilt Sudarshana Lake: Sudarshana Lake was an artificial reservoir located near Girnar in Gujarat. It was originally constructed during the Maurya period (specifically under Chandragupta Maurya, with contributions from Ashoka). Historical records, particularly the Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman I (a Western Kshatrapa ruler, 2nd century CE), state that Rudradaman I repaired the lake after it was damaged by a storm. Later, the Gupta emperor Skandagupta also repaired it (5th century CE) as mentioned in the Junagadh inscription. There is no historical evidence connecting the Satavahana dynasty with the repair or rebuilding of Sudarshana Lake. So, this statement is incorrect.
Therefore, only statement 1 is correct.
The Satavahanas ruled in the Deccan and parts of Western India. The Sudarshana Lake was built by the Mauryas and repaired by Western Kshatrapas (Rudradaman I) and Guptas (Skandagupta), not the Satavahanas.
The Satavahana dynasty lasted for several centuries (roughly 1st century BCE to 3rd century CE) and played a significant role in the political and cultural history of the Deccan. Their conflict with the Western Kshatrapas over control of regions like Maharashtra and Gujarat was a recurring theme in their history.
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