Post-Mauryan Period

11. Consider the following statements pertaining to the Satavahanas : Sa

Consider the following statements pertaining to the Satavahanas :

  • Satavahana rulers were identified through metronymics
  • Satavahana succession to the throne was generally patrilineal

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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Let’s evaluate each statement about the Satavahanas:
1. Satavahana rulers were identified through metronymics: Correct. Several Satavahana rulers are known by names derived from their mothers, such as Gautamiputra Satakarni (son of Gautami) and Vashishthiputra Pulumavi (son of Vashishthi). This indicates the prominence of the mother in identifying the ruler’s lineage.
2. Satavahana succession to the throne was generally patrilineal: Correct. Despite the use of metronymics, the dynastic succession in the Satavahana kingdom was typically patrilineal, meaning the throne passed from father to son. For instance, Gautamiputra Satakarni was succeeded by his son Vashishthiputra Pulumavi. The use of metronymics highlighted the mother’s status but did not imply a system of matrilineal succession for the throne.
Both statements are correct.
– Metronymics were used to identify rulers, signifying respect for the maternal line.
– Royal succession generally followed the male line (patrilineal).
The Satavahanas were a dynasty that ruled parts of South and Central India from around the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE. They were important patrons of Buddhism and Brahmanism and played a significant role in promoting trade and cultural exchange. The use of metronymics among rulers is a notable feature of this dynasty, although its exact social implications regarding the position of women are debated, it clearly indicates a high status for the queens and queen mothers.

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12. The ancient trade route, popularly called the Dakshinapatha, connected

The ancient trade route, popularly called the Dakshinapatha, connected

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Ajanta with Golconda
Ellora with Muziris
Ajanta with Arikamedu
Ajanta with Pataliputra
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The Dakshinapatha refers to the ancient major trade route or network of routes that connected North India (specifically the Gangetic plains) with South India (the Deccan and further south). Pataliputra, a major capital city in the Magadha region of North India, was a key starting or ending point for the northern leg of this route. Ajanta, located in the Deccan region (modern Maharashtra), falls along this historical North-South connection. Therefore, the route connected the region around Pataliputra in the north with various points in the Deccan and South, including areas near Ajanta.
– Dakshinapatha was a major ancient trade route connecting North and South India.
– Pataliputra was a significant city in the North (Gangetic plain).
– Ajanta is located in the Deccan, along the southern part of the route network.
The Dakshinapatha was crucial for the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture between the northern kingdoms and the southern regions. Important centers like Ujjain, Maheshwar, Paithan, Tagara, and ultimately various southern ports were part of this extensive network.

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13. Which one among the following statements regarding Satavahanas is NOT

Which one among the following statements regarding Satavahanas is NOT correct?

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The Satavahanas are identified with the Andhras of the Puranas
The Satavahanas claimed Brahmana descent and followed Brahmanical Vedic tradition
Satavahanas and Shakas were involved in prolonged conflict
Vasishthiputra Satakarni defeated Shaka ruler Rudradaman I
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A) The Satavahanas are indeed identified with the Andhras mentioned in the Puranas, who ruled over the Deccan region. This statement is correct.
B) Some Satavahana rulers, notably Gautamiputra Satakarni, claimed to be Brahmanas (Ekabamhana) and performed Vedic sacrifices like Ashvamedha, indicating they followed and patronized Brahmanical Vedic traditions. This statement is correct.
C) The Satavahanas were engaged in prolonged conflicts with the Western Kshatrapas (Shakas), particularly over the control of fertile regions and trade routes, such as those in Malwa and Gujarat. This statement is correct.
D) According to the Junagadh inscription of Rudradaman I, the Shaka ruler Rudradaman I defeated the lord of Dakshinapatha (identified with Vashishthiputra Pulamavi, a Satavahana ruler) twice, but did not destroy him due to a matrimonial alliance. This indicates that Rudradaman I defeated the Satavahana ruler, not the other way around. Therefore, the statement that Vasishthiputra Satakarni defeated Shaka ruler Rudradaman I is incorrect.
The Satavahanas ruled in the Deccan region for several centuries. They were patrons of both Brahmanism and Buddhism, engaged in conflicts with the Shakas, and controlled important trade routes. Matrimonial alliances were sometimes used to resolve conflicts with rivals.
The most famous Satavahana ruler was Gautamiputra Satakarni. Important sources of information about the Satavahanas include Puranas, inscriptions (like the Nasik Prasasti of Gautami Balashri and the Junagadh inscription of Rudradaman I), coins, and literary works.

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14. Agnimitra, the hero of Kalidasa’s Malavikagnimitra belonged to :

Agnimitra, the hero of Kalidasa’s Malavikagnimitra belonged to :

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Sunga dynasty
Kanva dynasty
Satvahana dynasty
Gupta dynasty
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Agnimitra was the son and successor of Pushyamitra Shunga, the founder of the Shunga dynasty. Kalidasa’s play ‘Malavikagnimitram’ revolves around King Agnimitra, placing him firmly within the Shunga dynasty.
‘Malavikagnimitram’ is a historical play by Kalidasa featuring characters from the Shunga dynasty.
The Shunga dynasty succeeded the Mauryan dynasty in Magadha. Pushyamitra Shunga was a general under the last Mauryan king whom he overthrew. His son Agnimitra reigned after him. The play provides some insights into the courtly life and political climate of the period, although it is primarily a work of literature.

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15. Consider the following statements : 1. Periplus is a Greek word mean

Consider the following statements :

  • 1. Periplus is a Greek word meaning sailing around.
  • 2. Erythraean was the Greek name for the Mediterranean Sea.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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The correct answer is A. The question asks which of the given statements is/are correct.
Statement 1 is correct. “Periplus” is a Greek word derived from “periplous” (περίπλους), meaning “sailing around”. A periplus is a type of historical document that describes a coastal voyage, listing ports and landmarks along the route.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Erythraean Sea (Erythra Thalassa in Greek) refers to the body of water encompassing the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, and potentially extending into the Indian Ocean, according to classical geographers like the author of the “Periplus of the Erythraean Sea”. The Mediterranean Sea was known by other names in Greek and Roman antiquity, such as simply “the sea” (ἡ θάλασσα) or, by Romans, “Mare Nostrum” (Our Sea).
The “Periplus of the Erythraean Sea” is an important ancient Greek text, written by an unknown author around the 1st century CE, which describes navigation and trading opportunities from Roman Egyptian ports along the coast of the Red Sea, and points along the coast of Northeast Africa and the Indian subcontinent.

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16. First coins in Indian history bearing the names and images of rulers w

First coins in Indian history bearing the names and images of rulers were issued by the :

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Mauryas
Pushyabhutis
Guptas
Indo-Greeks
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The first coins in Indian history bearing the names and images of rulers were issued by the Indo-Greeks.
– The **Mauryas** (c. 322–185 BCE) issued punch-marked coins, which were typically pieces of silver or copper with symbols punched onto them. These coins did not carry the names or portraits of rulers.
– The **Indo-Greeks** ruled parts of northwestern India from around the late 3rd century BCE to the early 1st century CE. Influenced by Hellenistic numismatic traditions, they introduced coins featuring realistic portraits of the rulers along with their names, often in Greek and Brahmi or Kharosthi scripts. This marked a significant departure in Indian coinage.
– The **Guptas** (c. 320–550 CE) later issued a wide variety of sophisticated gold, silver, and copper coins. Their gold coins, in particular, featured images of the rulers (e.g., Samudragupta playing the Veena, Chandragupta II with a lion) and their names, continuing and evolving the tradition introduced by the Indo-Greeks.
– The **Pushyabhutis** (or Vardhana dynasty, 6th and 7th centuries CE) ruled in parts of northern India much later than the Indo-Greeks and Guptas. Their coinage included types like those of Harshavardhana, which were influenced by earlier Gupta styles but were not the *first* to bear rulers’ names and images.
The numismatic history of India is complex, with various indigenous and foreign influences. The arrival of the Indo-Greeks brought a distinct style of coinage with personalized royal imagery, which was later adopted and adapted by indigenous dynasties, most notably the Guptas and Kushanas.

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17. Consider the following statements about ancient Indian inscriptions :

Consider the following statements about ancient Indian inscriptions :

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  1. The earliest inscriptions are in Sanskrit.
  2. Kharosthi script, used in inscriptions in the north-west, was deciphered with the help of coins of Indo-Greek kings who ruled over the area.
  3. Most of the inscriptions mention grand, unique events, and routine agricultural practices do not find mention.

How many of the above statements is/are correct ?

1
2
3
None
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Statement 2 is correct. The Kharosthi script, used in the northwestern parts of ancient India, was successfully deciphered by James Prinsep in the 1830s with the crucial assistance of bilingual coins issued by Indo-Greek kings who ruled over the region. These coins typically had inscriptions in both Greek and Kharosthi scripts, allowing Prinsep to correlate the characters and sounds.
Decipherment of ancient scripts like Brahmi and Kharosthi was pivotal for understanding the history and society of ancient India, particularly the period of the Mauryas and post-Mauryas. James Prinsep played a key role in this process.
Statement 1 is incorrect. The earliest deciphered inscriptions in ancient India, such as the Ashokan edicts (3rd century BCE), are primarily in Prakrit languages written in the Brahmi or Kharosthi scripts. Sanskrit inscriptions became prominent later, notably from the Gupta period (4th century CE) onwards.
Statement 3 is incorrect. While many inscriptions record significant political and religious events, they also provide valuable information about administrative regulations, land grants, irrigation systems, economic activities, and social practices, which are often directly or indirectly related to agriculture and daily life. It is not true that routine agricultural practices find no mention at all; aspects of land management, taxation, and water usage relevant to agriculture are documented.

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18. Near which one of the following cities in India have large statues of

Near which one of the following cities in India have large statues of Kushana rulers been discovered ?

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Karnal
Ropar
Hisar
Mathura
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The correct answer is D) Mathura.
Large statues of Kushana rulers, including notable examples of Kanishka and others, were discovered at Mathura. Mathura was a major city and one of the two capitals (the other being Purushapura, modern Peshawar) of the Kushana Empire (c. 30-375 CE). The sculptures found in Mathura represent a distinct school of art (Mathura School of Art) which flourished under the Kushanas and included portrait sculptures of their rulers.
The Mathura School of Art is known for its use of red sandstone and is distinct from the Gandhara School of Art which flourished concurrently in the northwest during the Kushana period. The portraits of Kushana rulers found at Mathura are important sources for understanding the appearance and regalia of these kings.

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19. Which one of the following statements about Rabatak inscription is no

Which one of the following statements about Rabatak inscription is not correct ?

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It throws important light on Kushana genealogy.
It refers to Kanishka as 'a king of kings and a son of God'.
The 23-line inscription is written in Gandhari language.
It mentions names of States which were part of Kanishka's empire.
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The Rabatak inscription is a stone inscription discovered in 1993 at Rabatak, Afghanistan. It is written in the Bactrian language (a Middle Iranian language) using the Greek script. It is historically significant as it provides crucial information about the genealogy of the Kushana king Kanishka I, listing his ancestors. It also mentions Kanishka’s status, referring to him as “king of kings, great king, the son of God” (shaonano shao Bazodeo). Furthermore, it lists various cities and regions that were under Kanishka’s rule. The statement that the inscription is written in the Gandhari language is incorrect; Gandhari is a Prakrit language usually written in the Kharosthi script.
The Rabatak inscription is written in the Bactrian language using the Greek script, not the Gandhari language.
The inscription was commissioned by Kanishka I and provides details about his lineage (mentioning Kujula Kadphises, Vima Taktu, and Vima Kadphises), his religious patronage (listing various deities), and the extent of his empire. It is one of the most important epigraphic sources for understanding the Kushana period.

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20. The first coins to bear the names and images of rulers were issued by

The first coins to bear the names and images of rulers were issued by the:

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Guptas
Mauryas
Indo-Greeks
Satavahanas
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The practice of issuing coins bearing the names and images (portraits) of rulers was first introduced in India by the Indo-Greeks.
The Indo-Greek rulers, who controlled parts of northwestern India from the late 3rd/early 2nd century BCE, followed the Hellenistic tradition of placing the portrait of the king and his name on their coins. This was a significant departure from the earlier punch-marked coins or uninscribed cast coins prevalent in India.
The Mauryas primarily issued punch-marked coins without ruler portraits. While the Satavahanas and Guptas later issued coins with portraits and names, they did so after the tradition was established by the Indo-Greeks. The Indo-Greek coinage is known for its high artistic quality and accurate portraits.

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