Q30. Kharavela was an important ruler of which dynasty?
[SSC MTS – 12 November 2024, Shift 1]
A) Sunga Dynasty
B) Vardhan Dynasty
C) Gupta Dynasty
D) Chedi Dynasty
Answer: D) Chedi Dynasty
Explanation: Kharavela was the prominent Chedi-Mahameghavahana ruler of Kalinga. His Hathigumpha inscription provides information concerning his military campaigns, public works, religious patronage and political achievements.
Q29. Which dynasty defeated the Kanva dynasty?
[SSC MTS – 5 November 2024, Shift 3]
A) Sunga Dynasty
B) Kushan Dynasty
C) Saka Dynasty
D) Satavahana Dynasty
Answer: D) Satavahana Dynasty
Explanation: According to the traditional dynastic sequence used in competitive examinations, Satavahana-Andhra power succeeded the Kanvas. This marked further political decentralisation after the decline of Mauryan authority.
Q28. Which inscription of Rudradaman is regarded as an early royal inscription composed in refined Sanskrit?
[SSC CGL Tier-I – 9 September 2024, Shift 2]
A) Prayag
B) Girnar
C) Chirand
D) Mehrauli
Answer: B) Girnar
Explanation: Rudradaman’s Girnar or Junagadh inscription, dated around 150 CE, is celebrated for its elaborate classical Sanskrit prose and its account of repairing the Sudarshana reservoir.
Q27. Who among the following founded the Kushana dynasty?
[SSC Selection Post – 26 June 2024, Shift 4]
A) Vasudeva I
B) Vima Kadphises
C) Huvishka
D) Kujula Kadphises
Answer: D) Kujula Kadphises
Explanation: Kujula Kadphises united the Yuezhi groups and laid the foundations of Kushana political power. His successors extended their authority across Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India.
Q26. Which Satavahana ruler was described as the destroyer of the Sakas, Yavanas and Pahlavas?
[SSC Selection Post – 26 June 2024, Shift 4]
A) Simuka
B) Hala
C) Gautamiputra Satakarni
D) Yajna Sri Satakarni
Answer: C) Gautamiputra Satakarni
Explanation: Gautamiputra Satakarni restored Satavahana power by defeating several opponents, notably the Western Kshatrapa ruler Nahapana. Gautami Balashri’s Nashik inscription praises his victories and royal authority.
Q25. The first coins in Indian history bearing the names and portraits of rulers were issued by whom?
[UPSC NDA-I – 21 April 2024]
A) Mauryas
B) Pushyabhutis
C) Guptas
D) Indo-Greeks
Answer: D) Indo-Greeks
Explanation: Indo-Greek kings introduced highly developed portrait coinage carrying rulers’ names and realistic images. Their bilingual coins are particularly valuable sources for reconstructing Indo-Greek political history.
Q24. Which Shaka ruler is famous for renovating the Sudarshana Lake in Kathiawar?
[SSC CGL Tier-II – 26 October 2023, Shift 1]
A) Rudradaman I
B) Maues
C) Rudrasimha III
D) Chashtana
Answer: A) Rudradaman I
Explanation: Rudradaman I ordered the reconstruction of Sudarshana Lake after severe damage. The event is described in his celebrated Junagadh inscription, an important source for Western Kshatrapa history.
Q23. Which Indo-Greek ruler had Sialkot, ancient Sagala, as his capital?
[SSC Stenographer – 12 October 2023, Shift 2]
A) Menander
B) Demetrios
C) Eukratides
D) Pushyamitra
Answer: A) Menander
Explanation: Menander I ruled an extensive Indo-Greek kingdom with Sagala, identified with modern Sialkot, as an important capital. Buddhist literature remembers him as King Milinda.
Q22. Consider the following statements about the Indo-Greeks: [SSC CPO – 4 October 2023, Shift 3]
- Menander was the most celebrated Indo-Greek ruler.
- Menander is identified with King Milinda of the Milindapanho.
- Milindapanho records questions asked by Milinda to Amrapali.
- Milinda is traditionally associated with accepting Buddhism.
Which statements are correct?
A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 1, 3 and 4 only
C) 1, 2 and 4 only
D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: C) 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation: Milindapanho records Menander’s dialogue with the monk Nagasena, not Amrapali. Menander is identified with Milinda and Buddhist tradition closely associates him with Buddhism.
Q21. Which Kushana ruler was a major patron of Buddhism and is associated with the Fourth Buddhist Council?
[SSC CGL Tier-I – 25 July 2023, Shift 4]
A) Vasudeva I
B) Vima Kadphises
C) Kanishka
D) Huvishka
Answer: C) Kanishka
Explanation: Kanishka strongly patronised Buddhism and is traditionally associated with the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir. His reign also helped Mahayana Buddhism spread toward Central and East Asia.
