Saka-Ksatrapas MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Saka-Ksatrapas - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is - Vidarbha

Key Points

• Junagadh Inscription
  • The Junagadh inscription of King Rudradaman I is a significant historical record from ancient India.
  • It provides details about the conquests and achievements of King Rudradaman I, a ruler of the Western Satraps.
• Regions Conquered by Rudradaman I
  • The inscription mentions that Rudradaman I conquered regions such as Saurashtra, Aparanta, and Anupa.
  • These regions were integral parts of his expansive kingdom and highlight his military prowess.
• Vidarbha Not Conquered
  • The Junagadh inscription does not mention Vidarbha as a region conquered by Rudradaman I.
  • This omission indicates that Vidarbha remained outside the dominion of the Western Satrap ruler.

Additional Information

• King Rudradaman I
  • He was one of the most notable rulers of the Western Satraps, a dynasty that ruled in western India.
  • Rudradaman I is renowned for his administrative reforms, patronage of art, and military conquests.
  • He was a Sanskrit scholar and the first ruler to issue inscriptions in Sanskrit.
• Significance of the Junagadh Inscription
  • The Junagadh inscription is engraved on a rock in Girnar, Gujarat.
  • It details the repair of the Sudarshana Lake, showcasing Rudradaman I's commitment to public welfare and infrastructure development.
  • The inscription is a crucial source of information about the political, cultural, and social conditions of the time.
• Other Regions Mentioned
  • Saurashtra: A region in present-day Gujarat, known for its historical and cultural significance.
  • Aparanta: Refers to the western coastal regions of India, which were strategically important for trade.
  • Anupa: Located in the Narmada valley, it was a fertile and prosperous area during ancient times.

The correct answer is: '2) A, B and C only'.

Key Points

• Rudradaman, Chashtana, and Maues were Saka rulers
  • Rudradaman I: He was one of the most significant Saka rulers of the Western Kshatrapas dynasty. He is known for his achievements in warfare and administration. His reign is noted for the famous Junagadh inscription, which provides valuable historical information.
  • Chashtana: He was an earlier Saka ruler and is considered the founder of the Western Kshatrapas dynasty. He established his rule in the region of Malwa and Gujarat.
  • Maues: He was a prominent Saka ruler who established his authority in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. He is known for his conquests and the establishment of Saka power in the region.

Additional Information

• Gondophares:
  • Gondophares was not a Saka ruler. He was the founder of the Indo-Parthian Kingdom. His rule extended over present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. He is associated with the legend of St. Thomas the Apostle, who is said to have visited his court.
• Mithiradates:
  • Mithiradates (Mithridates) was not a Saka ruler either. He was a prominent king of the Parthian Empire. Mithridates I is known for expanding the Parthian Empire and consolidating its power in the region.

• Rudradaman, the greatest of the Saka ruler in India is known to us from his coins, but more so from his Junagarh Inscription dated in the Saka year 72 i.e 150 AD.
• It is located on a rock near Girnar hill, in Junagadh, Gujarat.
• This inscription written in Brahmi script, entirely in prose, using Sanskrit language was the earliest record ever written in perfect Sanskrit.
• The Rudradaman inscription is in fact one of the three significant inscriptions found on the same rock, dated to be the second in chronology. The oldest inscription is a version of Ashoka edicts, while the last and third inscription is of the Gupta Emperor Skandagupta.
• The Rudradaman inscription is near the top, above the Ashoka edict.

The correct answer is Shakas.

Key Points

• Greeks were followed by Scythians (Shakas) who controlled a much larger area of India then Greek did.
• Shakas were Persians
• Shakas were also known as Scythians.
• The founder of Shakas was Moes.
• There were 5 branches of Shakas in 5 different places in India & Afghanistan.
• The most famous Shaka ruler in India was Rudradaman I who ruled not only Sindh but also a considerable part of Gujrat, Konkan, Malwa & Kathiawar.
• Around 57 B.C, we hear of a king of Ujjain who fought efficiently against Shakas & emerged victoriously, He called himself ‘Vikramaditya’, by whose name an era Vikram Samvat is reckoned.
• Henceforth, Vikramaditya became a title & whosoever achieved anything great adopted this title.

Additional Information

• Parthians (Iranians) overthrew Shakas from Taxila about the 1st century. The most famous Parthian king was Gondopherens, in whose reign St. Thomas is said to have visited India for the propagation of Christianity.
• Sungas was the first Brahmin dynasty in India and the founder was Pushyamitra Sunga.
• Kushans was the central Asian tribe called Yuchee, who ruled over the area of North-West India.

The correct answer is the use of Sanskrit for political purposes. Key Points

• In his book The Language of Empire, Sheldon Pollock argues that the use of Sanskrit for political purposes by the Saka was a key factor in their success in dominating large parts of the Indian subcontinent.
• The Saka were a nomadic people from Central Asia who invaded India in the 2nd century BCE.
• They were not ethnically Indian, and their language was Iranian.
• However, they adopted Sanskrit as the language of their administration and government.
• This was a strategic decision, as Sanskrit was the language of the Hindu elite, and it gave the Saka a degree of legitimacy that they would not have had if they had used their own language.
• The use of Sanskrit also helped the Saka to consolidate their power.
• By using Sanskrit, they were able to communicate with the Hindu elite and co-opt them into their administration.
• This helped to undermine the traditional Hindu political order and to facilitate Saka's rule. 
• The Saka's use of Sanskrit was a significant cultural innovation.
• It was a way of legitimizing their rule and of asserting their power over the Hindu elite.
• It also helped to spread Sanskrit and to make it the lingua franca of the Indian subcontinent.
• In the long term, Saka's use of Sanskrit had a profound impact on Indian culture.
• It helped to shape the development of Hinduism and to promote the spread of Sanskrit learning.
• It also helped to create a sense of cultural unity among the people of the Indian subcontinent.

• As Pollock writes, "The Sakas' use of Sanskrit was a cultural innovation that had far-reaching consequences. It helped to consolidate their power, to spread Sanskrit, and to create a sense of cultural unity among the people of the Indian subcontinent."

​Therefore the correct answer is the Use of Sanskrit for political purposes.

The correct answer is the use of Sanskrit for political purposes. Key Points

• In his book The Language of Empire, Sheldon Pollock argues that the use of Sanskrit for political purposes by the Saka was a key factor in their success in dominating large parts of the Indian subcontinent.
• The Saka were a nomadic people from Central Asia who invaded India in the 2nd century BCE.
• They were not ethnically Indian, and their language was Iranian.
• However, they adopted Sanskrit as the language of their administration and government.
• This was a strategic decision, as Sanskrit was the language of the Hindu elite, and it gave the Saka a degree of legitimacy that they would not have had if they had used their own language.
• The use of Sanskrit also helped the Saka to consolidate their power.
• By using Sanskrit, they were able to communicate with the Hindu elite and co-opt them into their administration.
• This helped to undermine the traditional Hindu political order and to facilitate Saka's rule. 
• The Saka's use of Sanskrit was a significant cultural innovation.
• It was a way of legitimizing their rule and of asserting their power over the Hindu elite.
• It also helped to spread Sanskrit and to make it the lingua franca of the Indian subcontinent.
• In the long term, Saka's use of Sanskrit had a profound impact on Indian culture.
• It helped to shape the development of Hinduism and to promote the spread of Sanskrit learning.
• It also helped to create a sense of cultural unity among the people of the Indian subcontinent.

• As Pollock writes, "The Sakas' use of Sanskrit was a cultural innovation that had far-reaching consequences. It helped to consolidate their power, to spread Sanskrit, and to create a sense of cultural unity among the people of the Indian subcontinent."

​Therefore the correct answer is the Use of Sanskrit for political purposes.

The correct answer is - Vidarbha

Key Points

• Junagadh Inscription
  • The Junagadh inscription of King Rudradaman I is a significant historical record from ancient India.
  • It provides details about the conquests and achievements of King Rudradaman I, a ruler of the Western Satraps.
• Regions Conquered by Rudradaman I
  • The inscription mentions that Rudradaman I conquered regions such as Saurashtra, Aparanta, and Anupa.
  • These regions were integral parts of his expansive kingdom and highlight his military prowess.
• Vidarbha Not Conquered
  • The Junagadh inscription does not mention Vidarbha as a region conquered by Rudradaman I.
  • This omission indicates that Vidarbha remained outside the dominion of the Western Satrap ruler.

Additional Information

• King Rudradaman I
  • He was one of the most notable rulers of the Western Satraps, a dynasty that ruled in western India.
  • Rudradaman I is renowned for his administrative reforms, patronage of art, and military conquests.
  • He was a Sanskrit scholar and the first ruler to issue inscriptions in Sanskrit.
• Significance of the Junagadh Inscription
  • The Junagadh inscription is engraved on a rock in Girnar, Gujarat.
  • It details the repair of the Sudarshana Lake, showcasing Rudradaman I's commitment to public welfare and infrastructure development.
  • The inscription is a crucial source of information about the political, cultural, and social conditions of the time.
• Other Regions Mentioned
  • Saurashtra: A region in present-day Gujarat, known for its historical and cultural significance.
  • Aparanta: Refers to the western coastal regions of India, which were strategically important for trade.
  • Anupa: Located in the Narmada valley, it was a fertile and prosperous area during ancient times.

The correct answer is the use of Sanskrit for political purposes. Key Points

• In his book The Language of Empire, Sheldon Pollock argues that the use of Sanskrit for political purposes by the Saka was a key factor in their success in dominating large parts of the Indian subcontinent.
• The Saka were a nomadic people from Central Asia who invaded India in the 2nd century BCE.
• They were not ethnically Indian, and their language was Iranian.
• However, they adopted Sanskrit as the language of their administration and government.
• This was a strategic decision, as Sanskrit was the language of the Hindu elite, and it gave the Saka a degree of legitimacy that they would not have had if they had used their own language.
• The use of Sanskrit also helped the Saka to consolidate their power.
• By using Sanskrit, they were able to communicate with the Hindu elite and co-opt them into their administration.
• This helped to undermine the traditional Hindu political order and to facilitate Saka's rule. 
• The Saka's use of Sanskrit was a significant cultural innovation.
• It was a way of legitimizing their rule and of asserting their power over the Hindu elite.
• It also helped to spread Sanskrit and to make it the lingua franca of the Indian subcontinent.
• In the long term, Saka's use of Sanskrit had a profound impact on Indian culture.
• It helped to shape the development of Hinduism and to promote the spread of Sanskrit learning.
• It also helped to create a sense of cultural unity among the people of the Indian subcontinent.

• As Pollock writes, "The Sakas' use of Sanskrit was a cultural innovation that had far-reaching consequences. It helped to consolidate their power, to spread Sanskrit, and to create a sense of cultural unity among the people of the Indian subcontinent."

​Therefore the correct answer is the Use of Sanskrit for political purposes.

• Rudradaman, the greatest of the Saka ruler in India is known to us from his coins, but more so from his Junagarh Inscription dated in the Saka year 72 i.e 150 AD.
• It is located on a rock near Girnar hill, in Junagadh, Gujarat.
• This inscription written in Brahmi script, entirely in prose, using Sanskrit language was the earliest record ever written in perfect Sanskrit.
• The Rudradaman inscription is in fact one of the three significant inscriptions found on the same rock, dated to be the second in chronology. The oldest inscription is a version of Ashoka edicts, while the last and third inscription is of the Gupta Emperor Skandagupta.
• The Rudradaman inscription is near the top, above the Ashoka edict.

The correct answer is Shakas.

Key Points

• Greeks were followed by Scythians (Shakas) who controlled a much larger area of India then Greek did.
• Shakas were Persians
• Shakas were also known as Scythians.
• The founder of Shakas was Moes.
• There were 5 branches of Shakas in 5 different places in India & Afghanistan.
• The most famous Shaka ruler in India was Rudradaman I who ruled not only Sindh but also a considerable part of Gujrat, Konkan, Malwa & Kathiawar.
• Around 57 B.C, we hear of a king of Ujjain who fought efficiently against Shakas & emerged victoriously, He called himself ‘Vikramaditya’, by whose name an era Vikram Samvat is reckoned.
• Henceforth, Vikramaditya became a title & whosoever achieved anything great adopted this title.

Additional Information

• Parthians (Iranians) overthrew Shakas from Taxila about the 1st century. The most famous Parthian king was Gondopherens, in whose reign St. Thomas is said to have visited India for the propagation of Christianity.
• Sungas was the first Brahmin dynasty in India and the founder was Pushyamitra Sunga.
• Kushans was the central Asian tribe called Yuchee, who ruled over the area of North-West India.

The correct answer is: '2) A, B and C only'.

Key Points

• Rudradaman, Chashtana, and Maues were Saka rulers
  • Rudradaman I: He was one of the most significant Saka rulers of the Western Kshatrapas dynasty. He is known for his achievements in warfare and administration. His reign is noted for the famous Junagadh inscription, which provides valuable historical information.
  • Chashtana: He was an earlier Saka ruler and is considered the founder of the Western Kshatrapas dynasty. He established his rule in the region of Malwa and Gujarat.
  • Maues: He was a prominent Saka ruler who established his authority in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. He is known for his conquests and the establishment of Saka power in the region.

Additional Information

• Gondophares:
  • Gondophares was not a Saka ruler. He was the founder of the Indo-Parthian Kingdom. His rule extended over present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. He is associated with the legend of St. Thomas the Apostle, who is said to have visited his court.
• Mithiradates:
  • Mithiradates (Mithridates) was not a Saka ruler either. He was a prominent king of the Parthian Empire. Mithridates I is known for expanding the Parthian Empire and consolidating its power in the region.

The correct answer is - Vidarbha

Key Points

• Junagadh Inscription
  • The Junagadh inscription of King Rudradaman I is a significant historical record from ancient India.
  • It provides details about the conquests and achievements of King Rudradaman I, a ruler of the Western Satraps.
• Regions Conquered by Rudradaman I
  • The inscription mentions that Rudradaman I conquered regions such as Saurashtra, Aparanta, and Anupa.
  • These regions were integral parts of his expansive kingdom and highlight his military prowess.
• Vidarbha Not Conquered
  • The Junagadh inscription does not mention Vidarbha as a region conquered by Rudradaman I.
  • This omission indicates that Vidarbha remained outside the dominion of the Western Satrap ruler.

Additional Information

• King Rudradaman I
  • He was one of the most notable rulers of the Western Satraps, a dynasty that ruled in western India.
  • Rudradaman I is renowned for his administrative reforms, patronage of art, and military conquests.
  • He was a Sanskrit scholar and the first ruler to issue inscriptions in Sanskrit.
• Significance of the Junagadh Inscription
  • The Junagadh inscription is engraved on a rock in Girnar, Gujarat.
  • It details the repair of the Sudarshana Lake, showcasing Rudradaman I's commitment to public welfare and infrastructure development.
  • The inscription is a crucial source of information about the political, cultural, and social conditions of the time.
• Other Regions Mentioned
  • Saurashtra: A region in present-day Gujarat, known for its historical and cultural significance.
  • Aparanta: Refers to the western coastal regions of India, which were strategically important for trade.
  • Anupa: Located in the Narmada valley, it was a fertile and prosperous area during ancient times.

 Key Points

• In his book The Language of Empire, Sheldon Pollock argues that the use of Sanskrit for political purposes by the Saka was a key factor in their success in dominating large parts of the Indian subcontinent.
• The Saka were a nomadic people from Central Asia who invaded India in the 2nd century BCE.
• They were not ethnically Indian, and their language was Iranian.
• However, they adopted Sanskrit as the language of their administration and government.
• This was a strategic decision, as Sanskrit was the language of the Hindu elite, and it gave the Saka a degree of legitimacy that they would not have had if they had used their own language.
• The use of Sanskrit also helped the Saka to consolidate their power.
• By using Sanskrit, they were able to communicate with the Hindu elite and co-opt them into their administration.
• This helped to undermine the traditional Hindu political order and to facilitate Saka's rule. 
• The Saka's use of Sanskrit was a significant cultural innovation.
• It was a way of legitimizing their rule and of asserting their power over the Hindu elite.
• It also helped to spread Sanskrit and to make it the lingua franca of the Indian subcontinent.
• In the long term, Saka's use of Sanskrit had a profound impact on Indian culture.
• It helped to shape the development of Hinduism and to promote the spread of Sanskrit learning.
• It also helped to create a sense of cultural unity among the people of the Indian subcontinent.

• As Pollock writes, "The Sakas' use of Sanskrit was a cultural innovation that had far-reaching consequences. It helped to consolidate their power, to spread Sanskrit, and to create a sense of cultural unity among the people of the Indian subcontinent."

​Therefore the correct answer is the Use of Sanskrit for political purposes.