The public display of inscribed texts on rock faces and free-standing pillars was followed by Indian rulers in limitation of the practices followed by the

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UGC NET Paper-2: History 20th June 2019
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  1. Achaemenids
  2. Greeks
  3. Sakas
  4. Parthians

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Achaemenids
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UGC NET Paper 1: Held on 21st August 2024 Shift 1
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​The correct answer is Achaemenids.Key Points

  • The practice of inscribing royal decrees and other important texts on rock faces and free-standing pillars was a common practice in the Achaemenid Empire.
  • This practice was continued by Indian rulers, but they did so in a more limited way.
  • For example, the Achaemenids would often inscribe their decrees in multiple languages, including Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian.
  • Indian rulers, on the other hand, would typically only inscribe their decrees in one language, usually Sanskrit.
  • Additionally, the Achaemenids would often inscribe their decrees in remote areas, such as mountain passes and desert oases.
  • Indian rulers, on the other hand, would typically inscribe their decrees in more accessible areas, such as city gates and temples.
  • There are a few possible reasons for these differences.
  • One possibility is that Indian rulers were more concerned with reaching a local audience than with broadcasting their decrees to a wider audience.
  • Another possibility is that Indian rulers were more interested in using these inscriptions to legitimize their rule than to celebrate their military conquests.
  • Whatever the reason, the practice of inscribing royal decrees on rock faces and free-standing pillars continued in India for centuries after the fall of the Achaemenid Empire.
  • These inscriptions provide valuable insights into the history and culture of ancient India.
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