Ans: D

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: The Kushan Empire, which existed from the 1st to the 3rd century CE in the regions of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of India, issued a significant number of gold and copper coins. The coins they issued were rarely silver. Gold coins issued by the Kushan rulers, such as Kanishka, are particularly famous. These coins often featured images of the ruling monarch on one side and various deities or religious symbols on the other. They are regarded as some of the finest examples of Kushan numismatic art.

Statement 2 is correct: The Kushan coins are found in most parts of north India, up to Bihar. Indian influence can be seen on them from the very beginning. Many Indian gods and goddesses are depicted on Kushana coins, besides Persian and Greek deities. Example- The coins of Vima Kadphises (a Kushan emperor) bear the figure of Siva standing beside a bull. Moreover, the inscriptions on these coins reveal that the king identifies himself as “Mahesvara,” indicating his devotion to Shiva. Notably, rulers like Kanishka, Huvishka, and Vasudeva also featured similar representations of Indian deities, further highlighting the fusion of Indian and foreign influences in Kushan coinage.

Ans: C

Exp:

Option C is correct: Ashvaghosha, a distinguished writer of ancient India, enjoyed the generous patronage of the Kushan rulers. He was a poet in the court of King Kanishka.  One of his most notable works is “Saundarananda,” which is considered an example of Sanskrit “kavya,” or epic poetry.  Ashvaghosha also wrote the Buddhcharita, which is a biography of the Buddha. His contribution to Sanskrit literature and his role in preserving the life story of the Buddha are highly regarded, and they continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and enthusiasts of classical Indian literature.

Ans: C

Exp:

Option C is correct: Gandhara art refers to the distinctive style of art that flourished in the ancient Gandhara region, which encompassed parts of modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan, from the 1st to the 5th century CE. It was particularly prominent during the period of the Kushan Empire. The Gandhara artists drew inspiration from Greek traditions, notably in representing deities in sculptural form, which led to the creation of the first artistic depictions of the Buddha. The images of the Buddha and Bodhisattva are carved out in a realistic manner with great attention to accuracy of physical details, especially the delineation of muscles and addition of moustaches, etc. The representation of the thick drapery with large and bold fold lines also forms a distinct characteristic of the art.

The image depicts a grey schist figure of a seated Buddha, Gandhara art.

Ans: D

Exp:

Option D is correct: The chronological order of their arrival is 1-3-2-4.

Greeks: The first to invade India were the Greeks, who are called the Indo-Greeks or Indo-Bactrians. The Greeks, led by Alexander the Great, arrived in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent in the 4th century BCE. 

Shakas (Scythians): The Shakas entered northwestern India after the Greeks. The Shakas or Scythians, destroyed Greek power in both Bactria and India and controlled a much larger part of India than had the Greeks. 

Parthians: The Parthians, originating from the region of ancient Persia, established their influence in parts of India after the Shakas. Over a period of time, the Parthians and the Shakas became an integral part of the  Indian polity and society. 

Kushans: The Kushan Empire, a Central Asian dynasty, arrived in India in the 1st century CE, after the Parthians. They were also called Yuechis or Tocharians. They eventually established their authority over the lower Indus basin and the greater part of the Gangetic basin.

Ans: A

Exp: 

Pair 1 is correctly matched: The first known ruler of the Satavahana dynasty, according to archaeological finds and the Puranic lists, was Simuka (also called Sisuka). On his coins, Simuka is mentioned as Chhimuka who can be placed around the 1st century BCE. Simuka was succeeded by his brother Kanha or Krishna, who extended the empire eastwards till Nasik; next came Satakarni I. He was the first powerful ruler of the dynasty and has been lauded as the Lord of the Deccan (Dakshinapathapati) in Queen Naganika’s inscription at Naneghat.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Rudradaman I was the most important ruler of the Kardamaka family. During his reign the Saka power experienced a major expansion. His famous inscription from Junagarh, dated Saka Era 72 (150 CE) bears testimony to this. The title ‘mahakshatrapa’ assumed by Rudradaman I (c. 150 CE) certainly speaks of his more exalted political position than that of an ordinary Kshatrapa. Thus he assumed independence by 150 CE, perhaps from the Kushana.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Pulakesin II (AD 610–642) was the greatest ruler of the Chalukyas. He consolidated his authority in Maharashtra and conquered large parts of Deccan. He defeated Harshavardhana in circa AD 630 and acquired the title of dakshinapatheshvara (lord of the south).