Political History Of India From Circa 600 B C To 1200 A D

The Chola kingdom was not located in the Krishna Valley but centered in Tamil Nadu. Tamilakam primarily thrived in rice-growing regions. Uraiyur was indeed the Chola capital, and the Pandyas resided in the Tamraparni and Vaigai river valleys.

The Pallava kings adopted titles such as Vichitrachitta, Mahamalla, and Jnanasagara to highlight their attributes and accomplishments. However, Arasu was not one of their titles.

Mahapadma Nanda, the founder of the Nanda dynasty, claimed the title of ekrat (sole sovereign). He is credited with establishing a centralized and vast empire in northern India.

This question associates dynasties with their geographical centers. The Guptas were based in Magadha, the Maukhari dynasty in Kanauj, Pushyabhutis in Thanesar, and Maitrakas in Valabhi.

The Ahraura version of Ashoka’s minor rock edict mentions that 256 years had passed since the Buddha’s death. This inscription reflects Ashoka’s connection to Buddhism and his efforts to propagate its principles through edicts.

Brahmi inscriptions from the 2nd and 1st centuries BC have been discovered in Sri Lanka, reflecting the early spread of Buddhism and cultural exchanges facilitated by this religion.

- (A) is true: The Kushanas were known to use high-sounding titles such as devaputras (sons of gods).
- (B) is true: Religious donations were made by people for the well-being of the kings, a common practice under the Kushanas.
- (C) is true: The institution of devakulas involved housing statues of deceased rulers, a significant feature of Kushana rule.
- (D) is false: While Buddhism and Jainism thrived, other religions, including local cults and Vedic traditions, also coexisted under the Kushanas.
Hence, the correct answer is (A), (B), and (C) only.

Chandragupta II strengthened alliances through marital connections, assumed the title Vikramaditya after defeating the Shakas, and likely established Ujjain as a second capital. However, I-tsing visited much later during Harsha’s reign.

The Satavahanas are identified with the Andhras from the Puranas. Their earliest inscriptions are from the 3rd century BCE. Coins of Nahapana, marked by Satavahana kings, signify their conquests.

The chronology of Magadha’s rulers starts with Bimbisara, followed by his son Ajatashatru. Chandragupta Maurya established the Mauryan Empire much later. Udyani’s reign follows after these significant rulers.

Kalhana’s Rajtarangini records three women rulers, including Didda, who ruled the Yashaskara dynasty in Kashmir. Naravahana played a role in her rise to power. Didda was a prominent ruler known for her administrative acumen.

The Gupta kings adopted grand titles like Maharajadhiraja and connected themselves to divinity through epithets such as Parama-daivata. The Allahabad Prashasti by Harisena, however, portrays Samudragupta as an exceptional ruler rather than a common man.