Indus Valley MCQs

Q21. Rudradaman I, the famous ruler known for the Junagadh Inscription, belonged to which foreign ruling group in ancient India?

(A) Kushanas
(B) Satavahanas
(C) Shakas
(D) Sungas
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Correct Answer: (C) Shakas
Notes: Rudradaman I was one of the most powerful rulers of the Shakas (Western Kshatrapas). He ruled western India during the 2nd century CE and is famous for the Junagadh Inscription. He played an important role in strengthening Shaka power and promoting Sanskrit language and culture.

Q22. Which ruler is credited with repairing and restoring the famous Sudarshana Lake in Gujarat, according to historical inscriptions?

(A) Ashoka
(B) Rudradaman I
(C) Kanishka
(D) Menander
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Correct Answer: (B) Rudradaman I
Notes: The Junagadh Inscription states that Rudradaman I repaired the Sudarshana Lake after it was damaged by floods. The lake was originally constructed during the Mauryan period. This inscription highlights Rudradaman’s concern for public welfare and irrigation facilities.

Q23. Which Indo-Greek ruler is believed to have embraced Buddhism and became famous in Buddhist traditions?

(A) Demetrius
(B) Menander
(C) Antialcidas
(D) Eucratides
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Correct Answer: (B) Menander
Notes: Menander was the most famous Indo-Greek ruler in India. According to Buddhist sources, he accepted Buddhism after discussions with the monk Nagasena. He is remembered as a wise and capable ruler and occupies an important place in Buddhist literature.

Q24. By what name is the Indo-Greek king Menander known in Buddhist literature and texts?

(A) Milinda
(B) Dharmapala
(C) Kanishka
(D) Rudradaman
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Correct Answer: (A) Milinda
Notes: In Buddhist literature, Menander is referred to as Milinda. His philosophical discussions with the Buddhist monk Nagasena are recorded in the famous text Milindapanho (Questions of Milinda).

Q25. Which famous Buddhist text records the philosophical dialogue between King Menander (Milinda) and the monk Nagasena?

(A) Mahavamsa
(B) Dipavamsa
(C) Milindapanho
(D) Lalitavistara
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Correct Answer: (C) Milindapanho
Notes: Milindapanho means “Questions of Milinda.” It contains a series of discussions between Menander (Milinda) and the Buddhist monk Nagasena on religion, philosophy, and ethics. The text is an important source for understanding Indo-Greek influence and Buddhist thought.

Q26. The famous Heliodorus Pillar, also known as the Garuda Pillar, is located at which ancient Indian site?

(A) Sanchi
(B) Vidisha
(C) Taxila
(D) Ujjain
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Correct Answer: (B) Vidisha
Notes: The Heliodorus Pillar is situated at Vidisha in present-day Madhya Pradesh. It was erected by Heliodorus, a Greek ambassador. The pillar is an important source for the study of early Vaishnavism and Indo-Greek relations in ancient India.

Q27. Heliodorus, who erected the famous Heliodorus Pillar at Vidisha, served as an ambassador of which Indo-Greek ruler?

(A) Menander
(B) Antialcidas
(C) Kanishka
(D) Rudradaman
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Correct Answer: (B) Antialcidas
Notes: Heliodorus was the ambassador of the Indo-Greek king Antialcidas. He was sent to the court of the Shunga ruler Bhagabhadra. His pillar inscription provides valuable evidence of diplomatic relations between Indian and Indo-Greek rulers.

Q28. The Heliodorus Pillar at Vidisha is dedicated to which Hindu deity, indicating the popularity of early Vaishnavism?

(A) Shiva
(B) Vishnu
(C) Buddha
(D) Surya
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Correct Answer: (B) Vishnu
Notes: The Heliodorus Pillar is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is referred to as Vasudeva in the inscription. It is considered one of the earliest pieces of evidence of Vaishnavism. The pillar shows that even foreign ambassadors were influenced by Indian religious traditions.

Q29. Who is regarded as the founder of the Kushana Dynasty, which later became one of the most powerful empires in northern India?

(A) Kanishka
(B) Kadphises I
(C) Vasishka
(D) Huvishka
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Correct Answer: (B) Kadphises I
Notes: Kujula Kadphises (Kadphises I) founded the Kushana Dynasty by uniting various Yuezhi tribes. He laid the foundation of a powerful empire that was later expanded by rulers such as Vima Kadphises and Kanishka. He is therefore considered the founder of Kushana rule in India.

Q30. The Kushanas, who established a vast empire in northwestern India, originally belonged to which Central Asian tribe?

(A) Scythians
(B) Yuezhi Tribe
(C) Huns
(D) Parthians
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Correct Answer: (B) Yuezhi Tribe
Notes: The Kushanas were originally a branch of the Yuezhi tribe of Central Asia. After migrating from northwestern China, they settled in Bactria and later expanded into India. Their rule promoted trade, especially along the Silk Route, and contributed greatly to cultural exchange between India and Central Asia.

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