Correct Answer: (C) Kushanas
Notes: The Gandhara School of Art flourished during the Kushana period, especially under Kanishka. It developed in the region of present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan. Gandhara art is famous for its realistic sculptures of Buddha and its blend of Indian and foreign artistic traditions.

Correct Answer: (A) Roman-Greek Art
Notes: Gandhara art displays strong Greek and Roman influences due to contacts with the Hellenistic world. Features such as curly hair, realistic body structure, and flowing robes can be seen in Buddha statues. Therefore, Gandhara art is often called Greco-Buddhist Art.

Correct Answer: (B) Red Sandstone
Notes: The Mathura School of Art mainly used red sandstone obtained from nearby quarries. Unlike Gandhara art, Mathura sculptures reflected indigenous Indian artistic traditions. Statues of Buddha, Jain Tirthankaras, and Hindu deities were commonly carved from this stone.

Correct Answer: (B) Kushana Period
Notes: Before the Kushana period, Buddha was represented through symbols such as footprints, the Bodhi tree, and the wheel. During the Kushana age, especially through the Gandhara and Mathura Schools, Buddha began to be depicted in human form for the first time.

Correct Answer: (B) Kanishka
Notes: Kanishka issued numerous gold coins featuring Indian, Greek, Iranian, and Buddhist deities. These coins are important historical sources for understanding Kushana religion, economy, and international trade. They also indicate the prosperity of the Kushana Empire.

Correct Answer: (B) Kushanas
Notes: The Kushanas controlled important sections of the Silk Route, which linked India with Central Asia, China, and the Roman Empire. This trade route facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, religion, and culture, making the Kushana Empire economically prosperous.

Correct Answer: (B) Shakas
Notes: The Shakas introduced the Satrap system, in which provinces were governed by officials called Kshatrapas (Satraps). This administrative system was influenced by Persian traditions and helped the rulers manage large territories efficiently.

Correct Answer: (C) Satavahanas
Notes: The Satavahanas ruled a vast region in the Deccan that connected northern and southern India. They promoted trade, cultural exchange, and political integration between the two regions. Therefore, historians often describe them as a bridge between North and South India.

Correct Answer: (C) Junagadh Inscription of Rudradaman I
Notes: The Junagadh Inscription of Rudradaman I, dated to the 2nd century CE, is considered the earliest extensive inscription in classical Sanskrit. It marks the growing importance of Sanskrit as a language of administration and royal prestige.

Correct Answer: (A) Menander — Milindapanho
Notes: Milindapanho (Questions of Milinda) records the philosophical discussions between the Indo-Greek king Menander (Milinda) and the Buddhist monk Nagasena. It is an important source for understanding Buddhism and Indo-Greek history. The other pairs are incorrect: Arthashastra was written by Kautilya, Buddhacharita by Ashvaghosha, and Indica by Megasthenes.