INSCRIPTIONS

CDS-I /2016 CAPF /2022

1) Consider the following statements : 3) Ashokan inscriptions in Afghanistan are
1. The inscriptions on the pillar at written in which one of the following scripts?
Rummindei give vivid details of Ashoka's a) Brahmi
Dhamma b) Sharada
2. The Nigalisagar inscription records the c) Kharoshthi
fact of Ashoka having visited the d) Greek-Aramaic

D
Konagamana stupa Answer - d) Greek-Aramaic
Which of the statements given above is / are Explanation - The Ashokan inscriptions in

IE
correct ? Afghanistan are written in Greek and Aramaic
a) 1 only scripts. These inscriptions were crafted to
b) 2 only reach local populations, showing Ashoka’s effort

IF
c) Both 1 and 2 to spread his message of Dhamma beyond India
d) Neither 1 nor 2 and connect with diverse cultural groups.
Answer - b) 2 only
Explanation - The correct answer is 2 only. The
Nigalisagar inscription records Ashoka's visit
to the Konagamana stupa and his expansion of
PL
UPPSC /2011
4) The Lumbini was the birth place of Gautama
Buddha, is confirmed by an inscription of —
M
it to honor the Buddha Konagamana. The a) Asoka
Rummindei inscription, on the other hand, b) Kanishka
marks Ashoka’s visit to Lumbini (the Buddha’s c) Harsha
SI

birthplace) and notes his reduction of taxes d) Dharmapala

there. It does not give detailed descriptions of Answer - a) Asoka
Ashoka's Dhamma. Therefore, only the second Explanation -The identification of Lumbini as
statement is correct. the birthplace of Gautama Buddha is
R

confirmed by an inscription of Ashoka. Known

UPSC CSE /1995 as the Rummindei (Lumbini) inscription, it was
PE

2) The name by which Asoka is generally placed by Ashoka during his visit to Lumbini.
referred to in his inscriptions is The inscription marks the site and records
a) Chakravarti Ashoka’s grant of tax exemptions to honor
b) Dharmadeva Buddha’s birthplace.
SU

c) Dharmakirti
d) Priyadarsi UPSC CSE /2019
Answer - d) Priyadarsi 5) In which of the following relief sculpture
Explanation - In his inscriptions, Ashoka is inscriptions is 'Ranyo Ashoka' (King Ashoka)
generally referred to as Priyadarsi, meaning mentioned along with the stone portrait of
"He who looks on with kindness" or "the Ashoka?
beloved of the gods." This title reflects his a) Kanganahalli
compassionate approach to governance and his b) Sanchi I
commitment to Dhamma (moral law). c) Shahbazgarhil
d) Sohgaura

Dr. Gaurav J. Sontake | Contact- 7827779142 | Sadashiv Peth, Pune - 30

Answer - a) Kanganahalli CDS-I /2011
Explanation - At Kanganahalli, located in 8) Consider the following passage and identify
Karnataka, there is a relief sculpture inscription the three tribal principalities referred to therein
that mentions "Ranyo Ashoka" (King Ashoka) using the code given below :
along with a stone portrait of Ashoka. This is In the early history of the far south in India,
one of the few known depictions of Ashoka in three tribal principalities are mentioned in
Indian art, highlighting his importance in Ashokan inscriptions of the third century BC
Buddhist heritage. and in Kharavela inscription of the first century
BC.

D
CDS-| /2012 Code :
6) Ashokan inscriptions of Mansehra and a) Vakatakas, Cholas and Satvahanas

IE
Shahbazgadhi are written in — b) Cholas, Pandyas and Cheras
a) Prakrit language, Kharoshthi script c) Ikshvakus, Vakatakas and Pandyas
b) Prakrit language, Brahmi script d) Pallavas, Cholas and Pandyas

IF
c) Prakrit-Aramaic language, Brahmi script Answer - b) Cholas, Pandyas and Cheras
d) Aramaic language, Kharo- shthi script Explanation - In early South Indian history, the
Answer - a) Prakrit language, Kharoshthi script Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras were significant
Explanation - The Ashokan inscriptions at
Mansehra and Shahbazgarhi, located in
present-day Pakistan, are written in the Prakrit
language using the Kharosthi script. These
PL
tribal principalities. They are mentioned in
Ashokan inscriptions from the 3rd century
BCE and the Kharavela inscription from the 1st
century BCE, highlighting their prominence
M
inscriptions are among the few examples where during that period.
Ashoka's edicts were inscribed in Kharosthi, a
SI

script used in the northwestern regions of the

Indian subcontinent during that era. UPSC CSE /1998
9) Which one of the following ancient Indian
MPPSC / 2010 records is the earliest royal order to preserve
R

7) Which one of tbe following inscriptions of foodgrains to be utilised during the crises in the
Asoka refers to the grant of concession in land country ?
PE

revenue to a village? a) Sohagaura Copper-plate

a) Lumbini Pillar edict b) Rummindei pillar-edict of Asoka
b) Sarnath Pillar edict c) Prayaga-Prasasti
c) Girner Rock edict d) Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra
SU

d) Sanchi Pillar edict Answer - a) Sohagaura Copper-plate

Answer - a) Lumbini Pillar edict Explanation -The Sohgaura copper plate
Explanation - The Lumbini Pillar Edict records inscription, dating to the Mauryan period, is
Emperor Ashoka's visit to Lumbini, the one of the earliest Indian records addressing
birthplace of Gautama Buddha. In this edict, food grain preservation. Discovered in
Ashoka exempted the village from the bhaga Sohgaura, Uttar Pradesh, it mentions the
(land tax) and reduced the land revenue from establishment of grain depots (koṣṭhāgāra) to
one-sixth to one-eighth, honoring the store food supplies as a precaution against
significance of the site. famine.

Dr. Gaurav J. Sontake | Contact- 7827779142 | Sadashiv Peth, Pune - 30

RAS /2013 Answer - b) Dhauli major rock edicts
10) Which of the following inscriptions of Explanation - The Dhauli Major Rock Edicts,
Ashoka bans animal sacrifice on certain festive located in present-day Odisha, mark the
gathering, that probably included a ban on easternmost point of Ashoka's territory with
artificial killing as well ? inscriptions. These edicts reflect Ashoka’s
a) Rock Edict I efforts to spread his messages of Dhamma
b) Pillar Edict V (moral law) in eastern India after his conversion
c) Rock Edict IX to Buddhism. The Dhauli inscriptions
d) Rock Edict XI emphasize non-violence, compassion, and

D
Answer - a) Rock Edict I welfare, capturing Ashoka's commitment to
Explanation - Ashoka's Rock Edict I prohibits peace and ethical governance in his empire.

IE
animal sacrifices and certain festive gatherings
that likely involved animal killing. This reflects 13) With whom is 'Junagarh Rock Inscription'
his commitment to non-violence and associated ?

IF
compassion for all living beings. a) Rudradaman
b) Bimbisara
UPSC CSE/ 2020 c) Chandragupta Il
11) Who among the following rulers advised his
subjects through this inscription?
"Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames
other sects out of excessive devotion to his own
PL d) Gautamiputra Satakami
Answer - a) Rudradaman
Explanation - The Junagarh Rock Inscription,
linked to Rudradaman I of the Western
M
sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he Kshatrapa dynasty (2nd century CE), is one of
rather injures his own sect very severely." the earliest inscriptions in classical Sanskrit. It
SI

a) Ashoka commemorates Rudradaman’s achievements,

b) Samudragupta especially his repair of the Sudarshana Lake,
c) Harshavardhana an important irrigation reservoir initially built
d) Krishna Deva Raya under the Mauryan ruler Chandragupta
R

Answer - a) Ashoka Maurya and later improved by Ashoka. The

Explanation - Emperor Ashoka issued an inscription highlights that Rudradaman
PE

inscription advising that excessively praising restored the lake without taxing his subjects,
one's own religious sect while blaming others showcasing his commitment to public welfare.
harms one's own sect. This message promotes It also mentions his military conquests,
religious tolerance and harmony among including his victory over the Satavahanas,
SU

different faiths within his empire. though he chose not to destroy their kingdom
out of respect for their royal family. This
CAPF /2013 inscription gives insight into ancient Indian
12) Which one among the following inscriptions engineering, irrigation, and administration,
was installed in the easternmost part of reflecting Rudradaman’s role as a capable and
Ashoka's territory? culturally influential ruler.
a) Barabar hill cave inscription
b) Dhauli major rock edicts
c) Sahasram minor rock edicts
d) Lauriya Araraj pillar edicts

Dr. Gaurav J. Sontake | Contact- 7827779142 | Sadashiv Peth, Pune - 30

14) The earliest reference to sati custom is minister under Samudragupta. This inscription
made in which of the following inscriptions? celebrates Samudragupta’s military conquests,
a) Allahabad Pillar inscription achievements, and qualities, highlighting his
b) Eran inscription of Bhanugupta strength and influence as a Gupta ruler.
c) Aihole inscription of Pulkes-in II
d) Bhitan inscription of Skand-gupta 17) The Mehrauli pillar inscription belongs to
Answer - b) Eran inscription of Bhanugupta the period of the
Explanation - The Eran Inscription of a) Mauryas
Bhanugupta provides the earliest known b) Sungas

D
reference to the sati custom. This 6th-century c) Kushanas
inscription from Madhya Pradesh mentions a d) Guptas

IE
widow who committed sati, or self-immolation, Answer - d) Guptas
on her husband’s funeral pyre. It is one of the Explanation - The Mehrauli pillar inscription
first epigraphic records of this practice in belongs to the period of the Guptas, specifically

IF
Indian history, marking an important reference to Chandragupta II. It describes his military
to sati in ancient inscriptions. achievements, including victories that
expanded Gupta influence. This inscription
NDA-Il /2022
15) Which one of the following was composed
by Harishena?
a) Nashik Inscription of Gautami Balashri
PL
highlights the power and reach of the Gupta
Empire during his reign.

SCRA /2011
M
b) Prayaga Prashasti of samudragupta 18) Who among the following was the author of
c) Deopara Prashasti of Vijayasena famous Allahabad Pillar Inscription relating to
SI

d) Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharavela Samudragupta?

Answer - b) Prayaga Prashasti of Samudragupta a) Harishena
Explanation - The Prayaga Prashasti of b) Achyuta
Samudragupta, also known as the Allahabad c) Simhavarman
R

Pillar Inscription, was composed by d) Nagasena

Harishena, a court poet and minister. This Answer - a) Harishena
PE

inscription praises the achievements, military Explanation - The Allahabad Pillar Inscription
conquests, and qualities of Samudragupta, about Samudragupta was composed by
highlighting his power and influence as a Gupta Harishena, a court poet and minister. The
emperor. inscription highlights Samudragupta's military
SU

conquests and achievements, celebrating his

16) Who composed the Allahabad Pillar power and influence as a Gupta emperor.
inscription?
a) Harisena CDS-I /2010
b) Mahasena 19) Which one of the following inscriptions
c) Veersena mentions Pulakesin Il's military success against
d) vishnusena Harshavardhana?
a) Allahabad Pillar Inscription
Answer - a) Harisena
b) Aihole Inscription
Explanation - The Allahabad Pillar Inscription
c) Damodarpur Copperplate Inscription
was composed by Harisena, a court poet and d) Bilsad Inscription

Dr. Gaurav J. Sontake | Contact- 7827779142 | Sadashiv Peth, Pune - 30

Answer - b) Aihole Inscription 22) Which inscription mentions about the
Explanation - The Aihole Inscription, village administration under the Cholas ?
composed by the poet Ravikirti, accurately a) Junagarh
records Pulakesin II's victory over b) Uttaramerur
Harshavardhana. This inscription celebrates c) Aihole
Pulakesin II, the Chalukya king, for halting d) Nasik
Harshavardhana’s attempt to expand his Answer - b) Uttaramerur
territory into the Deccan, marking the Explanation - The Uttaramerur Inscription,
Narmada River as the boundary between their from the 10th century during Parantaka Chola

D
empires. It highlights Pulakesin’s military I’s reign, provides detailed insights into village
strength and is an important record of his administration under the Cholas. Found in

IE
achievements. Tamil Nadu, it describes the village assembly
(Sabha), which managed local governance
UPSC CSE /1994 through various committees (variyams)

IF
20) The name of the poet Kalidasa is mentioned responsible for areas like justice, finance,
in the irrigation, and temple management. It outlines
a) Allahabad pillar inscription strict eligibility criteria for representatives,
b) Aihole inscription
c) Alapadu grant
d) Hanumakonda inscription
Answer - a) Aihole inscription
PL
including land ownership and good character,
with disqualifications for misconduct.
Representatives were selected through a
lottery system called Kudavolai, ensuring fair
M
Explanation - The Aihole Inscription, participation. This inscription showcases the
composed by Ravikirti, a court poet of Cholas’ advanced, decentralized system of local
SI

Chalukya king Pulakesin II, mentions the poet self-governance, highlighting their emphasis on
Kalidasa. The inscription honors Kalidasa as democracy, transparency, and accountability
one of India’s great poets, highlighting his at the village level.
esteemed position in ancient Indian literature.
R

23) The land measures of the Second Pandyan

21) Which of the following dynasties was Empire was mentioned in
PE

associated with Aihole Inscription? a) Thalavaipuram Copper Platces

a) Parmar Dynasty b) Uttirameru Inscription
b) Chalukya Dynasty c) Kudumiyammalai Inscription
c) Chola Dynasty d) Kasadudi Copper Plates
SU

d) Rashtrakut Dynasty Answer - a) Thalavaipuram Copper Platces

Answer - b) Chalukya Dynasty Explanation - The Thalavaipuram Copper
Explanation - The Aihole Inscription is Plates accurately mention the land measures of
associated with the Chalukya Dynasty. the Second Pandyan Empire. These records
Composed by the poet Ravikirti during the detail the land administration, including
reign of Pulakesin II, it details Pulakesin's measurements and revenue practices, during
military achievements, including his victory the Pandya rule. This information offers
over Harshavardhana. This inscription insights into the agrarian economy and
highlights the power and influence of the governance of the Pandyas.
Chalukyas.

Dr. Gaurav J. Sontake | Contact- 7827779142 | Sadashiv Peth, Pune - 30

SCRA /2015 b) 1, 2 and 4
24) Consider the following statements about c) 2 and 3 only
Satavahana Empire in the Deccan : d) 1, 3 and 4
1. The discovery of early Satavahana coins at Answer - a) 1, 2 and 3
Kotalingla and Sangareddy in the Karimnagar Explanation - Between the 8th and 14th
district supports the hypothesis of the centuries, Sanskrit texts and inscriptions used
beginning of their rule in the Eastern terms like Turushka, Tajika, and Parashika to
Deccan. refer to Muslims. Turushka denoted Turkish or
2. Naneghat and Nashik inscriptions point to Muslim invaders, Tajika referred to people from

D
the beginning of their rule in the Western regions like Tajikistan or Persia, and Parashika
Deccan. identified Persians. The term Kardamaka,

IE
Which of the statements given above is /are however, was unrelated to Muslims; it referred
correct? to a dynasty of the Western Kshatrapas.
a) 1 only Therefore, the correct answer is 1, 2, and 3.

IF
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer - c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation - Both statements about the
Satavahana Empire are correct:
1. The discovery of early Satavahana coins
PL
M
at Kotalingala and Sangareddy in the
Karimnagar district supports the
SI

hypothesis that their rule began in the

Eastern Deccan.
2. Inscriptions found at Naneghat and
Nashik indicate the Satavahanas'
R

presence in the Western Deccan,

suggesting their rule extended to this
PE

region.
Therefore, the correct answer is Both 1 and 2.

CDS-Il /2022
SU

25) During the 8th - 14th centuries, in the

Sanskrit texts and inscriptions, which of the
following terms were used to denote Muslims?
1. Turushka
2. Tajika
3. Parashika
4. Kardamaka
Select the correct answer using the code given
below :
a) 1, 2 and 3

Dr. Gaurav J. Sontake | Contact- 7827779142 | Sadashiv Peth, Pune - 30

 D
IE
IF
PL
M
SI
R
PE
SU

Dr. Gaurav J. Sontake | Contact- 7827779142 | Sadashiv Peth, Pune - 30