Ancient History & Harappan — Set 3
Gujarat GK · प्राचीन इतिहास और हड़प्पा · Questions 21–30 of 200
After the decline of the Harappan civilization, which dynasty first established significant control over Gujarat?
Correct Answer: B. Mauryas
After the decline of the Harappan civilization, the Mauryan Empire was the first major power to establish control over Gujarat. Emperor Ashoka's rock edicts at Girnar and Junagadh are testimony to Mauryan presence. Gujarat served as an important western province of the Mauryan empire.
Ashoka's rock edicts in Gujarat are located at which place?
Correct Answer: C. Girnar (Junagadh)
Ashoka's famous rock edicts (fourteen major edicts) are located at Girnar near Junagadh, Gujarat. This rock also contains the Junagadh inscription of Rudradaman I added later. The Girnar rock is thus a multilayered historical document spanning centuries.
How many major edicts of Ashoka are inscribed on the Girnar rock?
Correct Answer: C. Fourteen
Fourteen major rock edicts of Ashoka are inscribed on the Girnar rock in Junagadh, Gujarat. These edicts preach Buddhist principles of dhamma, non-violence, and respect for all life. The Girnar inscriptions are written in Brahmi script and Prakrit language.
Which Mauryan governor built Sudarshana Lake near Junagadh?
Correct Answer: A. Pushyagupta
Pushyagupta, the Mauryan provincial governor, built Sudarshana Lake (Sudarsana Lake) near Junagadh during Chandragupta Maurya's reign. This lake was a major irrigation project for the region. It was later repaired by Tushaspa during Ashoka's reign and again by Rudradaman I.
The Junagadh inscription of Rudradaman I belongs to which dynasty?
Correct Answer: C. Western Kshatrapas
Rudradaman I's inscription on the Girnar rock belongs to the Western Kshatrapa (Satraps) dynasty. The inscription is dated to around 150 CE and is the earliest known long inscription in Sanskrit. It records Rudradaman's achievements including the repair of Sudarshana Lake.
The Western Kshatrapa dynasty ruled Gujarat during which approximate period?
Correct Answer: B. 100 CE - 400 CE
The Western Kshatrapas (also called Sakas or Mahakshatrapas) ruled Gujarat and western India from approximately 100 CE to 400 CE. They were of Central Asian Scythian origin and became thoroughly Indianized. The dynasty was finally defeated by the Gupta emperor Chandragupta II.
Which Gupta emperor defeated the last Western Kshatrapa ruler and annexed Gujarat?
Correct Answer: B. Chandragupta II
Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) defeated the last Western Kshatrapa ruler Rudrasimha III around 395-400 CE and annexed Gujarat into the Gupta empire. This conquest gave the Guptas control over lucrative western ports. Chandragupta II commemorated this victory by issuing special gold and silver coins.
The Junagadh rock inscription of Skandagupta records the repair of which structure?
Correct Answer: B. Sudarshana Lake
Skandagupta's Junagadh inscription (c. 455-467 CE) records the repair of Sudarshana Lake after it was damaged by floods. This repair was carried out by the local governor Parnadatta and his son Chakrapalita. The inscription is important for understanding Gupta administration in Gujarat.
The Maitraka dynasty ruled Gujarat with which city as their capital?
Correct Answer: C. Valabhi
The Maitraka dynasty ruled Gujarat from approximately 475 CE to 775 CE with Valabhi (modern Vala) in Saurashtra as their capital. Valabhi was an important center of Buddhist learning and trade. The famous Valabhi university attracted scholars from across Asia.
The Valabhi University was known for its scholarship in which tradition?
Correct Answer: C. Buddhism
Valabhi University was a renowned center of Buddhist learning, comparable to Nalanda in its importance. Chinese traveler Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) visited Valabhi and praised it as a great center of education. The university attracted thousands of students from across Asia.