Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Who is called 'the Napoleon of Ancient India'?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: D
Concept
Samudragupta's unprecedented military success and his unification of a vast part of the Indian subcontinent led modern historians to compare him to the most famous military leaders of world history.Explanation
British historian V.A. Smith called Samudragupta the 'Napoleon of India' due to his brilliant leadership and his undefeated streak in annexing North Indian kingdoms and making Southern kings his tributaries.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: He performed the Ashvamedha sacrifice to assert his supreme sovereignty.
Logic 2: Unlike Napoleon, he was also a noted musician (depicted on coins playing the veena) and a poet (*Kaviraja*).
Logic 3: His conquests are documented in the Allahabad Pillar Inscription, showcasing his expansionist policy and tactical genius.