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UPPCS (Pre) 2022

Ancient Indian Epigraphy

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which one of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Epigraphy serves as the skeletal framework of ancient Indian history, linking specific rulers to land grants and military conquests.

Explanation The Gaya Copper Plate inscription is associated with the Gupta Emperor Samudragupta, not the Maukhari ruler Sarvaverman. It records a land grant to a Brahmin in the 9th year of Samudragupta's reign. The other pairs—Ishwarverman (Jaunpur), Ishanverman (Harha), and Jivit Gupta II (Deva Barnark)—are historically correct.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Sarvaverman was a Maukhari king, while the Gaya plate is a known Gupta record.
Logic 2: The Harha inscription is a critical source for the Maukhari dynasty, specifically Ishanverman’s victories.

Active Recall

Question

What is the primary content of the Gaya Copper Plate?

Answer

It records the grant of villages to a Brahmin and praises the achievements of Samudragupta.

Core Insight

Inscriptions on durable materials like copper and stone were intended to make royal orders 'eternal,' providing historians with reliable chronological anchors.

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