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Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003

Ancient International Conflicts

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which Chinese general had defeated Kanishka?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Ancient history witnessed significant military clashes between the expanding Han Empire of China and the Kushan Empire of India over control of Central Asian trade routes.

Explanation According to the *Hou Hanshu
(Book of the Later Han), the Chinese general Pan Chao (Ban Chao) defeated a Kushan army of 70,000 men sent by Kanishka (or his predecessor) in 90 AD.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Pan Chao used a scorched-earth policy to repel the Kushans near Khotan in Central Asia.
Logic 2: This victory established Han control over the 'Western Regions' (Tarim Basin) and turned the Kushans into temporary tributaries of the Han.
Logic 3: Ho-Ti (Option D): Was the Han Emperor during this period, but Pan Chao was the active general on the field.

Active Recall

Question

Where did the battle between Pan Chao and the Kushans take place?

Answer

It took place in Central Asia, near the region of Khotan.

Core Insight

This defeat checked the Kushan expansion into China, though Kanishka later successfully established a vast empire covering parts of Central Asia and North India.

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