U.P. Lower Sub. Prelims 2015

Mauryan Foreign Relations

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Deimachus came to India during the reign of-

Answer: B

Concept The Mauryan kings maintained active diplomatic ties with the Hellenistic kingdoms established in the wake of Alexander’s conquests.

Explanation Deimachus was the ambassador of Antiochus I (Seleucid ruler) to the court of Bindusara (the son of Chandragupta Maurya).

Logical Breakup

Bindusara (B): Deimachus succeeded Megasthenes as the primary Greek diplomatic presence in Pataliputra.

Logic: Bindusara is famously associated with a request to Antiochus for sweet wine, dried figs, and a sophist (philosopher).

Question

Who was the predecessor of Deimachus as Greek ambassador?

Answer

Megasthenes, who served at the court of Chandragupta Maurya.

The continued presence of ambassadors like Deimachus proves that the Mauryan Empire was a recognized global power in the Hellenistic world.