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UPSC CSE Prelims 1993, Paper I

Ancient Administrative History

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The Inscription which proves Chandragupta's sway over western India is:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Inscriptions by later rulers often contain historical records of their predecessors' administrative works in the same region.

Explanation The Junagarh inscription of the Saka ruler Rudradaman I (150 CE) mentions that the Sudarshana lake was originally constructed by Pushyagupta, the provincial governor of Chandragupta Maurya.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: This is the only inscription that explicitly links Chandragupta Maurya to the administration of Saurashtra (Western India).
Logic 2: Kalinga inscriptions focus on the East; Ashoka's edicts in Girnar/Sopara focus on Dhamma rather than Chandragupta's conquests.

Active Recall

Question

What does the history of Sudarshana Lake tell us about Mauryan engineering?

Answer

It shows that the Mauryas had a dedicated department for irrigation and water management, reaching as far as the semi-arid western coast.

Core Insight

The Junagarh inscription is a unique document that spans centuries of history, mentioning Chandragupta, Ashoka, Rudradaman, and later Skandagupta.

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