UPSC CSE Previous Year

Ancient Cultural Artifacts

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer: | List-I | List-II | | :--- | :--- | | A. Gandhar Art | 1. Menander | | B. Junagarh Rock inscription | 2. Patika | | C. Milindapanho | 3. Kushanas | | D. Taxila inscription | 4. Rudradaman I |

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Identifying the patrons and authors of major cultural artifacts is essential for reconstructing the history of the Indo-Greek and Kushan periods.

Explanation
Gandhara Art: Thrived under the Kushanas.
Junagarh Inscription: Attributed to the Saka ruler Rudradaman I.
Milindapanho: A Buddhist dialogue involving the Indo-Greek king Menander.
Taxila Inscription: Records the dedication of a relic by the Indo-Scythian Patika.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: A (Gandhara) matches 3 (Kushanas).
Logic 2: B (Junagarh) matches 4 (Rudradaman I).
Logic 3: C (Milindapanho) matches 1 (Menander).
Logic 4: D (Taxila) matches 2 (Patika).

Active Recall

Question

What is the primary subject of the Milindapanho?

Answer

It is a philosophical dialogue between King Menander (Milinda) and the Buddhist monk Nagasena.

Core Insight

The Junagarh inscription is particularly famous for being the first major long inscription written in chaste Sanskrit.