UPSC CSE Pre 2006

Foreign Invasions of Ancient India

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

With reference to the invaders in ancient India, which one of the following is the correct chronological order?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept The post-Mauryan period was marked by successive waves of Central Asian and Mediterranean tribes entering India through the northwestern passes.

Explanation
Greeks (Indo-Greeks): Alexander invaded in 326 BCE; Indo-Greek rule flourished from ~180 BCE.
Sakas (Indo-Scythians): Invaded around the 1st century BCE, displacing the Greeks.
Kushanas: A branch of the Yuezhi tribe that established an empire in the 1st century CE.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The Greeks were the pioneers of northwestern invasion in the post-Alexandrian era.
Logic 2: The Sakas followed, establishing various satrapies in Gujarat and the Northwest.
Logic 3: The Kushanas, led by Kujula Kadphises, consolidated power later, reaching their peak under Kanishka in the 2nd century CE.

Active Recall

Question

Which Kushana ruler is most famous for promoting Buddhism?

Answer

Kanishka is the most famous Kushana ruler, known for convening the Fourth Buddhist Council and patronizing Mahayana Buddhism.

Core Insight

These invasions were not merely military; they facilitated the first major cultural and commercial synthesis between India and Central Asia.