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Ancient Cultural Artifacts

Matching Ancient Artifacts: Rudradaman and Menander

Gandhara art is associated with the Kushanas, the Junagarh inscription with Rudradaman I, the Milindapanho with Menander, and the Taxila inscription with Patika.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History

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Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer:
List-IList-II
A. Gandhar Art1. Menander
B. Junagarh Rock inscription2. Patika
C. Milindapanho3. Kushanas
D. Taxila inscription4. Rudradaman I

[UPSC CSE Previous Year]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


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

Authentic Source Evidence


  • 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.

    • Analytical Breakdown


  • 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).

    • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What is the primary subject of the Milindapanho?"

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

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

    Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

    Saka Kshatrapas 4Indo-Greeks 5
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