[Solved] Inscriptions and Elite Families in Ancient India | CAPF

Examine these two statements carefully and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Statement I: For early societies, historians retrieve information about elite families mostly from inscriptions.
Statement II: Satavahana inscriptions generally end with the term Putra, a Prakrit word meaning 'son'.

[CAPF 2018]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Epigraphy serves as a vital tool for reconstructing the social and political history of early Indian dynasties, revealing genealogical links and elite affiliations.

Authentic Source Evidence

According to NCERT and standard historical texts, inscriptions are the primary source for identifying the names, titles, and lineage of ruling elites. While Satavahana inscriptions do frequently use the term 'Putra' (e.g., Gautamiputra), this specific term is a Sanskrit word meaning 'son', rather than a Prakrit one.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Statement I is correct as elite families often commissioned inscriptions to record land grants, religious donations, or military conquests, making them rich repositories of family history.

Logic 2: Statement II is incorrect because 'Putra' is the standard Sanskrit term for son. While the Satavahanas patronized Prakrit as a court language, the term used in this specific context is linguistically Sanskrit.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What is unique about Satavahana royal names?"

They often utilized metronymics (names derived from the mother), such as Gautamiputra Satakarni, indicating the status of women in royal lineages.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Inscriptions are not just political records; they are social documents that reflect the linguistic and patriarchal (or sometimes matriarchal) structures of ancient families."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Satavahanas 5 Metronymics 2 Prakrit 4 Sanskrit 2