Ancient Administrative Records

Inscription Mentioning Chandragupta and Ashoka Both

The Junagarh Inscription of Mahakshatrapa Rudradaman is the historical source that mentions both Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka together.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class 11 - Ancient India (R.S. Sharma)

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Which of the following inscription mentioned Chandragupta and Ashoka both?

[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Historical inscriptions often record the repairs of public works, providing a lineage of rulers who maintained them.

Authentic Source Evidence


The Junagarh (Girnar) Rock Inscription of the Saka ruler Rudradaman I (c. 150 CE) explicitly mentions that the Sudarshana lake was built by Chandragupta Maurya and later improved by Ashoka.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: It is the first major inscription in 'Chaste Sanskrit'.

  • Logic 2: It provides proof of Mauryan administration in Western India (Saurashtra).
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "Who was the governor mentioned for Chandragupta and Ashoka respectively?"

    Pushyagupta built the lake for Chandragupta; Tushaspa (a Yavana) built conduits for Ashoka.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "The Junagarh inscription is a unique historical document that bridges the Mauryan, Saka, and later Gupta (Skandagupta) eras."

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