[Solved] Kanaganahalli Site: Ashoka Portrait and Bhima River

Consider the following statements about Kanaganahalli archaeological site :
1. It is situated on the bank of Bhima river.
2. The remains of the Kanaganahalli Stupa can be dated between 1st and 3rd centuries CE.
3. Emperor Ashoka's image was found at the site.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

[UPSC CDS 2023 (I)]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Kanaganahalli (part of the Sannati complex) is a landmark in Indian archaeology for providing the only labeled physical likeness of Emperor Ashoka from the ancient period.

Authentic Source Evidence

Located on the banks of the Bhima River in Karnataka, excavations uncovered a large stupa dating to the Satavahana era (1st-3rd CE). It is most famous for a limestone relief labeled in Brahmi as 'Ranyo Ashoka' (King Ashoka), showing the emperor with his queens.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Statement 1 is geographically correct; the site is situated in the Gulbarga district by the river.

Logic 2: Statement 2 matches the Satavahana period construction style and dating of the found inscriptions.

Logic 3: Statement 3 is correct; this relief remains the only confirmed labeled stone portrait of the Mauryan monarch.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why is the Ashoka portrait at Kanaganahalli unique?"

Because it is the only relief sculpture of Ashoka that is explicitly identified by a contemporaneous inscription.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Kanaganahalli bridges the gap between literary records and physical historical evidence of Mauryan influence in Southern India."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Sannati 3Brahmi Script 17