Post-Mauryan Synthesis

Matching Gandhara Art, Rudradaman, and Menander

Gandhara Art is linked to the Kushanas, the Junagarh inscription to Rudradaman I, Milindapanha to Menander, and Taxila inscriptions to Patika.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History

Archived: 2017

Updated: 26 Nov 2025

Exam Year

2017

Evidence Source

Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I List-II
A. Gandhara Art 1. Menander
B. Junagarh Rock Inscription 2. Patika
C. Milindapanha 3. Kushanas
D. Texila Inscriptions 4. Rudradamana I

[UPPCS (Pre) 2017]

The post-Mauryan era saw the influx of Central Asian and Greek influences, leading to distinct art styles and critical historical inscriptions.

Gandhara Art: Strongly patronized by the Kushana dynasty (especially Kanishka).

Junagarh Inscription: Carved by Rudradaman I, the Shaka ruler.

Milindapanha: A dialogue between the Indo-Greek King Menander (Milinda) and Monk Nagasena.

Taxila Inscription: Associated with the Indo-Scythian era, mentioning local rulers like Patika.

Logic 1: A-3 (Gandhara-Kushana) is the most prominent link.

Logic 2: B-4 (Junagarh-Rudradaman) is a foundational link in Indian epigraphy.

Logic 3: C-1 (Milindapanha-Menander) links literature with history.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What is the primary characteristic of Gandhara Art?"

The fusion of Indian Buddhist themes with Greco-Roman stylistic features (like wavy hair and realistic drapery).

"The period represented by these matches marks India's intense cultural and diplomatic interaction with the Mediterranean and Central Asian worlds."

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