Epigraphical Continuity

Junagarh Inscription: Rudradaman and Ashoka Link

Ashoka's edicts are famously found on the same rock as the Junagarh Inscription of Rudradaman I and the later inscription of Skandagupta.

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In which of the following inscriptions, Ashoka's edicts are also found?

[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Certain rock faces were considered highly significant and were used by multiple rulers across different dynasties to record their achievements.

Authentic Source Evidence


The Junagarh (Girnar) rock inscription is a palimpsest of history; it contains 14 edicts of Ashoka, the famous Sanskrit inscription of the Shaka King Rudradaman I (150 CE), and a later inscription by the Gupta king Skandagupta. They all record their repairs or associations with the Sudarshana Lake.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: The Junagarh rock is the only one among the options to host multiple imperial inscriptions (Ashoka + Rudradaman + Skandagupta).

  • Logic 2: Hathigumpha belongs to Kharavela and Nashik to the Satavahanas, neither of which contains Ashokan edicts.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What is the historical significance of Rudradaman's part of the Junagarh inscription?"

    It is one of the earliest long inscriptions in classical Chaste Sanskrit.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "The Junagarh rock serves as an archaeological record of water management (Sudarshana Lake) across three major dynasties over 800 years."

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