Ancient Indian Epigraphy

Gaya Copper Plate Inscription and Samudragupta

The Gaya Copper Plate is associated with Samudragupta, making the Sarvaverman pair incorrect. Ishanverman is correctly linked to the Harha inscription.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History

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Which one of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched?

[UPPCS (Pre) 2022]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Epigraphy serves as the skeletal framework of ancient Indian history, linking specific rulers to land grants and military conquests.

Authentic Source Evidence


The Gaya Copper Plate inscription is associated with the Gupta Emperor Samudragupta, not the Maukhari ruler Sarvaverman. It records a land grant to a Brahmin in the 9th year of Samudragupta's reign. The other pairs—Ishwarverman (Jaunpur), Ishanverman (Harha), and Jivit Gupta II (Deva Barnark)—are historically correct.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Sarvaverman was a Maukhari king, while the Gaya plate is a known Gupta record.

  • Logic 2: The Harha inscription is a critical source for the Maukhari dynasty, specifically Ishanverman’s victories.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What is the primary content of the Gaya Copper Plate?"

    It records the grant of villages to a Brahmin and praises the achievements of Samudragupta.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "Inscriptions on durable materials like copper and stone were intended to make royal orders 'eternal,' providing historians with reliable chronological anchors."

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