[Solved] Who Built Sudarshana Lake? Chandragupta Maurya History

Realizing the need for water, the first ruler who got a lake constructed in the Girnar area, was-

[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

State-led irrigation projects were a vital part of Mauryan administration, demonstrating the central government's concern for agricultural productivity.

Authentic Source Evidence

According to the Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman, the Sudarshana Lake was first constructed by Pushyagupta, the provincial governor (Rashtriya) of Chandragupta Maurya. This landmark project in the Girnar region of Gujarat provided water for irrigation for centuries.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: While Ashoka, Rudradaman, and Skandagupta are mentioned on the Girnar rock, they are noted for their subsequent repairs and expansion of the lake, not the initial construction.

Logic 2: Chandragupta Maurya established the foundation of this hydraulic infrastructure, making it a key success of the early Mauryan state.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Which inscription provides the history of Sudarshana Lake across different dynasties?"

The Junagadh Rock Inscription of Rudradaman I.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Sudarshana Lake is a unique case study in Indian history where a single monument's lifespan is recorded across three major imperial dynasties over 800 years."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Pushyagupta 2Mauryan Administration 4