Ancient and Medieval Indian Rulers

The Ellora caves (mainly the famous Kailasa temple, Cave 16) were built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty between 8th-10th centuries CE under kings like Krishna I and Govinda III. The Cholas ruled in Tamil Nadu, Satavahanas in Deccan (earlier period), and Cheras in Kerala. Rashtrakutas controlled the region during Ellora's construction.

Samudragupta is known as the 'Indian Napoleon' due to his extensive military conquests and expansion of the Gupta Empire across much of the Indian subcontinent. His conquests were documented in the Allahabad Pillar inscription by his court poet Harishena. Like Napoleon, he was a brilliant military strategist who consolidated a vast empire.

The Ashtapradhan (Council of Eight Ministers) was the administrative council established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to manage the Maratha Empire efficiently. It included ministers like the Peshwa (Prime Minister) and Senapati (Military Commander). This system helped decentralize administration and improve governance.

The Hun invasions, particularly under Toramana and Mihirakula in the late 5th and early 6th centuries AD, significantly weakened the Gupta Empire. The Huns destroyed cities, disrupted trade, and broke the centralized authority of the Guptas. This invasion was a major factor in the empire's decline and eventual fall.

The Brihadeeswarar Temple (also called Rajeshwara Temple) in Thanjavur was built by the Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of Chola architecture.

Kalankaik kanni Narmudijera is specifically known by these epithets in Sangam literature. The 'fibre crown' refers to a crown made of palm fibre, while 'Kalangay-festoon' refers to a specific type of garland. Udiyanjeral was a different Chera ruler known for feeding armies, Senguttuvan was the famous ruler who performed the Pattini cult, and Nedunjeral Adan was another Chera king.

Nedunjeliyan is the Pandyan king referenced in Silapaddikaram, particularly in connection with the judicial execution of Kovalan's accuser. Karikala was a Chola king, Ilanjetcenni was also a Chola ruler, and Ilango Adigal was the author of Silapaddikaram (not a king).

Suhastin, a Jain monk, is credited with converting Dasaratha (grandson of Ashoka) to Jainism. Bhadrabahu was the Jain leader who led the migration to Karnataka, Hemachandra was a much later Jain scholar (12th century), and Shambhutavijaya is not associated with this conversion.

Simuka was the founder of the Satavahana dynasty around 1st century BCE. Sri Satakarni was a later ruler (possibly the 3rd), Gautamiputra Satakarni was the greatest Satavahana king (2nd century CE), and Yajnasri Satakarni was one of the last important rulers.

Madaranjeral (also known as Nedunjeliyan) was the Pandyan king who established diplomatic relations with Rome and performed Vedic sacrifices, showing the cosmopolitan nature of ancient Tamil kingdoms. Nedunjelian (without the 'r') is likely a variant reference, but not as well-attested as Madaranjeral for these specific achievements.

Pushyamitra Sunga, the commander-in-chief of the Mauryan army, assassinated Brihadratha in a military coup around 185 BCE and established the Sunga dynasty. This event marked the end of the Mauryan Empire.

Correct Answer: Mahameghavahana

Harisena composed the Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription) in praise of Samudragupta's conquests and achievements. This inscription is our primary source for understanding Samudragupta's reign and military campaigns.

Bindusara was the son of Chandragupta Maurya (making him 'son of a father') and the father of Asoka (making him 'father of a son'). He ruled the Mauryan Empire from approximately 297 to 273 BCE.

The Greek sources (particularly Megasthenes) referred to Chandragupta Maurya as 'Sandrocottus'. Some Greek texts also used the variant 'Androcottus', making both names refer to the same Indian ruler. 'Amitrochates' was actually Bindusara, Chandragupta's son.