Ancient and Medieval Indian Rulers

The Mauryan Empire was overthrown by Pushyamitra Sunga, who founded the Sunga dynasty around 185 BCE. Pushyamitra was the commander-in-chief of the Mauryan army and assassinated the last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha, during a military review. The Sungas ruled for over a century and were Brahmanical revivalists who opposed Buddhism.

James Prinsep deciphered Ashokan Brahmi script in 1837, unlocking the ancient history of India. He worked on inscriptions from the Allahabad pillar and other edicts, finally cracking the code by comparing proper names with Greek and Aramaic inscriptions. This was a groundbreaking achievement in Indian epigraphy and historical understanding.

Tamralipti (modern Tamluk in West Bengal) was a major port city and the most important centre of maritime trade during the Gupta period. It connected India to Southeast Asian trade routes.

Karuvaki was the second queen of Emperor Ashoka and issued the separate Queen's Edict, which addressed the administration of justice and welfare measures. She is distinguished from Ashoka's chief queen Asandhimitra, making option A correct.

Devadatta, Buddha's cousin and rival, instigated Ajatashatru (son of King Bimbisara of Magadha) to imprison and eventually kill his father to seize the throne. According to Buddhist texts, Devadutta sought to eliminate Bimbisara who was a loyal supporter of Buddha.

Both statements are correct: Pushyamitra Sunga did issue the first Indian cast die-struck coins featuring symbols, and while punchmarked coins continued to circulate, the cast coin system marked a new numismatic era replacing the old punchmarked fashion for new issuances.

This question asks you to identify the FALSE statement. Statement C is false because Chandragupta Maurya attained Kaivalya (liberation) through Sallekhana (ritual fasting) at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka, not Udaigiri. Udaigiri is associated with later Hindu caves and Gupta period inscriptions. Statements A, B, and D contain historically accurate elements about Chandragupta's Jain faith, abdication, and pilgrimage to south India with Bhadrabahu.

Bindusara, son of Chandragupta Maurya and father of Ashoka, was known as 'Amitraghata' (Sanskrit for 'slayer of foes' or 'destroyer of enemies'). This title reflects his military campaigns and expansion of the Mauryan Empire, though he was less warlike than his father. Ashoka was called 'Priyadarsin' (beloved of the gods), Chandragupta had no such epithet recorded, and Kunala was Ashoka's son who was not a major ruler.

Udiyanjeral (also known as Udiyan Cheralathan) was the Chera ruler celebrated in Sangam literature for his legendary hospitality. According to tradition, he fed both the Pandava and Kaurava armies during the Mahabharata war from his royal kitchen, earning him the title 'Perum Chottu' (great feeder). This legendary feat exemplifies the famed Tamil concept of virivu (generous hospitality). The other rulers listed - Nedunjeral Adan, Irumporai, and Senguttuvan - were important Cheras but not specifically associated with this Mahabharata hospitality legend.

The Battle of Venni was a decisive victory for Karikala Chola, where he defeated a confederacy of Chera, Chola, and Pandya rulers (according to some interpretations) or rival Chola factions. This battle, mentioned in Sangam literature, established Chola supremacy in the Tamil region and marked the beginning of Chola imperial expansion. Karikala's victory at Venni is considered one of the most significant military achievements in early Chola history.

The Kushanas originated from the Yueh-Chi (Yuezhi) tribe, a nomadic people who were driven out of northwestern China by the Xiongnu and migrated to Bactria. One branch of the Yueh-Chi, the Kushanas, eventually established a vast empire in northwestern India and Central Asia under leaders like Kujula Kadphises, Kanishka, and Huvishka. The Gahadavalas were medieval Indians, Meghavahana was a Kushan king, and Pahlavas were Indo-Parthians - none of these are the correct tribal origin.

Chandragupta Maurya married the daughter of Seleucus Nicator, the Greek general who controlled territories after Alexander's death. This diplomatic marriage alliance was part of a peace treaty that also involved Seleucus ceding territories in modern-day Afghanistan to Chandragupta, strengthening the Mauryan Empire's northwestern frontier.

Kautilya also called Chanakya was the chief advisor to the king Chandragupta Maurya and is also the author of the book Arthashastra.