Ancient Indian History

During the Shunga period, gateways and railings were added at Sanchi. For exams, link stupa development with different periods.

Kanishka's capital is considered Purushapura which is linked with modern Peshawar. For exams, connect the Kushanas with the north-west region.

The correct answer is the Shaka era, traditionally associated with the Kushan ruler Kanishka. Kanishka ruled a large empire in northern India and Central Asia and is remembered as an important patron of Buddhism. In school-level history, the beginning of the Shaka era is conventionally placed in 78 CE and linked with his reign. This association is useful for examination recall, although historians discuss the exact relationship between Kanishka and the era. The Vikrama era is traditionally connected with Vikramaditya, the Gupta era with the Gupta dynasty, and the Hijri calendar began much later with the migration of Prophet Muhammad in 622 CE. Therefore, option A is the best answer.

Satavahana lead coins are notable. For exams, connect this with economic features of the Deccan.

Karikala is linked with the Kallanai dam and irrigation works. For exams, connect the Cholas with water management and agriculture.

Silappadikaram is a famous work of Tamil literature. For exams, connect it with the post-Sangam Tamil poetic tradition.

Manimekalai shows Buddhist influence. For exams, remember it as a Tamil work after Silappadikaram.

Prayaga Prashasti is an epigraphic source. For exams, identify inscriptions as direct historical evidence.

Samudragupta's lyrist coin type indicates his artistic interest. For exams, treat coins as historical sources.

Land grant inscriptions show changes linked with rights and revenue. For exams, treat them as sources for society and economy.

Nalanda was a centre of higher learning and Buddhist studies. For exams, connect it with attraction for international scholars.

Aryabhatiya is related to mathematics and astronomy. For exams, connect Aryabhata with the scientific tradition.

Raghuvamsha is a Sanskrit epic poem by Kalidasa. For exams, separate Kalidasa's plays and poems.

Abhijnana shakuntalam is based on the story of Shakuntala and Dushyanta. For exams, connect it with Kalidasa.

The Allahabad Pillar is originally linked with Ashoka and later carried other inscriptions. For exams, remember that one pillar may have records from different periods.

The Aihole inscription is considered to have been composed by Ravikirti. For exams, link it with Pulakeshin II's achievements.

The Kailasanatha temple at Kanchi is associated with Pallava architecture. For exams, remember Kanchipuram as the Pallava capital.

The Badami cave temples are major examples of Chalukya art. For exams, also remember Badami as Vatapi.

Pattadakal shows a blend of Nagara and Dravida styles. For exams, connect it with Chalukya architecture.

In the Chola period, Sabha was a self-governing body of Brahmana villages. For exams, remember the difference between Sabha, Ur, and Nagaram.