Ancient Indian History

The Ajivika sect is linked with the idea of destiny or determinism. For exams, treat it as a Shramana tradition distinct from Buddhism and Jainism.

Makkhali Gosala is considered associated with the Ajivika sect. For exams, remember major teachers of Shramana traditions.

The First Council is linked with compiling teachings after Buddha's Mahaparinirvana. For exams, remember place and purpose together.

The Second Council is considered connected with disputes over monastic discipline. For exams, remember reasons for Buddhist councils.

Adhyakshas supervised different economic and administrative departments. For exams, study administrative posts of Arthashastra with their functions.

Lavanadhyaksha was an officer related to salt production or control. For exams, identify departments from Adhyaksha titles.

Suradhyaksha is considered an officer related to liquor production and control. For exams, understand Mauryan economic regulation.

This edict mentions welfare activities such as medical care and useful trees. For exams, connect Dhamma with public welfare.

Major Rock Edict V is linked with the appointment of Dhamma Mahamatras. For exams, match edicts with administrative posts.

It indicates the king's availability for public affairs. For exams, connect Ashoka's rule with communication in administration.

Rajjukas are linked with judicial functions and administration. For exams, remember Ashoka's local officials separately.

The Heliodorus pillar is evidence of Vasudeva devotion and Indo-Greek contact. For exams, connect it with early Vaishnavism.

The correct answer is A, Kalinga. The Hathigumpha inscription, located near the Udayagiri hills in present-day Odisha, records important achievements and activities of King Kharavela. Kharavela is associated with the Mahameghavahana or Chedi-Mahameghavahana line that ruled the Kalinga region after the Mauryan period. The inscription is therefore a major source for the history of ancient Kalinga and eastern India. Avanti was an important ancient region in central India, Gandhara was in the north-west, and the Cholas were a major power of southern India in a different historical context. None of these alternatives identifies Kharavela’s regional kingdom.

In Gandhara, stucco sculptures were made along with stone works. For exams, remember art material with region.

Jain images at Mathura show the activity of the Jain community. For exams, treat Mathura as a multi-religious art centre.

Early Buddhist art represented Buddha through symbols like footprints and tree. For exams, distinguish aniconic representation from human image.

At Amaravati, Buddhist narratives appear in sculpture. For exams, identify the link between art and narrative traditions.

The Naneghat inscription shows dynastic legitimacy and sacrificial tradition. For exams, understand religious politics through inscriptions.

Names like Gautamiputra show maternal side identity. For exams, draw social clues from naming patterns.

Gupta gold coins show both economic power and royal image. For exams, do not treat coins only as currency.