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HCS (Haryana)Prelims2024General Studies
Question
Considered the following statements: 1. Samudra Gupta's 'Vyagrashaili' postures reveal his conquest of the West 2. The coins of the Ashoka era give us information about his 'governance system'. 3. On one of the seals of Satavahana King Shatakarni, a picture of a 'ship' is engraved, which is a symbol of his victory over the sea. 4. Information about Ashvamedha Yagya is found in the coins of Kumargupta's 'Ashvamedha style' How many of the statements given above are correct?
Options
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 3 and 4 only
- D 1, 2 and 4 only
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Correct Answer
C 3 and 4 only
Model Answer
- Samudragupta, the son of Chandragupta I, is one of the most celebrated rulers of the Gupta Empire (circa 4th century CE). He is often described as the "Napoleon of India" due to his extensive military campaigns and conquests.
- The "Vyaghra-Shaili" posture metaphorically emphasizes his prowess as a warrior and his dominance over his enemies, similar to a tiger’s agility and strength. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
- Samudragupta’s western campaigns are mentioned as part of his "digvijaya" (conquest of directions), where he defeated several rulers in the western part of India, among other regions.
- Information about Samudragupta’s governance comes primarily from the Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayag Prashasti), composed by his court poet Harisena. This inscription describes his extensive conquests, his role as a "king of kings," and his patronage of arts and culture. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
- Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor, ruled during the 3rd century BCE. Samudragupta, reigned during the 4th century CE, about 600 years after Ashoka. His governance system is reflected in the inscriptions, coins, and literary works of his time.
- The Satavahanas were an ancient Indian dynasty that ruled over a large part of central and southern India after the decline of the Mauryan Empire.
- The Satavahanas, especially the kings named Satakarni (such as Simuka Satakarni, Gautamiputra Satakarni, etc.), were known for their military conquests and maritime trade. with the Roman Empire and Southeast Asia.
- Such depictions on seals or coins often represent the ruler’s control over trade routes and the wealth generated through maritime activities, rather than military conquests over the sea itself. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
- The Ashvamedha Yajna was an ancient Vedic ritual performed by kings to assert their sovereignty and authority over neighboring territories.
- Kumaragupta I (reigned c. 415–455 CE) was one of the prominent rulers of the Gupta Empire. He performed the Ashvamedha Yajna to reinforce his authority and demonstrate the power and extent of his rule.
- The performance of this yajna by Kumaragupta signified the continuation of the Gupta Empire's dominance and its rulers' connection to ancient Vedic traditions.
- To commemorate the successful completion of the Ashvamedha Yajna, Kumaragupta issued special coins known as the "Ashvamedha type" coins.
- The coins typically depict a horse, representing the sacrificial horse of the Ashvamedha ritual, with a sacrificial post. The reverse often features a goddess, possibly Lakshmi, with a legend celebrating the successful completion of the Ashvamedha Yajna by the king. Hence, statement 4 is correct.