Shakas MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Shakas - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Kubernaga.

Key Points

• Chandragupta II, also known as Vikramaditya, married Princess Kubernaga after defeating the Saka king.
• Kubernaga was a Naga princess from the Naga dynasty, which was influential in central India during that era.
• This marriage strengthened Chandragupta II's political alliances and helped consolidate his power in the region.
• The defeat of the Saka rulers marked a significant milestone in the Gupta Empire's expansion and established its dominance in western India.
• Chandragupta II's reign is considered a golden age in Indian history due to advancements in art, culture, and science.

Additional Information

• Saka Dynasty:
  • The Sakas, also known as Scythians, were an ancient nomadic group who ruled parts of India before being defeated by the Gupta Empire.
  • The defeat of the Saka rulers by Chandragupta II marked the end of their influence in the region.
• Gupta Empire:
  • The Gupta Empire, which spanned from approximately 320 to 550 CE, is often referred to as the "Golden Age of India."
  • It is known for significant achievements in mathematics, astronomy, literature, and architecture.
• Naga Dynasty:
  • The Naga dynasty played a crucial role in regional politics during the Gupta period.
  • Alliances through marriage, such as Chandragupta II's union with Kubernaga, strengthened ties between the Guptas and Nagas.
• Chandragupta II:
  • He was one of the most powerful rulers of the Gupta dynasty and is credited with expanding the empire significantly.
  • His court was adorned with scholars like Kalidasa and Aryabhata, who contributed to India's cultural and scientific heritage.

The correct answer is The Yueh-chis.

Key Points

• The Yueh-chis were a nomadic tribe originally from the region of modern-day Central Asia (near the Tarim Basin).
• They defeated the Shakas (Scythians) before entering India and displaced them from their original territories.
• After their victory over the Shakas, the Yueh-chis migrated southward and established their dominance in regions near present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• The Yueh-chis later formed the Kushan Empire under their leader Kujula Kadphises, significantly influencing Indian history and culture.

Additional Information

• Shakas (Scythians):
  • The Shakas were a nomadic Indo-European group originating from Central Asia.
  • They are known for migrating into India and establishing kingdoms like the Western Kshatrapas.
  • The Shakas contributed to cultural exchanges between Central Asia and India, including art and architecture.
• Yueh-chis:
  • The Yueh-chis were displaced by the Xiongnu from their original homeland in Central Asia.
  • They migrated south and played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of ancient India.
• Kushan Empire:
  • The Kushan Empire was founded by the Yueh-chis and reached its zenith under Emperor Kanishka.
  • It promoted Buddhism and played a crucial role in connecting the Silk Road trade network.
• Silk Road Connection:
  • The migration of nomadic tribes like the Yueh-chis contributed to the establishment of trade routes connecting India, Central Asia, and China.
  • The exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures along the Silk Road significantly influenced Indian history.

The correct answer is Rudradaman.

Key Points

• Rudradaman I was a prominent Shaka ruler who ruled over the Western Kshatrapas.
• His reign is noted for the famous Junagadh rock inscription at Girnar, which is a significant historical source.
• The inscription, written in Sanskrit, details his achievements and the repairs he made to the Sudarshana Lake.
• Rudradaman's rule marked the peak of the Western Kshatrapas' power and influence in the Indian subcontinent.
• He is considered one of the greatest rulers of the Western Kshatrapas due to his patronage of culture and art.

Additional Information

• Junagadh Rock Inscription
  • It is one of the oldest surviving rock inscriptions in India, dating back to 150 AD.
  • The inscription is crucial for understanding the history of the Western Kshatrapas and the socio-political conditions of the time.
• Western Kshatrapas
  • They were a dynasty of Saka rulers who controlled parts of western and central India from the 1st to the 4th centuries AD.
  • Their rule is noted for significant contributions to trade, culture, and art.
• Sudarshana Lake
  • Originally constructed during the Mauryan Empire, it was an essential irrigation project in ancient India.
  • Rudradaman's inscription details the repairs and renovations he commissioned for the lake.
• Sanskrit Inscriptions
  • Sanskrit was the classical language used in many inscriptions across ancient India, reflecting the cultural and educational priorities of the rulers.
  • Rudradaman's use of Sanskrit in his inscriptions highlights his patronage of classical Indian culture.

Correct Answer Only I

Key Points

• The Saka Era was probably established by King Maeus around the second century A.D. 
• The Shakas who were also known as the Indo-Scythians were a group of Iranian nomadic people who invaded India by destroying the Indo-Greeks in North-West India.
• The Shakas brought the larger part of the country under their control.
• The most famous Shaka ruler in India was Rudradaman who ruled from 130 A.D to 150 A.D.
• There were five branches of Shakas who settled and established rule in different regions of the North and North-Western parts of the Indian subcontinent.
• The Saka era came to an end with the defeat of the last Shaka ruler, Rudrasimha III by Chandragupta-II of the Gupta dynasty.

Additional Information

• In and around the 2nd century B.C., the central Asian nomadic people called ‘Yueh-chi’ or ‘Yuezhi’ pushed the Shakas out of their homes and forced them to invade India from the northwestern border of present-day China. 
• The descendants in later times came to be known as Kushana.
• The Shakas invaded Parthia and Bactria and they defeated the Parthian King.
• The five branches of the Shakas settled in the following places,

1. Afghanistan
2. Punjab with Taxila as capital
3. Mathura
4. Western India
5. Upper Deccan with Ujian as their capital.​

Rudradaman I :

• He is considered the greatest of the Saka rulers.
• He is from the Western Kshatrapa dynasty.
• He was the grandson of Chastana.
• His kingdom included Konkan, Narmada valley, Kathiawar, other parts of Gujarat, and Malwa.
• He conducted the repair work of the Sudarshana Lake at Kathiawar. 
• He supported Sanskrit literature and cultural arts.
• It was during Rudradaman’s reign that Yavaneshwara, the Greek writer lived in India and translated the Yavanajataka from Greek to Sanskrit.

The correct answer is Both I and II.

Key Points

• Shakas were of Scythian ethnic descent. With the Great Yueh Chi tribe's (Chinese Tribe's) expulsion of the Shakas from the plains of Syr Darya (Jaxartes) in the second century BCE, the Shakas moved into northwest India. Aspirants should be aware that the terms "Sakas," "Shakas," and "Indo-Scythians" are interchangeable and have the same meaning.
• In the middle of the third century CE, the Deccan was the place of genesis of the ancient Indian dynasty known as the Vakataka.
• Their territory is thought to have spanned the Tungabhadra River in the south, the Arabian Sea in the west, and the easternmost reaches of Chhattisgarh, as well as the southernmost reaches of Malwa and Gujarat in the north.
• They were the most significant Satavahana successors in the Deccan and lived at the same time as the Guptas in northern India.     
• Additional Information
• Shishunaga Dynasty
  • Shishunaga Dynasty, established in Magadha by Shishunaga, an Amatya, overthrew the Haryanka Dynasty.
  • He organised the populace's uprising against the Haryanka Dynasty, conquered Magadha, and established Patliputra as its capital.
  • The son of a Licchavi king of Vaishali was Shishunaga. In addition to Sindh, Karachi, Lahore, Herat, Multan, Kandahar, and Vellore, Shishunaga extended his realm to include modern-day Jaipur in Rajasthan.
  • Even the Shishunaga Dynasty expanded to Madurai and Cochin in the south, Murshidabad in the east, and Mand in the west. Kakavarna, also known as Kalashoka, and his ten sons succeeded Shishunaga.
  • The throne of this nation was afterwards taken by the Nanda Empire.

The correct answer is Both I and II.

Key Points

• Shakas were of Scythian ethnic descent. With the Great Yueh Chi tribe's (Chinese Tribe's) expulsion of the Shakas from the plains of Syr Darya (Jaxartes) in the second century BCE, the Shakas moved into northwest India. Aspirants should be aware that the terms "Sakas," "Shakas," and "Indo-Scythians" are interchangeable and have the same meaning.
• In the middle of the third century CE, the Deccan was the place of genesis of the ancient Indian dynasty known as the Vakataka.
• Their territory is thought to have spanned the Tungabhadra River in the south, the Arabian Sea in the west, and the easternmost reaches of Chhattisgarh, as well as the southernmost reaches of Malwa and Gujarat in the north.
• They were the most significant Satavahana successors in the Deccan and lived at the same time as the Guptas in northern India.     
• Additional Information
• Shishunaga Dynasty
  • Shishunaga Dynasty, established in Magadha by Shishunaga, an Amatya, overthrew the Haryanka Dynasty.
  • He organised the populace's uprising against the Haryanka Dynasty, conquered Magadha, and established Patliputra as its capital.
  • The son of a Licchavi king of Vaishali was Shishunaga. In addition to Sindh, Karachi, Lahore, Herat, Multan, Kandahar, and Vellore, Shishunaga extended his realm to include modern-day Jaipur in Rajasthan.
  • Even the Shishunaga Dynasty expanded to Madurai and Cochin in the south, Murshidabad in the east, and Mand in the west. Kakavarna, also known as Kalashoka, and his ten sons succeeded Shishunaga.
  • The throne of this nation was afterwards taken by the Nanda Empire.

Correct Answer Only I

Key Points

• The Saka Era was probably established by King Maeus around the second century A.D. 
• The Shakas who were also known as the Indo-Scythians were a group of Iranian nomadic people who invaded India by destroying the Indo-Greeks in North-West India.
• The Shakas brought the larger part of the country under their control.
• The most famous Shaka ruler in India was Rudradaman who ruled from 130 A.D to 150 A.D.
• There were five branches of Shakas who settled and established rule in different regions of the North and North-Western parts of the Indian subcontinent.
• The Saka era came to an end with the defeat of the last Shaka ruler, Rudrasimha III by Chandragupta-II of the Gupta dynasty.

Additional Information

• In and around the 2nd century B.C., the central Asian nomadic people called ‘Yueh-chi’ or ‘Yuezhi’ pushed the Shakas out of their homes and forced them to invade India from the northwestern border of present-day China. 
• The descendants in later times came to be known as Kushana.
• The Shakas invaded Parthia and Bactria and they defeated the Parthian King.
• The five branches of the Shakas settled in the following places,

1. Afghanistan
2. Punjab with Taxila as capital
3. Mathura
4. Western India
5. Upper Deccan with Ujian as their capital.​

Rudradaman I :

• He is considered the greatest of the Saka rulers.
• He is from the Western Kshatrapa dynasty.
• He was the grandson of Chastana.
• His kingdom included Konkan, Narmada valley, Kathiawar, other parts of Gujarat, and Malwa.
• He conducted the repair work of the Sudarshana Lake at Kathiawar. 
• He supported Sanskrit literature and cultural arts.
• It was during Rudradaman’s reign that Yavaneshwara, the Greek writer lived in India and translated the Yavanajataka from Greek to Sanskrit.

The correct answer is Rudradaman.

Key Points

• Rudradaman I was a prominent Shaka ruler who ruled over the Western Kshatrapas.
• His reign is noted for the famous Junagadh rock inscription at Girnar, which is a significant historical source.
• The inscription, written in Sanskrit, details his achievements and the repairs he made to the Sudarshana Lake.
• Rudradaman's rule marked the peak of the Western Kshatrapas' power and influence in the Indian subcontinent.
• He is considered one of the greatest rulers of the Western Kshatrapas due to his patronage of culture and art.

Additional Information

• Junagadh Rock Inscription
  • It is one of the oldest surviving rock inscriptions in India, dating back to 150 AD.
  • The inscription is crucial for understanding the history of the Western Kshatrapas and the socio-political conditions of the time.
• Western Kshatrapas
  • They were a dynasty of Saka rulers who controlled parts of western and central India from the 1st to the 4th centuries AD.
  • Their rule is noted for significant contributions to trade, culture, and art.
• Sudarshana Lake
  • Originally constructed during the Mauryan Empire, it was an essential irrigation project in ancient India.
  • Rudradaman's inscription details the repairs and renovations he commissioned for the lake.
• Sanskrit Inscriptions
  • Sanskrit was the classical language used in many inscriptions across ancient India, reflecting the cultural and educational priorities of the rulers.
  • Rudradaman's use of Sanskrit in his inscriptions highlights his patronage of classical Indian culture.

The correct answer is Both I and II.

Key Points

• Shakas were of Scythian ethnic descent. With the Great Yueh Chi tribe's (Chinese Tribe's) expulsion of the Shakas from the plains of Syr Darya (Jaxartes) in the second century BCE, the Shakas moved into northwest India. Aspirants should be aware that the terms "Sakas," "Shakas," and "Indo-Scythians" are interchangeable and have the same meaning.
• In the middle of the third century CE, the Deccan was the place of genesis of the ancient Indian dynasty known as the Vakataka.
• Their territory is thought to have spanned the Tungabhadra River in the south, the Arabian Sea in the west, and the easternmost reaches of Chhattisgarh, as well as the southernmost reaches of Malwa and Gujarat in the north.
• They were the most significant Satavahana successors in the Deccan and lived at the same time as the Guptas in northern India.     
• Additional Information
• Shishunaga Dynasty
  • Shishunaga Dynasty, established in Magadha by Shishunaga, an Amatya, overthrew the Haryanka Dynasty.
  • He organised the populace's uprising against the Haryanka Dynasty, conquered Magadha, and established Patliputra as its capital.
  • The son of a Licchavi king of Vaishali was Shishunaga. In addition to Sindh, Karachi, Lahore, Herat, Multan, Kandahar, and Vellore, Shishunaga extended his realm to include modern-day Jaipur in Rajasthan.
  • Even the Shishunaga Dynasty expanded to Madurai and Cochin in the south, Murshidabad in the east, and Mand in the west. Kakavarna, also known as Kalashoka, and his ten sons succeeded Shishunaga.
  • The throne of this nation was afterwards taken by the Nanda Empire.

Correct Answer Only I

Key Points

• The Saka Era was probably established by King Maeus around the second century A.D. 
• The Shakas who were also known as the Indo-Scythians were a group of Iranian nomadic people who invaded India by destroying the Indo-Greeks in North-West India.
• The Shakas brought the larger part of the country under their control.
• The most famous Shaka ruler in India was Rudradaman who ruled from 130 A.D to 150 A.D.
• There were five branches of Shakas who settled and established rule in different regions of the North and North-Western parts of the Indian subcontinent.
• The Saka era came to an end with the defeat of the last Shaka ruler, Rudrasimha III by Chandragupta-II of the Gupta dynasty.

Additional Information

• In and around the 2nd century B.C., the central Asian nomadic people called ‘Yueh-chi’ or ‘Yuezhi’ pushed the Shakas out of their homes and forced them to invade India from the northwestern border of present-day China. 
• The descendants in later times came to be known as Kushana.
• The Shakas invaded Parthia and Bactria and they defeated the Parthian King.
• The five branches of the Shakas settled in the following places,

1. Afghanistan
2. Punjab with Taxila as capital
3. Mathura
4. Western India
5. Upper Deccan with Ujian as their capital.​

Rudradaman I :

• He is considered the greatest of the Saka rulers.
• He is from the Western Kshatrapa dynasty.
• He was the grandson of Chastana.
• His kingdom included Konkan, Narmada valley, Kathiawar, other parts of Gujarat, and Malwa.
• He conducted the repair work of the Sudarshana Lake at Kathiawar. 
• He supported Sanskrit literature and cultural arts.
• It was during Rudradaman’s reign that Yavaneshwara, the Greek writer lived in India and translated the Yavanajataka from Greek to Sanskrit.

The correct answer is Rudradaman.

Key Points

• Rudradaman I was a prominent Shaka ruler who ruled over the Western Kshatrapas.
• His reign is noted for the famous Junagadh rock inscription at Girnar, which is a significant historical source.
• The inscription, written in Sanskrit, details his achievements and the repairs he made to the Sudarshana Lake.
• Rudradaman's rule marked the peak of the Western Kshatrapas' power and influence in the Indian subcontinent.
• He is considered one of the greatest rulers of the Western Kshatrapas due to his patronage of culture and art.

Additional Information

• Junagadh Rock Inscription
  • It is one of the oldest surviving rock inscriptions in India, dating back to 150 AD.
  • The inscription is crucial for understanding the history of the Western Kshatrapas and the socio-political conditions of the time.
• Western Kshatrapas
  • They were a dynasty of Saka rulers who controlled parts of western and central India from the 1st to the 4th centuries AD.
  • Their rule is noted for significant contributions to trade, culture, and art.
• Sudarshana Lake
  • Originally constructed during the Mauryan Empire, it was an essential irrigation project in ancient India.
  • Rudradaman's inscription details the repairs and renovations he commissioned for the lake.
• Sanskrit Inscriptions
  • Sanskrit was the classical language used in many inscriptions across ancient India, reflecting the cultural and educational priorities of the rulers.
  • Rudradaman's use of Sanskrit in his inscriptions highlights his patronage of classical Indian culture.

The correct answer is Kubernaga.

Key Points

• Chandragupta II, also known as Vikramaditya, married Princess Kubernaga after defeating the Saka king.
• Kubernaga was a Naga princess from the Naga dynasty, which was influential in central India during that era.
• This marriage strengthened Chandragupta II's political alliances and helped consolidate his power in the region.
• The defeat of the Saka rulers marked a significant milestone in the Gupta Empire's expansion and established its dominance in western India.
• Chandragupta II's reign is considered a golden age in Indian history due to advancements in art, culture, and science.

Additional Information

• Saka Dynasty:
  • The Sakas, also known as Scythians, were an ancient nomadic group who ruled parts of India before being defeated by the Gupta Empire.
  • The defeat of the Saka rulers by Chandragupta II marked the end of their influence in the region.
• Gupta Empire:
  • The Gupta Empire, which spanned from approximately 320 to 550 CE, is often referred to as the "Golden Age of India."
  • It is known for significant achievements in mathematics, astronomy, literature, and architecture.
• Naga Dynasty:
  • The Naga dynasty played a crucial role in regional politics during the Gupta period.
  • Alliances through marriage, such as Chandragupta II's union with Kubernaga, strengthened ties between the Guptas and Nagas.
• Chandragupta II:
  • He was one of the most powerful rulers of the Gupta dynasty and is credited with expanding the empire significantly.
  • His court was adorned with scholars like Kalidasa and Aryabhata, who contributed to India's cultural and scientific heritage.

The correct answer is The Yueh-chis.

Key Points

• The Yueh-chis were a nomadic tribe originally from the region of modern-day Central Asia (near the Tarim Basin).
• They defeated the Shakas (Scythians) before entering India and displaced them from their original territories.
• After their victory over the Shakas, the Yueh-chis migrated southward and established their dominance in regions near present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• The Yueh-chis later formed the Kushan Empire under their leader Kujula Kadphises, significantly influencing Indian history and culture.

Additional Information

• Shakas (Scythians):
  • The Shakas were a nomadic Indo-European group originating from Central Asia.
  • They are known for migrating into India and establishing kingdoms like the Western Kshatrapas.
  • The Shakas contributed to cultural exchanges between Central Asia and India, including art and architecture.
• Yueh-chis:
  • The Yueh-chis were displaced by the Xiongnu from their original homeland in Central Asia.
  • They migrated south and played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of ancient India.
• Kushan Empire:
  • The Kushan Empire was founded by the Yueh-chis and reached its zenith under Emperor Kanishka.
  • It promoted Buddhism and played a crucial role in connecting the Silk Road trade network.
• Silk Road Connection:
  • The migration of nomadic tribes like the Yueh-chis contributed to the establishment of trade routes connecting India, Central Asia, and China.
  • The exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures along the Silk Road significantly influenced Indian history.

The Correct answer is Rudradaman I.

Key Points

• Rudradaman I was one of the most prominent rulers of the Western Kshatrapas dynasty, which ruled over parts of present-day Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
• He is particularly known for his patronage of Sanskrit literature and for being the first king to issue inscriptions exclusively in Sanskrit.
• Rudradaman I undertook the restoration of the Sudarshana Lake located in Kathiawar (present-day Gujarat).
• The Sudarshana Lake was originally constructed during the reign of the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya, and later maintained by subsequent rulers.
• Rudradaman I repaired and restored this important lake after it was damaged due to floods. His efforts to restore the lake were mentioned in the Junagadh inscription, a significant epigraphical record.
• The Junagadh inscription highlights Rudradaman’s engineering skills and his commitment to public welfare by ensuring water availability for agriculture and the general population.
• Rudradaman I’s reign is marked by his efforts to strengthen the economy, administration, and infrastructure, including works like the restoration of Sudarshana Lake.
• He is also known for his military campaigns and for maintaining a strong and stable kingdom during his reign.

 Additional Information

• Nahapana
  • Nahapana was another notable ruler of the Western Kshatrapas dynasty. He ruled parts of western India during the early centuries CE.
  • Nahapana is known for his extensive coinage and inscriptions, which provide valuable information about the socio-economic conditions during his reign.
  • He was defeated by the Satavahana king Gautamiputra Satakarni, and much of his territory was annexed by the Satavahanas.
• Azes
  • Azes was an Indo-Scythian ruler who established his kingdom in parts of northwestern India during the 1st century BCE.
  • He is known for his contribution to the spread of the Indo-Scythian culture and his coinage, which often depicts Greek and Indian influences.
  • Azes is also associated with the Azes Era, which is a chronological system used in ancient Indian history.
• Maues
  • Maues, also known as Moga, was an Indo-Scythian king who ruled parts of Gandhara and Punjab.
  • He is considered the founder of the Indo-Scythian rule in India and is known for his administrative and cultural contributions.
  • Maues issued coins that depict a blend of Greek, Indian, and Scythian motifs, signifying the cultural diversity during his reign.