UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies
Question 78: History and Culture
The Indo-Greek kingdom set up in north Afghanistan in the beginning of the second century BC was
AnswerThe answer is (a).
Bactria, in northern Afghanistan, was the Greek kingdom that broke from the Seleucids in the 3rd century BC, and its kings, notably Demetrius, moved into north-western India in the early 2nd century BC, giving rise to the Indo-Greek kingdoms. Scythia refers to the Saka nomads, and Zedrasia and Aria were other regions of the Iranian plateau. Remember: Bactria and the Greeks, with Menander the best-known Indo-Greek king.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right. Bactria was the Greek kingdom of northern Afghanistan.
- (b) Wrong. Scythia refers to the Saka nomads, not a Greek kingdom.
- (c) Wrong. Zedrasia is not the Greek kingdom meant here.
- (d) Wrong. Aria lay in the west of Afghanistan and is not the answer.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.