UPSC Prelims 2006 · General Studies

Question 130: History and Culture

With reference to the invaders in ancient India, which one of the following is the correct chronological order?

aGreeks – Sakas – Kushans

bGreeks – Kushans – Sakas

cSakas – Greeks – Kushans

dSakas – Kushans – Greeks

AnswerThe answer is (a).

The Indo-Greeks came first, from about 180 BCE, after the Mauryas declined (Menander is the best-known Indo-Greek king); the Sakas (Scythians) followed in the first century BCE; and the Kushans, whose best-known ruler was Kanishka, came in the first century CE. The order is Greeks, Sakas, Kushans.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Correct: Greeks, Sakas, Kushans.
(b) Puts Kushans before Sakas, which reverses them.
(c) Puts Sakas before Greeks, which reverses them.
(d) Puts Sakas and Kushans before the Greeks.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2006, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.