2006 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2006 · General Studies

Question 144: History and Culture

The Allahabad Pillar inscription is associated with which one of the following?

aMahapadma Nanda
bChandragupta Maurya
cAshoka
dSamudragupta

AnswerThe answer is (d).

The Allahabad Pillar inscription (the Prayaga Prashasti), composed by the court poet Harisena, records the achievements and conquests of the Gupta king Samudragupta. It is engraved on an Ashokan pillar, which also carries Ashoka's edicts, but the inscription called by this name is Samudragupta's.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Mahapadma Nanda is not linked with this inscription.
  • (b) Chandragupta Maurya is not linked with this inscription.
  • (c) Ashoka's edicts are also on the pillar, but the named inscription is Samudragupta's.
  • (d) Correct: Samudragupta.

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.