The Indo-Greek rulers played a crucial role in the ancient history of the Indian subcontinent, blending Hellenistic culture with indigenous traditions. These rulers, who reigned from the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE, were the result of the interaction between the Greek and Indian worlds, creating a unique synthesis of art, religion, and governance. This period witnessed notable figures such as Menander I, Demetrius I, and Eucratides I, whose reigns left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the region.
MCQs with Answers and Explanations:
1. Which Greek ambassador set up a pillar in honor of Vishnu (Vasudev) at Vidisha?
- Megasthenes
- Heliodoros
- Theodorus
- Plato
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Correct Answer: Heliodoros
The Greek ambassador Heliodoros, representing the Indo-Greek king Antialkidas Nikephoros of Taxila, was sent to the court of Sunga King Bhagbhadra. Around 110 BC, Heliodoros erected a famous votive pillar in honor of Vishnu (Vasudev) at Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh. This inscription, known as the Heliodoros pillar, is considered one of the earliest known references to Vishnu and reflects cultural exchanges between the Greeks and Indians.
2. Which of the following introduced new features of Hellenistic art and literature such as Gandhara art in the northwest frontier of India?
- Indo-Greeks
- Indo-Scythians
- Indo-Parthians
- Kushans
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Correct Answer: Indo-Greeks
The Indo-Greeks played a pivotal role in introducing new features of Hellenistic art and literature to the Indian subcontinent. The most notable of these artistic contributions is Gandhara art, which was influenced by both Greek and Indian cultural elements. It is characterized by sculptures with distinct Hellenistic features and themes from Indian religious traditions, primarily Buddhism.
3. Which of the following introduced the practice of military governorship?
- Mauryans
- Shungas
- Indo-Greeks
- Parthians
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Correct Answer: Indo-Greeks
The Indo-Greeks introduced the practice of military governorship in the Indian subcontinent. These governors were known as “strategos” or “satraps.” This administrative concept allowed them to rule different regions and oversee military and civil matters.
4. Menander I, the famous Indo-Greek ruler, set up his capital at which place?
- Sialkot
- Pathankot
- Rajkot
- Sialdah
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Correct Answer: Sialkot
Menander I, also known as Milinda or Minedra, was a famous Indo-Greek ruler. He established his capital at Sakala (modern-day Sialkot). Menander is particularly renowned for his conversion to Buddhism and his conversations with the Buddhist monk and philosopher Nagasena, which are recorded in the book “Milindapanho” or “The Questions of Milinda.”
5. Which Buddhist monk converted Milinda (Indo-Greek king) to Buddhism?
- Nagasena
- Gautam Buddha
- Shakyamuni
- Mahadharmaraksita
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Correct Answer: Nagasena
The Indo-Greek king, Milinda (or Menander I), was converted to Buddhism by Nagasena (or Nagarjuna), a Buddhist monk and philosopher. Their conversations and discussions are recorded in the book called “Milindapanho” or “The Questions of Milinda.”
6. The conversation between Nagasena and Menander-I related to Buddhism is recorded in which book?
- Milindapanho
- Panhomenanda
- Nagapanho
- Menandapanho
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Correct Answer: Milindapanho
The conversations between Nagasena and Menander-I, which were related to Buddhism, are recorded in the book called “Milindapanho” or “The Questions of Milinda.”
7. Which Greek King of Bactria invaded India about 190 B.C.?
- Demetrius
- Alexander
- Seleucus Nicator
- Menander
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Correct Answer: Demetrius
Demetrius, the King of Bactria, invaded India around 190 BCE and conquered a significant part of the Mauryan Empire in the north-western regions. He came into conflict with Pushyamitra Shunga, the founder of the Shunga Dynasty.
8. Heliodorus was the Greek ambassador of which of the following Indo-Greek kings?
- Antialcidas Nikephoros
- Seleucus Nicator
- Alexander
- Constantine
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Correct Answer: Antialcidas Nikephoros
Heliodorus was the Greek ambassador of Indo-Greek king Antialcidas Nikephoros of Taxila in the court of Sunga King Bhagbhadra. He erected the famous votive Heliodorus pillar around 110 BC near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh.
9. Which of the following were the first to issue gold coins?
- Shakas
- Kushans
- Indo-Greeks
- Parthians
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Correct Answer: Indo-Greeks
The Indo-Greeks were the first rulers in India to issue coins that can be definitively attributed to any dynasty. They minted a variety of coins, including gold, silver, copper, and nickel. Their coins often featured bilingual and bi-script legends, providing valuable historical and cultural information.
10. The governors called Strategos were introduced by __?
- Sakas
- Indo-Greeks
- Kushanas
- Bactrians
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Correct Answer: Indo-Greeks
The period between 165 BCE and 145 BCE is associated with the rule of Menander, also known as Milinda or Minedra. He played a crucial role in stabilizing Indo-Greek power in India and expanding the empire’s frontiers in parts of both Bactria and northwestern India.
11. Heliodorus, a Greek ambassador of the Indo-Greek king, was sent to the court of which ruler?
- Bhagbhadra
- Devabhuti
- Pushyamitra Shunga
- Ghosha
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Correct Answer: Bhagbhadra
Heliodorus was the Greek ambassador sent to the court of Sunga King, Bhagbhadra, by the Greek King of Taxila, Antialkidas.
12. Which of the following invaded India around 190 BCE?
- Menander
- Hermaius
- Demetrius
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Demetrius
Demetrius, the King of Bactria, invaded India around 190 BCE and came into conflict with Pushyamitra Shunga. He conquered a significant part of the Mauryan Empire.
13. Which of the following is the most celebrated Indo-Greek ruler who not only stabilized Indo-Greek power but also extended his empire’s frontiers in India?
- Demetrius
- Menander
- Hermaius
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Menander
Menander/Milinda/Minedra was the most celebrated Indo-Greek ruler. He not only stabilized Indo-Greek power in India but also extended his empire’s frontiers in India.
14. Nagasena converted which of the following to Buddhism?
- Menander
- Demetrius
- Gondophernes
- Hermaius
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Correct Answer: Menander
Menander or Milinda was converted to Buddhism by Nagasena. He is identified with the King Milinda mentioned in the famous Buddhist text “Milindapanho” (Questions of Milinda).
15. Which of the following was the last ruler of this Indo-Greek dynasty?
- Demetrius
- Menander
- Hermaeus
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Hermaeus
Hermaius was the last ruler of the Indo-Greek dynasty. Around the last quarter of the 2nd century BCE, he was defeated by the Parthians, leading to the end of Greek rule in Bactria and the area to the south of the Hindu Kush.
16. Which of the following were the first rulers in India to issue coins that can be definitely attributed to any dynasty?
- Mauryans
- Indo-Greeks
- Shakas
- Kushans
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Correct Answer: Indo-Greeks
The first rulers in India to issue coins (gold, silver, copper, and nickel) that can be definitely attributed to any dynasty were the Indo-Greek rulers. They were also the first to issue gold coins in India.
17. The period between 165 BCE – 145 BCE is associated with the rule of which of the following Indo-Greek ruler?
- Demetrius
- Hermaius
- Darius
- Milinda
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Correct Answer: Milinda
The period between 165 BCE – 145 BCE is associated with the rule of Menander/Milinda/Minedra. The empire of Menander extended over parts of both Bactria and northwestern India.
18. Which of the following was the capital of Indo-Greeks in the Indian subcontinent?
- Gandhara
- Sakala
- Taxila
- Peshawar
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Correct Answer: Sakala
Menander’s capital was located at Sakala, modern-day Sialkot in Punjab, Pakistan. He is credited with invading and briefly conquering the Ganga-Yamuna doab region.
19. Which of the following were the basic features of Indo-Greek coinage?
1. Bilingual
2. Bi-script
3. Precise economic value
Choose the right option
- Only 1 and 2
- Only 2 and 3
- Only 1 and 3
- All 1, 2, and 3
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Correct Answer: All 1, 2, and 3
Indo-Greek coinage featured bilingual and bi-script legends. These coins were notable for their precision in denoting economic value and provided insights into emerging religious sects and cults in the region. The legends often included Greek and Indian languages, making them valuable historical artifacts.
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