Welcome to the comprehensive guide on “The Shakas Rulers & Satrap System.” This resource is designed to aid aspirants preparing for government job comparative exams, offering a detailed exploration of the Shakas rulers and the Satrap system. Uncover the historical intricacies of this fascinating period, understanding the political dynamics, cultural influences, and the impact on governance. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a government job aspirant, this guide promises to equip you with the knowledge necessary to excel in competitive exams.
MCQs with Answers and Explanations:
1. Which of the following is the first known satrapa in Western India?
- Sodasha
- Sivadatta
- Nahapana
- Bhumaka
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Correct Answer: Bhumaka
Bhumaka was one of the first identifiable satrapas (governors) in Western India, ruling in the Saurashtra region. He was succeeded by Nahapana, who became a significant ruler of the Western satraps. Nahapana’s rule extended over a vast area in Western India, and his coins are notable historical artifacts.
2. Which of the following is considered as the founder of the Ujjaini Satrapa?
- Nahapana
- Castana
- Hagamasa
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Castana
Castana is considered the founder of the Ujjaini Satrapa. He is noted for his victory in a battle against the Satavahanas. Castana’s coins are significant because they bear inscriptions in multiple scripts, including Greek, Kharoshthi, and Brahmi, reflecting the cultural diversity of the region during that time.
3. Who was the first Saka king in India?
- Moga
- Rudradaman
- Azes
- Ghatotkacha
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Correct Answer: Moga
Moga, also known as Maues, was an Indo-Scythian king. He was the first Saka ruler to establish Saka power in Gandhara, an ancient region covering parts of present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. Moga extended his rule over northwestern India.
4. In the Junagarh inscription, which among the following Saka ruler’s achievements are highlighted?
- Moga
- Azes
- Rudradaman
- Nahapana
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Correct Answer: Rudradaman
Rudradaman was an important ruler known for his military achievements and territories. His legacy is highlighted in the famous Junagadh inscription, which was inscribed in 150 AD. It is the first major inscription written in Sanskrit. The inscription provides insights into the historical events of the time and mentions the construction of significant irrigation works in Saurashtra.
5. The Sakas intrduced the Satrap system of government along with whom?
- Parthians
- Kushans
- Sungas
- Satavahanas
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Correct Answer: Parthians
The Sakas introduced the Satrap system of government in India, influenced by similar systems in Iran, such as the Achaemenid and Seleucid systems. Under this system, the kingdom was divided into provinces, each governed by a military official known as a Mahakshatrapa (great satrap). Lesser officials were called kshatrapas (satraps). These satraps had the authority to issue inscriptions and mint coins, contributing to historical records.
6. Which among the following rulers is known for the Junagarh Rock Inscription?
- Jivadaman
- Rudradaman
- Damajadasri
- Jayadaman
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Correct Answer: Rudradaman
The Junagadh Rock Inscription of Rudradaman is regarded as an early example of chaste Sanskrit. It mentions significant historical events, including the restoration of Lake Sudarshana. The inscription also provides insights into the administration and governance of the time, including the role of Chandragupta Maurya’s governor Pushyagupta in building a dam near Girnar in Kathiawar.
7. Who among the following kings is related to the repair of Sudarsana Lake?
- Rudradaman
- Gautamiputra Satakarni
- Kharavela
- Ashoka
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Correct Answer: Rudradaman
The Junagarh Rock Inscription mentions that the Saka ruler Rudradaman (150-151 BC) had taken up the task of the restoration of lake Sudarsana.
8. The Indian term ‘Shaka’ is used for which of the following?
- Parthians
- Scythians
- Kushans
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Scythians
The term ‘Shaka’ refers to the Scythians, a group of people who originally hailed from Central Asia. Patanjali, in his Mahabhasya, referred to the Shakas as ‘Anirvasita (pure) Shudras.’ This term suggests the social classification of the Shakas in India.
9. Who overthrew Saka rulers from India?
- Gautamiputra Satakarni
- Kanishka
- Rudradaman
- Demetrius
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Correct Answer: Gautamiputra Satakarni
The Sakas were eventually overthrown by Gautamiputra Satakarni, a prominent ruler of the Satavahana dynasty. He is noted for defeating Saka ruler Nahapana and his governor Rishavadatta and reclaiming territories.
10. Which Saka ruler was responsible for important irrigation works in Saurashtra?
- Rudradaman
- Moga
- Azes
- Nahapana
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Correct Answer: Rudradaman
The Saka ruler, Rudradraman, was responsible for important irrigation works in Saurashtra. His military achievements, territories, and many personal qualities are highlighted in the famous Junagadh inscription, written in 150 AD. It is the first major inscription to be written in Sanskrit.
11. Which of the following passes was used by Sakas to come to India?
- Bolan Pass
- Nathu La Pass
- Shipki La Pass
- Bara-lacha la Pass
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Correct Answer: Bolan Pass
The Sakas entered India through the Bolan Pass. They were a Scythian tribe or a group of tribes with Iranian origins. Their arrival and influence played a significant role in shaping the region’s history and culture.
12. Which of the following Shaka Kings is believed to be associated with the Vikram Samvat era of 58 BCE?
- Maues
- Azes
- Rudradaman I
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Azes
Shaka King Azes is associated with the Vikram Samvat era, dated to 58 BCE. This era marks Azes’ accession to power. He successfully annexed territory in northern India, contributing to the political landscape of the region.
13. Which of the following ruled through kshatrapas (governors) mahakshatrapas (subordinate rulers)?
- Indo-Greeks
- Shakas
- Kushans
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Shakas
Both the Shakas and the Scytho-Parthians established their rule in India through the use of kshatrapas, which were essentially governors or subordinate rulers. The administration was organized with the assistance of mahakshatrapas, who acted as significant officials in the governance structure. These kshatrapas and mahakshatrapas played a crucial role in the expansion and maintenance of the empires, managing various regions on behalf of the central authority.
14. Which of the following Shaka ruler repaired the Sudarshana Lake?
- Maues
- Azes
- Rudradaman I
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Rudradaman I
Rudradaman I, a prominent ruler belonging to the Shaka Kshatrapas of Western India, is well-known for his rule. He undertook the task of repairing the Sudarshana Lake, which was situated in the semi-arid zone of Kathiawar. This significant irrigation project helped in sustaining agricultural and economic activities in the region, showcasing his leadership and administrative capabilities.
15. Which of the following issued the first-ever long inscription in chaste Sanskrit?
- Rudradaman I
- Azes
- Kanishka
- Gondophernes
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Correct Answer: Rudradaman I
Rudradaman I is attributed to issuing the first-ever long inscription in chaste Sanskrit. This inscription is historically valuable as it provides insights into the territorial extent of his rule. He governed areas such as Sindh, parts of Gujarat, Konkan, the Narmada valley, Malwa, and Kathiawar during his rule, which lasted from AD 130 to 150. The inscription sheds light on his rule and administrative achievements.
16. Which of the following was the earliest Shaka ruler?
- Maues
- Azes I
- Azes II
- Rudradaman
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Correct Answer: Maues
Maues, also known as Moga, was one of the earliest Shaka rulers, reigning from 80-65 BC. He established Shaka power in the Gandhara region and set up his capital known as “Sirkap.” Maues issued a significant number of copper coins, along with a few silver coins, contributing to numismatic history. His reign marked the initial Shaka presence in the Indian subcontinent.
17. The famous Taxila Copper Plate is ascribed to which of the following Shaka ruler?
- Rudradaman
- Azes
- Maues
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Maues
The famous Taxila Copper Plate, often ascribed to Maues (Moga), was discovered in the Taxila region of modern Pakistan. The inscription is valuable for its precise historical data. It is inscribed in the Kharoshthi script and provides insights into the patronage of Buddhism by Shaka rulers, including the dedication of a relic of Buddha Shakyamuni to a Buddhist monastery.
18. Which of the following Shaka rulers is also mentioned in the Mathura lion capital?
- Maues
- Azes
- Rudradaman I
- Patika Kusulaka
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Correct Answer: Patika Kusulaka
Patika Kusulaka is mentioned in both the Taxila Copper Plate inscription and the Mathura lion capital. The former records his dedication of a Buddhist relic, while the latter also associates him with this significant monument. Patika Kusulaka played an essential role in the propagation and support of Buddhism during the Shaka rule.
19. Which of the following had adopted the title of Mahadandapati?
- Maues
- Azes
- Rudradaman I
- Patika Kusulaka
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Correct Answer: Patika Kusulaka
The Moga inscription mentions two individuals, Liaka Kusulaka and his son Patika Kusulaka. They ruled the regions of Chuksha and Pusha Pura as satraps under the Shaka ruler Moga. Patika Kusulaka adopted the title of “Mahadandapati,” indicating his high-ranking position and administrative responsibilities within the Shaka administration.
20. Which of the following is the first known satrap of Mathura?
- Hagana
- Liaka Kusulaka
- Bhumaka
- Patika Kusulaka
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Correct Answer: Hagana
The earliest known satraps of Mathura were Hagana and Hagamasa. They were officials in the Shaka administrative system. A successor named Rajuvula is mentioned as Mahasatrapa in the Mora inscription, which was found near Mathura. These individuals played key roles in governing Mathura and its surrounding regions during the Shaka rule.
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