Post-Mauryan Period (Part-I)

31. Which of the following Kings is credited to have issued gold coins for the first time ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009]

(a) Kujula Kadphises
(b) Vima Kadphises
(c) Kanishka-I
(d) Huvishka

Correct Answer: (b) Vima Kadphises

Solution:Although Indo-Greek rulers made gold coins popular, Vima Kadphises was the first Kushan ruler who issued gold coins.

32. Who among the following introduced gold coins for regular use in India ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]

(a) Vima Kadphises
(b) Kujul Kadphises
(c) Kanishka
(d) Hermwes

Correct Answer: (a) Vima Kadphises

Solution:Kushan emperor Vima Kadphises, sho was the father of Kanishka-I, had introduced gold coins for regular use in India. He is known as the first king, who introduced gold coins, while Kujul Kadphises circulated copper coins.

33. Who among the following first issued gold coins on a large sclae ? [64ᵗʰ B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018]

Correct Answer: (c) Vima Kadphises

34. Which God is fond depicted on Yaudheya coins ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008]

(a) Vasudeva
(b) Mitra
(c) Indra
(d) Kartikeya

Correct Answer: (d) Kartikeya

Solution:There are several varieties of Yaudheya copper coins depicting a standing figure of six-headed God Kartikeya along with peacock on the right, found during the reign of the Kushan ruler. The evidence of Yaudheya coins are fond fro the Puranas, Ashtadyayi, etc.

35. What is the date of Sarnath Buddhist image inscription of Kanishka ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]

(a) 78 A.D.
(b) 81 A.D.
(c) 98 A.D.
(d) 121 A.D.

Correct Answer: (b) 81 A.D.

Solution:The date of Buddha inscription of Sarnath which belongs to Kanishka is dated 81 AD. This inscription was established after three years of Kanishka's coronation.

36. In which year, the coronation of Kushan king Kanishka was held ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991]

(a) 178 A.D.
(b) 101 A.D.
(c) 58 A.D.
(d) 78 A.D.

Correct Answer: (d) 78 A.D.

Solution:The date of Kanishka's coronation is very controversial. Considering this problem, two international conventions were held in London in 1913 and 1960. In second convention, a common consent was made for 78 A.D. This is also known as the beginning of Saka Samvat.

37. When was Saka Samvat initiated ? [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013, U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990]

(a) 58 A.D.
(b) 78 A.D.
(c) 320 A.D.
(d) 606 A.D.

Correct Answer: (b) 78 A.D.

Solution:According to Jain texts, the successor of Vikramaditya (57 B.C.) was defeated by Saka in 135 Vikram Samvat. To celebrate this Victory, Saka started a new calendar called Saka Samvat. Hence it begins 135-57=78 A.D. Most of the historians believe that the Kushan ruler Kanishka was its originator.

38. How much is the year difference between the Saka Samvat and Vikram Samvat ? [U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006]

(a) 57 years
(b) 78 years
(c) 135 years
(d) 320 years

Correct Answer: (c) 135 years

Solution:Currently, for date and year, Gregorian Calendar is being used which is internationally used civil calendar. In order to get Vikram Samvat (57 B.C.) 57 is to be added in the current calendar and to get the Saka Samvat (78 AD), 78 is to be subtracted from current calendar. Hence, Vikram Samvat is 2019+57=2076 and Saka Samvat is 2019-78=1941. Hence, the different between Vikram Samvat and Saka Samvat is 2076-1941=135 years.

39. Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of The Gregorian calendar in normal year of 365 days ? [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2014]

(a) 22nd March (or 21st March)
(b) 15th May (or 16th May)
(c) 31st March (of 30th March)
(d) 21st April (or 20th April)

Correct Answer: (a) 22nd March (or 21st March)

Solution:Chaitra is the first month of the Indian national calendar. The dates of national calendar match with Gregorian calendar prominently. Generally, Chaitra starts from 22nd March while fro 21st March in a leap year.

40. When was Vikram Samvat started ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992]

(a) 78 B.C.
(b) 57 B.C.
(c) 72 B.C.
(d) 56 B.C.

Correct Answer: (b) 57 B.C.

Solution:Two other names of Vikram Samvat is Krit and Malav. There is the difference of 470 years between the salvation of Mahavir and Vikram Samvat in Jain holy texts. The salvation date of Mahavir is 527 BC. So the starting date of Vikram Samvat is 527-470= 57 BC.