Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Kings, Farmers and Towns

Question:

Where is the Sudarshan Lake situated?

Options:

Girnar

Aurangabad

Rajasthan

Prayagraj

Correct Answer:

Girnar

Explanation:

In Girnar the Sudarshana Lake, an artificial reservoir is situated.  It is known from a rock inscription dating back to the second century CE, written in Sanskrit. The inscription credits the construction of the lake, complete with embankments and water channels, to a local governor during the Mauryan rule.

Unfortunately, a devastating storm caused the embankments to breach, resulting in the water gushing out of the lake. At that time, Rudradaman, the Shaka ruler in the region, took responsibility for repairing the lake at his own expense without burdening his subjects with any taxes.

Interestingly, another inscription on the same rock, from the fifth century, mentions how one of the rulers of the Gupta dynasty once again undertook the task of repairing the Sudarshana lake.