Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Kinship, Caste and Class

Question:

Who was known as the best ruler of Shaka dynasty?

Options:

Rudrakushman

Rudradaman

Sudarshanam

Padamananda

Correct Answer:

Rudradaman

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2) → Rudradaman

"Non-Kshatriya kings : According to the Shastras, only Kshatriyas could be kings. However, several important ruling lineages probably had different origins. The social background of the Mauryas, who ruled over a large empire, has been hotly debated. While later Buddhist texts suggested they were Kshatriyas, Brahmanical texts described them as being of “low” origin. The Shungas and Kanvas, the immediate successors of the Mauryas, were Brahmanas. In fact, political power was effectively open to anyone who could muster support and resources, and rarely depended on birth as a Kshatriya. Other rulers, such as the Shakas who came from Central Asia, were regarded as mlechchhas,  barbarians or outsiders by the Brahmanas. However, one of the earliest inscriptions in Sanskrit describes how Rudradaman, the best-known Shaka ruler (c. second century CE), rebuilt Sudarshana lake (Chapter 2). This suggests that powerful mlechchhas were familiar with Sanskritic traditions."