CAPF AC 2020 Q54: Ancient History – Post - Mauryan & Foreign Invasions
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The Satavahanas ruled over parts of western India and the Deccan.
2. The Satavahanas repaired and rebuilt Sudarshana Lake.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
Satavahanas and Sudarshana Lake
How to think: Sudarshana Lake is in Gujarat (Junagadh).
Its repair is recorded in the Junagadh inscription of Rudradaman, a Shaka ruler.
The Shakas were rivals of the Satavahanas.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Satavahanas ruled over parts of western India and the Deccan | Correct | Capital at Pratishthana (Paithan) |
| 2. The Satavahanas repaired and rebuilt Sudarshana Lake | Incorrect | Repaired by the Shaka ruler Rudradaman |
History of Sudarshana Lake:
| Ruler | Work |
|---|---|
| Chandragupta Maurya | Built, by his governor Pushyagupta |
| Ashoka | Canals added by Tushaspha |
| Rudradaman (about 150 CE) | Repaired after a storm broke the dam |
| Skandagupta (Gupta) | Repaired again |
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Only statement 1 is right; the lake was repaired by Rudradaman, not the Satavahanas.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is wrong; the Shaka ruler Rudradaman repaired the lake.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 credits the Satavahanas with a Shaka ruler's work.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is right: the Satavahanas ruled the Deccan and western India.
Key point
Sudarshana Lake (Junagadh): built under Chandragupta Maurya, canals under Ashoka, repaired by Shaka ruler Rudradaman (about 150 CE), again under Skandagupta. Satavahanas: Deccan, capital Pratishthana.
Remember
Rudradaman (Shaka), not the Satavahanas, repaired Sudarshana Lake.
Common mistakes
- Crediting the Satavahanas with the repair because they also ruled western India.
- Forgetting that Rudradaman's is the first long inscription in Sanskrit.
- Mixing up the builders: Mauryas built, Shakas and Guptas repaired.
Exam tip
Sudarshana Lake = Rudradaman = Junagadh inscription. Learn the three together.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII History — Themes in Indian History Part I, Theme 2: Kings, Farmers and Towns
- NCERT Class VI History — Our Pasts I (Traders, Kings and Pilgrims)