UPSC Prelims 2000 Q18: Ancient History – Post - Mauryan & Foreign Invasions
The practice of military governorship was first introduced in India by the
- (a) Greeks
- (b) Shakas
- (c) Parthians
- (d) Mughals
Answer: (a) Greeks
Explanation
Who first introduced military governorship in India
| Rulers | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Indo-Greeks | Military governorship — governors called strategos |
| Shakas and Kushanas | Satrap (kshatrapa) system of provincial rule |
| Parthians (Pahlavas) | Ruled the north-west briefly; no such innovation |
| Mughals | Mansabdari system, much later |
R. S. Sharma notes that the Greeks introduced the practice of military governorship in India, appointing governors called strategos to keep conquered people under control.
The Shakas and Kushanas spread the satrap system, and the Mughals came over 1,500 years later.
Answer: (a) Greeks.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Indo-Greeks introduced military governorship with their strategos.
- (b) Incorrect. The Shakas are known for the satrap system.
- (c) Incorrect. The Parthians did not introduce this practice.
- (d) Incorrect. The Mughals came much later, with the mansabdari system.
Key point
Indo-Greeks were also first to issue gold coins in India; Menander (Milinda) is famous from the Milindapanho.
Remember
Military governorship in India: introduced by the Greeks.
Common mistakes
- Confusing military governorship (Greeks) with the satrap system (Shakas).
- Choosing the Mughals because of their military aristocracy.
- Forgetting that the first gold coins also came from the Indo-Greeks.
Exam tip
Greek general = strategos → military governor.
Sources
- R. S. Sharma — India's Ancient Past, chapter 'Central Asian Contact and Its Results'
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History Part I, chapter 'Kings, Farmers and Towns'