Q91 · UPPSC Prelims 2018 · Set B · General Studies

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Which of the following inscriptions gives the information about two Ashwamedha Yajnas performed by the King Pushyamitra Shung?

A Saranath inscription
B Besnagar inscription
C Ayodhya inscription
D Hathigumpha inscription

Correct answer: (c) Ayodhya inscription

Explanation

  1. A

    Saranath inscription

    Sarnath inscriptions are central to Ashoka and later Buddhist history, not the record of Pushyamitra’s two ashvamedhas. This option is not the key.

  2. B

    Besnagar inscription

    The Besnagar (Vidisha) inscription of Heliodorus is a Garuda pillar of a Bhagavata ambassador, not Pushyamitra’s horse-sacrifices. This option is therefore wrong.

  3. C

    Ayodhya inscription

    The Ayodhya inscription of Dhanadeva, a first-century BCE ruler claiming Shunga descent, states that Pushyamitra performed two ashvamedha sacrifices. That is the source asked. This option is the official key.

  4. D

    Hathigumpha inscription

    The Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela of Kalinga does not give this Pushyamitra detail. This option is not the key.

Summary. Official key is (c) Ayodhya inscription. Dhanadeva’s Ayodhya stone credits Senapati Pushyamitra with two horse-sacrifices after the Mauryas. Sarnath, Besnagar and Hathigumpha are famous but other stories. Only (c) carries the two-ashvamedha notice.