Which of the following rulers were identified through matronymics (names derived from that of the mother)?
- A.Mallas of Pava
- B.Videhas of Mithila
- C.Yaudheyas
- D.Satavahanas
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is D, Satavahanas. Satavahana kings prefixed their mother's name to their own, as in Gautamiputra Satakarni, "son of Gautami", and Vasishthiputra Pulumavi, "son of Vasishthi".
The Satavahanas ruled the Deccan from about the first century BCE to the third century CE, with Pratishthana (Paithan) as an important centre. The Nashik inscription of Gautami Balashri, mother of Gautamiputra Satakarni, records his victories over the Shakas. Historians see the use of matronymics as a sign of the high status of royal mothers, although succession still passed through the male line and the dynasty remained patrilineal.
A is wrong because the Mallas of Pava were a gana-sangha (republican) people of the Buddha's time, not known for matronymic names. B is wrong because the Videhas of Mithila were a Later Vedic and Mahajanapada-era people ruled by kings like Janaka. C is wrong because the Yaudheyas were a tribal republic of the Punjab-Haryana region known for their coins.
Exam tip: matronymics = Satavahanas (Gautamiputra, Vasishthiputra); Gautami Balashri's Nashik inscription.
Practice Questions
View allThe principle that the framing of the new Constitution for independent India should be primarily (though not solely) the responsibility of Indians themselves, was for the first time conceded in the
- A.Government of India Act, 1935
- B.August Offer of Viceroy Linlithgow
- C.Cripps Proposals
- D.Cabinet Mission
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- B.Bhasa
- C.Valmiki
- D.Shudraka
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Read the full explanation →Which of the following statements about the technological innovations during the Industrial Revolutions are correct ? 1. Mule was the nickname for a machine invented in 1779, that allowed the spinning of strong and fine yarn. 2. Water Frame, invented in 1769 by Richard Arkwright, made it possible to weave pure cotton clothes. 3. Power loom, invented by Edmund Cartwright in 1787, could be used to weave any kind of materials. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1, 2 and 3
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.3 only
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Read the full explanation →Which one among the following was NOT a Panch Sheel principle ?
- A.Peaceful Co-existence
- B.Mutual respect for territorial integrity
- C.Nuclear deterrence
- D.Non-interference in internal affairs
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Read the full explanation →Which one of the following statements about Rabatak inscription is not correct ?
- A.It throws important light on Kushana genealogy.
- B.It refers to Kanishka as 'a king of kings and a son of God'.
- C.The 23-line inscription is written in Gandhari language.
- D.It mentions names of States which were part of Kanishka's empire.
Show answer
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