This question targets a specific archaeological breakthrough (the Kanaganahalli excavation) rather than generic textbook knowledge. It distinguishes between 'textual mentions' (like Maski) and 'visual portraits' of Ashoka. It rewards aspirants who track Art & Culture updates or read advanced references like Upinder Singh.
How this question is built
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements.
Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Statement 1
Does the relief sculpture inscription at Kanganahalli mention "Ranyo Ashoka" (King Ashoka) alongside a stone portrait of Ashoka?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"The king's identification with Ashoka is suggested by a similar relief at Kanaganahalli, which bears his name. ... The relief bears the inscription "Rāya Asoko""
Why this source?
- Specifically names the Kanaganahalli relief and links it to an identification with Ashoka.
- States the relief bears the inscription reading the king's name 'Rāya Asoko'.
"Clearly obvious that this is Aśoka, as evidenced by the inscription of ‘*Ranyo Asoko*’ (King Aśoka) given alongside this relief"
Why this source?
- Explicitly describes the Kanaganahalli relief and notes the inscription 'Ranyo Asoko' alongside it.
- Connects the inscription phrase to the reading 'King Aśoka', confirming the association with the relief portrait.
"𑀅𑀲𑁄𑀓𑁄, "King Ashoka") in [Brahmi script]. It depicts the king with his queen, two attendants bearing fly-whisks, and one attendant bearing an umbrella."
Why this source?
- Shows the inscription rendered in Brahmi script and translates it as 'King Ashoka'.
- Describes the relief depiction of the king with his queen, tying the inscription to the sculpted portrait.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > Edicts of Ashoka > p. 52
Strength: 4/5
“The edicts of Ashoka thus constitute the most concrete source of information about the Mauryan Empire. There are 33 edicts comprising 14 Major Rock Edicts, 2 known The Kalinga edicts, 7 Pillar Edicts, some Minor Rock Edits and a few Minor Pillar Inscriptions. The Major Rock Edicts extend from Kandahar in Afghanistan, Shahbazgarhi and Mansehra in north-west Pakistan to Uttarakhand district in the north, Gujarat and Maharashtra in the west, Odisha in the east and as far south as Karnataka and Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh, Minor Pillar Inscriptions have been found as far north as Nepal (near Lumbini). The geographical spread of the edicts essentially defines the extent of the vast empire over which Ashoka ruled.”
Why relevant
Lists geographical spread of Ashokan edicts including as far south as Karnataka, implying Ashokan inscriptions occur in southern India.
How to extend
A student could check Kanganahalli's location relative to the listed southern find-spots (Karnataka, Andhra) to judge plausibility that an Ashokan-style inscription might appear there.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 5: Evolution of Society in South India > Epigraphic > p. 63
Strength: 4/5
“• The Ashokan inscriptions, written in Prakrit, found in Andhra-Karnataka regions.
• \overline{\mathbb{Z}}The Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found in the caves of Tamil Nadu and Kerala such as in Mangulam, Jambai, and Pugalur.
• The Satavahana inscriptions and other Buddhist inscriptions of the Andhra region
• Short inscriptions found on pottery and rings and stones in Tamil Nadu and some sites outside India, like in Berenike, and Quseir al Qadhim (Egypt).”
Why relevant
Notes Ashokan inscriptions in Andhra-Karnataka regions and presence of Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions in nearby southern sites (Mangulam, Jambai).
How to extend
Use a map to see if Kanganahalli lies within the region where Ashokan or Tamil-Brahmi epigraphy is known, making an Ashokan reference plausible.
Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation > LET'S EXPLORE > p. 136
Strength: 5/5
“Carefully observe this massive statue (1.85 m high) and notice the clothing, weapon, and footwear. What does it tell us about this figure?
This famous 'headless' statue is of King Kaṇiṣhka, probably the most powerful ruler of the Kuṣhāṇa dynasty. The Brahmi inscription on the statue reads, 'mahārāja rājadhirāja devaputra kaṇiṣhka', that is, 'The great king, king of kings, son of God, Kaṇiṣhka'.
Observe the coins carefully. Who, besides the emperor, appears on the coin?
Fig. 6.23. Coins of Kaṇiṣhka”
Why relevant
Gives a clear example where a Brahmi inscription on a statue names the ruler (Kaṇiṣhka), demonstrating that inscriptions can accompany stone portraits to identify kings.
How to extend
Apply the pattern (inscriptions can label portraits) to assess whether an inscription at Kanganahalli could reasonably contain the phrase 'Ranyo Ashoka' next to a stone portrait.
Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation > THINK ABOUT IT > p. 127
Strength: 4/5
“The Sātavāhanas were devout followers of Vāsudeva (another name for Kṛiṣhṇa), although they also patronised other schools of thought, which flourished during their rule. For instance, Sātavāhana kings often granted tax-free agricultural land to Vedic scholars, Jaina and Buddhist monks, helping them to pursue their studies and practices. This sculpture of a yakṣha from Pitalkhora carries an inscription on its hand, kanhadāsena hiramakarena kāṭa meaning 'made by Kanahadasa, a goldsmith'. Is it not interesting to see that a goldsmith could also craft a sculpture made of stone? What do you think this tells us about people's professions at the time?”
Why relevant
Shows inscriptions can appear on sculptures (example: Pitalkhora yakṣha with maker's name), indicating stone art and inscriptions frequently co-occur.
How to extend
Combine this with knowledge of local epigraphic practices to infer that a portrait could have an accompanying inscription identifying its subject.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > Sources > p. 47
Strength: 3/5
“The most widely known are the edicts of Ashoka, which have been discovered in many parts of the country. In fact, the reconstruction of the Mauryan period to a great extent became possible only after the Brahmi script of the inscriptions at Sanchi was deciphered by James Prinsep in 1837. Let us now turn to two later sources. The first is the rock inscription of Junagadh, near Girnar in Gujarat. This was carved during the reign of Rudradaman, the local ruler and dates back to 130-150 CE. It refers to Pushyagupta, the provincial governor (rashtriya) of Emperor Chandragupta.”
Why relevant
Describes other ruler-related rock inscriptions (e.g., Junagadh referring to provincial officials), illustrating the practice of recording rulers and officials on rock surfaces.
How to extend
Use this as a precedent to consider whether a Kanganahalli rock/relief inscription might name a king like Ashoka, then seek transcription or photographs for verification.
Statement 2
Does the relief sculpture inscription at Sanchi mention "Ranyo Ashoka" (King Ashoka) alongside a stone portrait of Ashoka?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"A king - most probably Ashoka - with his two queens and three attendants, in a relief at Sanchi. The king's identification with Ashoka is suggested by a similar relief at Kanaganahalli, which bears his name."
Why this source?
- Explicitly describes a relief at Sanchi of a king probably Ashoka.
- Says identification with Ashoka is suggested by a similar relief at Kanaganahalli, which bears his name (implying Sanchi relief itself lacks the name).
"The relief bears the inscription "Rāya Asoko" (𑀭𑀸𑀬𑀅𑀲𑁄𑀓𑁄, "King Ashoka") in Brahmi script. It depicts the king with his queen, two attendants bearing fly-whisks, and one attendant bearing an umbrella."
Why this source?
- States that the relief (at Kanaganahalli) bears the inscription 'Rāya Asoko' meaning 'King Ashoka' in Brahmi script.
- Links the named relief depiction (with queen and attendants) to the identification used for the similar Sanchi relief.
"Clearly obvious that this is Aśoka, as evidenced by the inscription of ‘Ranyo Asoko’ (King Aśoka) given alongside this relief, we see similarities to Sanchi but also striking differences."
Why this source?
- Notes the inscription 'Ranyo Asoko' is given alongside the relief that is compared to Sanchi.
- Implies the inscription is associated with the Kanaganahalli relief rather than the Sanchi relief itself.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > Sources > p. 47
Strength: 5/5
“The most widely known are the edicts of Ashoka, which have been discovered in many parts of the country. In fact, the reconstruction of the Mauryan period to a great extent became possible only after the Brahmi script of the inscriptions at Sanchi was deciphered by James Prinsep in 1837. Let us now turn to two later sources. The first is the rock inscription of Junagadh, near Girnar in Gujarat. This was carved during the reign of Rudradaman, the local ruler and dates back to 130-150 CE. It refers to Pushyagupta, the provincial governor (rashtriya) of Emperor Chandragupta.”
Why relevant
States that the Brahmi script of inscriptions at Sanchi was deciphered (Prinsep), establishing Sanchi as a site with Brahmi inscriptions linked to Ashokan-era epigraphy.
How to extend
A student could check published readings of Sanchi Brahmi inscriptions to see if any contain a royal titulary like 'Ranyo Ashoka'.
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > A prayer to Agni > p. 84
Strength: 4/5
“They were taught orally to men belonging to priestly families. Ü List the objectives of the sacrifice. But what is the significance of this monument? Why was the mound built and what did it contain? Why is there a stone railing around it? Who built the complex or paid for its construction? When was it "discovered"? There is a fascinating story that we can uncover at Sanchi for which we must combine information from texts, sculpture, architecture and inscriptions. Let us begin by exploring the background of the early Buddhist tradition.”
Why relevant
Explicitly advises combining texts, sculpture, architecture and inscriptions to interpret the Sanchi monument — implying inscriptions at Sanchi are a source for identifying persons depicted.
How to extend
Use this methodological rule to search Sanchi inscriptions for names/titles near corresponding sculptural panels to test for 'Ranyo Ashoka'.
Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation > THINK ABOUT IT > p. 127
Strength: 4/5
“The Sātavāhanas were devout followers of Vāsudeva (another name for Kṛiṣhṇa), although they also patronised other schools of thought, which flourished during their rule. For instance, Sātavāhana kings often granted tax-free agricultural land to Vedic scholars, Jaina and Buddhist monks, helping them to pursue their studies and practices. This sculpture of a yakṣha from Pitalkhora carries an inscription on its hand, kanhadāsena hiramakarena kāṭa meaning 'made by Kanahadasa, a goldsmith'. Is it not interesting to see that a goldsmith could also craft a sculpture made of stone? What do you think this tells us about people's professions at the time?”
Why relevant
Gives an example (Pitalkhora yaksha) of a stone sculpture carrying a hand-inscription identifying the maker — shows sculptures can bear readable inscriptions naming individuals.
How to extend
By analogy, examine whether any Sanchi reliefs have nearby or on-figure inscriptions that could name a figure as 'Ranyo Ashoka'.
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 9.3 Popular traditions > p. 101
Strength: 3/5
“The shalabhanjika motif suggests that many people who turned to Buddhism enriched it with their own pre-Buddhist and even non-Buddhist beliefs, practices and ideas. Some of the recurrent motifs in the sculpture at Sanchi were evidently derived from these traditions. There are other images as well. For instance, some of the finest depictions of animals are found there. These animals include elephants, horses, monkeys and cattle. While the Jatakas contain several animal stories that are depicted at Sanchi, it is likely that many of these animals were carved to create lively scenes to draw viewers. Also, animals were often used as symbols of human attributes.”
Why relevant
Describes the range of images and motifs carved at Sanchi, indicating the site has many narrative reliefs and figures that might be labelled or accompanied by inscriptions.
How to extend
A student could inspect specific relief panels at Sanchi (noted here as numerous and narrative) for epigraphic labels that might mention a king.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 5: Evolution of Society in South India > Epigraphic > p. 63
Strength: 3/5
“• The Ashokan inscriptions, written in Prakrit, found in Andhra-Karnataka regions.
• \overline{\mathbb{Z}}The Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found in the caves of Tamil Nadu and Kerala such as in Mangulam, Jambai, and Pugalur.
• The Satavahana inscriptions and other Buddhist inscriptions of the Andhra region
• Short inscriptions found on pottery and rings and stones in Tamil Nadu and some sites outside India, like in Berenike, and Quseir al Qadhim (Egypt).”
Why relevant
Lists Ashokan inscriptions in various regions (and mentions Tamil-Brahmi elsewhere), showing that Ashokan-era inscriptions occur beyond pillars and could appear in regional contexts.
How to extend
Use knowledge that Ashokan inscriptions exist in multiple scripts/places to consider whether the form 'Ranyo Ashoka' appears in regional Brahmi inscriptions at Sanchi or nearby sites.
Statement 3
Does the relief sculpture inscription at Shahbazgarhi mention "Ranyo Ashoka" (King Ashoka) alongside a stone portrait of Ashoka?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"reads: *(Ayam) [Dhrama]-[dipi] Devanapriyasa Raño likhapitu* ("This Dharma-Edicts was written by King [Devanampriya]")"
Why this source?
- Directly quotes the first line of the First Edict at Shahbazgarhi showing the title used in that inscription.
- The quoted reading contains 'Devanapriyasa Raño' (King Devanampriya), not the phrase 'Ranyo Ashoka'.
- This indicates the Shahbazgarhi inscription names the king as Devanampriya rather than explicitly as 'Rāño Ashoka'.
"The relief bears the inscription "Rāya Asoko" ... ("King Ashoka") in Brahmi script."
Why this source?
- Shows that other relief sculptures (e.g., Kanaganahalli/Sarnath-related reliefs) explicitly bear the inscription 'Rāya Asoko' ('King Ashoka').
- Provides a contrast indicating that 'Rāya Asoko' appears in relief inscriptions elsewhere, implying Shahbazgarhi's wording is different.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > Edicts of Ashoka > p. 52
Strength: 5/5
“The edicts of Ashoka thus constitute the most concrete source of information about the Mauryan Empire. There are 33 edicts comprising 14 Major Rock Edicts, 2 known The Kalinga edicts, 7 Pillar Edicts, some Minor Rock Edits and a few Minor Pillar Inscriptions. The Major Rock Edicts extend from Kandahar in Afghanistan, Shahbazgarhi and Mansehra in north-west Pakistan to Uttarakhand district in the north, Gujarat and Maharashtra in the west, Odisha in the east and as far south as Karnataka and Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh, Minor Pillar Inscriptions have been found as far north as Nepal (near Lumbini). The geographical spread of the edicts essentially defines the extent of the vast empire over which Ashoka ruled.”
Why relevant
Lists Shahbazgarhi among the locations where Ashokan Major Rock Edicts occur, establishing that inscriptions at Shahbazgarhi are part of Ashokan epigraphic corpus.
How to extend
A student could use this to justify checking published readings/transcriptions of the Shahbazgarhi inscriptions for royal titles or names like 'Ranyo Ashoka'.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > Sources > p. 47
Strength: 4/5
“The most widely known are the edicts of Ashoka, which have been discovered in many parts of the country. In fact, the reconstruction of the Mauryan period to a great extent became possible only after the Brahmi script of the inscriptions at Sanchi was deciphered by James Prinsep in 1837. Let us now turn to two later sources. The first is the rock inscription of Junagadh, near Girnar in Gujarat. This was carved during the reign of Rudradaman, the local ruler and dates back to 130-150 CE. It refers to Pushyagupta, the provincial governor (rashtriya) of Emperor Chandragupta.”
Why relevant
Notes that decipherment of Brahmi (by James Prinsep) enabled reconstruction of Ashokan inscriptions, implying inscriptions from sites like Sanchi/Shahbazgarhi have been read and published.
How to extend
One could extend this by consulting Prinsep-era or later published readings/translations of Shahbazgarhi inscriptions to see if 'Ranyo Ashoka' appears.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > I. Choose the Correct Answer > p. 61
Strength: 3/5
“• 1. Brahmi script in Ashoka's pillar inscription was deciphered by __ • (a) Thomas Saunders• (b) James Prinsep• (c) Sir John Marshal• (d) William Jones• 2. The first known ruler of Magadha was of the Haryanka dynasty. • (a) Bimbisara (b) Ajatashatru• (c) Ashoka (d) Mahapadma Nanda • 3. A comprehensive historical chronicle in Pali from Sri Lanka serving as an important source for the Mauryan Period is ______. • (a) Mahavamsa (b) Deepavamsa • (c) Brahmanas (d) Mudrarakshasa • by Visakadatha describes 4. The play Chandragupta and his accession to the throne of the Magadha Empire. • (a) Mudrarakshasa (b) Rajatharangini • (c) Arthasastra (d) Indica • 5.”
Why relevant
Mentions Brahmi script and its decipherment as central to reading Ashokan inscriptions, pointing to the method used to identify names/titles in such relief inscriptions.
How to extend
A student could infer that any claimed name (e.g., 'Ranyo Ashoka') on a Shahbazgarhi relief would need support from Brahmi readings published after decipherment.
Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation > LET'S EXPLORE > p. 136
Strength: 4/5
“Carefully observe this massive statue (1.85 m high) and notice the clothing, weapon, and footwear. What does it tell us about this figure?
This famous 'headless' statue is of King Kaṇiṣhka, probably the most powerful ruler of the Kuṣhāṇa dynasty. The Brahmi inscription on the statue reads, 'mahārāja rājadhirāja devaputra kaṇiṣhka', that is, 'The great king, king of kings, son of God, Kaṇiṣhka'.
Observe the coins carefully. Who, besides the emperor, appears on the coin?
Fig. 6.23. Coins of Kaṇiṣhka”
Why relevant
Gives an example where a Brahmi inscription accompanies a statue and names a ruler (e.g., 'mahārāja... kaṇiṣhka'), showing the pattern that inscriptions can identify portraits of kings.
How to extend
By analogy, a student could reasonably look for an inscription adjacent to a stone portrait at Shahbazgarhi that might identify the figure as 'Ranyo Ashoka'.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 5: Evolution of Society in South India > Epigraphic > p. 63
Strength: 3/5
“• The Ashokan inscriptions, written in Prakrit, found in Andhra-Karnataka regions.
• \overline{\mathbb{Z}}The Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found in the caves of Tamil Nadu and Kerala such as in Mangulam, Jambai, and Pugalur.
• The Satavahana inscriptions and other Buddhist inscriptions of the Andhra region
• Short inscriptions found on pottery and rings and stones in Tamil Nadu and some sites outside India, like in Berenike, and Quseir al Qadhim (Egypt).”
Why relevant
States that Ashokan inscriptions were written in Prakrit and occur in various regions, indicating consistent language/script conventions across sites.
How to extend
A student could use this to expect any Shahbazgarhi inscription naming a king to be in Prakrit/Brahmi and thus searchable in epigraphic corpora.
Statement 4
Does the relief sculpture inscription at Sohgaura mention "Ranyo Ashoka" (King Ashoka) alongside a stone portrait of Ashoka?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"The relief bears the inscription "Rāya Asoko""
Why this source?
- Identifies Kanaganahalli (not Sohgaura) as the relief that bears the king's name.
- Explicitly states the relief bears the inscription "Rāya Asoko" (Ranyo/Rāya Ashoka), tying the phrase to Kanaganahalli rather than Sohgaura.
"In Indian language: Sohgaura inscription"
Why this source?
- Lists the Sohgaura inscription separately in the context of Ashokan inscriptions without mentioning "Ranyo Ashoka".
- Implies Sohgaura is a distinct inscription site but does not associate it with the "Ranyo Ashoka" relief inscription.
Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: The Rise of Empires > DON'T MISS OUT > p. 108
Strength: 5/5
“The Sohagaura copper plate inscription, dating back to the 4th–3rd century BCE, is one of India's earliest known administrative records. Discovered in Sohgaura, Uttar Pradesh, it is written in Prakrit using the Brahmi script and is believed to have been issued during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya. The inscription mentions the establishment of a granary to store grain as a precaution against famines, highlighting the state's efforts to ensure food security and support its people during times of crisis. Megasthenes' account also throws some light on the society of that time. A substantial proportion of the population was engaged in agriculture, which was an important source of revenue for the empire.”
Why relevant
Identifies the Sohagaura copper plate as an early administrative inscription (4th–3rd century BCE) in Prakrit/Brahmi and links it to Chandragupta Maurya rather than Ashoka.
How to extend
A student could use this dating and attribution to Chandragupta to question the likelihood that a Sohgaura inscription would name Ashoka, since Sohgaura is presented as a pre‑Ashokan document.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > Sources > p. 47
Strength: 4/5
“The most widely known are the edicts of Ashoka, which have been discovered in many parts of the country. In fact, the reconstruction of the Mauryan period to a great extent became possible only after the Brahmi script of the inscriptions at Sanchi was deciphered by James Prinsep in 1837. Let us now turn to two later sources. The first is the rock inscription of Junagadh, near Girnar in Gujarat. This was carved during the reign of Rudradaman, the local ruler and dates back to 130-150 CE. It refers to Pushyagupta, the provincial governor (rashtriya) of Emperor Chandragupta.”
Why relevant
States that Ashokan edicts were discovered in many parts of the country and are a widely known class of inscriptions.
How to extend
Use maps of known Ashokan edict findspots to see if Sohgaura is among typical Ashokan locations—if not, that weakens the chance the Sohgaura relief names Ashoka.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 5: Evolution of Society in South India > Epigraphic > p. 63
Strength: 3/5
“• The Ashokan inscriptions, written in Prakrit, found in Andhra-Karnataka regions.
• \overline{\mathbb{Z}}The Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found in the caves of Tamil Nadu and Kerala such as in Mangulam, Jambai, and Pugalur.
• The Satavahana inscriptions and other Buddhist inscriptions of the Andhra region
• Short inscriptions found on pottery and rings and stones in Tamil Nadu and some sites outside India, like in Berenike, and Quseir al Qadhim (Egypt).”
Why relevant
Notes Ashokan inscriptions occur in specific regions (e.g., Andhra‑Karnataka) and distinguishes different regional epigraphic traditions like Tamil‑Brahmi.
How to extend
Compare regional distribution of Ashokan vs. other early inscriptions to evaluate whether Sohgaura fits the pattern of sites that bear Ashokan royal inscriptions.
Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation > THINK ABOUT IT > p. 127
Strength: 3/5
“The Sātavāhanas were devout followers of Vāsudeva (another name for Kṛiṣhṇa), although they also patronised other schools of thought, which flourished during their rule. For instance, Sātavāhana kings often granted tax-free agricultural land to Vedic scholars, Jaina and Buddhist monks, helping them to pursue their studies and practices. This sculpture of a yakṣha from Pitalkhora carries an inscription on its hand, kanhadāsena hiramakarena kāṭa meaning 'made by Kanahadasa, a goldsmith'. Is it not interesting to see that a goldsmith could also craft a sculpture made of stone? What do you think this tells us about people's professions at the time?”
Why relevant
Gives an example of a sculpture bearing an inscription that names the maker (a yakṣha sculpture with inscription on its hand), showing that inscriptions on sculptures do occur and can name persons/titles.
How to extend
Apply the general rule that sculpture inscriptions can include names/titles to check whether a stone portrait at Sohgaura might plausibly bear a label like 'Ranyo Ashoka'—but this does not confirm such a label exists.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 5: Evolution of Society in South India > The Muvendar > p. 66
Strength: 2/5
“Though the three Tamil ruling families were known to Ashoka in the third century BCE itself, some individual names are known only from the Sangam poems of the first century and later. Known as muvendar, 'the three crowned kings', the Cheras, the Cholas and the Pandyas controlled major agrarian territories, trade routes and towns. But the Satiyaputra (same as Athiyaman) found in the Ashokan inscription along with the above three houses is a Velir chief in the Sangam poems. The Cholas controlled the central and northern parts of Tamil Nadu. Their core area of rule was the Kaveri delta, later known as Cholamandalam.”
Why relevant
Mentions that Ashoka knew southern rulers and that specific names appear in Ashokan inscriptions, illustrating that Ashokan inscriptions do sometimes list political names and titles.
How to extend
A student could use the pattern of Ashokan inscriptions mentioning rulers and groups to assess whether an inscription that explicitly names Ashoka is consistent with epigraphic practice, then check whether Sohgaura fits that corpus.
Pattern takeaway:
UPSC is shifting from 'What happened?' to 'How do we know it happened?'. Questions now focus on the *provenance* of history—the specific inscriptions, coins, or sculptures that serve as primary evidence for major historical figures.
How you should have studied
- [THE VERDICT]: Bouncer (for basic NCERT readers) / Fair (for Upinder Singh/Nitin Singhania readers). Source: ASI Excavation reports & Advanced History texts.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Mauryan Epigraphy & Sculpture > The problem of identifying 'Priyadarsi' as Ashoka.
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: 1. **Maski/Gujjara**: First *inscriptions* to mention the name 'Ashoka' (text only). 2. **Kanganahalli**: First *sculpture* to label him 'Ranyo Ashoka'. 3. **Sohgaura**: Copper plate, famine relief (granaries). 4. **Shahbazgarhi**: Kharosthi script, Major Rock Edict. 5. **Rumminidei**: Tax reduction (Bali/Bhaga) at Buddha's birth site.
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Distinguish between 'Textual Evidence' and 'Visual Evidence'. UPSC loves the *unique identifier*—Maski proved the name; Kanganahalli proved the face. Always memorize the 'First/Only' instance of such proofs.
Concept hooks from this question
👉 Geographic spread of Ashokan edicts
💡 The insight
Ashokan edicts were inscribed across a wide area, so assessing a claimed inscription at a specific site requires knowledge of where Ashokan inscriptions are actually found.
High-yield for UPSC because knowing inscription locations aids reconstruction of Mauryan political reach and administrative communication; links to questions on ancient polity extent, archaeology and source reliability; enables map-based and source-analysis questions.
📚 Reading List :
- History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > Edicts of Ashoka > p. 52
- History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 5: Evolution of Society in South India > Epigraphic > p. 63
🔗 Anchor: "Does the relief sculpture inscription at Kanganahalli mention "Ranyo Ashoka" (Ki..."
👉 Brahmi decipherment and reading royal names
💡 The insight
Decipherment of Brahmi is the prerequisite to reading ancient inscriptions and identifying royal names such as a form of Ashoka's name.
Essential for interpreting primary epigraphic sources in prelims and mains; connects to historiography, chronology and methods of reconstructing ancient history; equips aspirants to evaluate claims about inscriptions and attributions.
📚 Reading List :
- History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > Sources > p. 47
- History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > Edicts of Ashoka > p. 52
🔗 Anchor: "Does the relief sculpture inscription at Kanganahalli mention "Ranyo Ashoka" (Ki..."
👉 Inscription–portrait correlation in epigraphy and art
💡 The insight
Sculptures sometimes carry inscriptions that name or title the portrayed ruler, demonstrating how portraits can be linked to rulers through accompanying texts.
Valuable for identifying and dating monuments and rulers in art-history and epigraphy questions; connects material culture with textual evidence and helps answer source-based identification tasks.
📚 Reading List :
- Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation > LET'S EXPLORE > p. 136
- History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > Edicts of Ashoka > p. 52
🔗 Anchor: "Does the relief sculpture inscription at Kanganahalli mention "Ranyo Ashoka" (Ki..."
👉 Brahmi script decipherment (Prinsep)
💡 The insight
Decipherment of the Brahmi inscriptions at Sanchi made it possible to read Ashokan edicts and reconstruct Mauryan history.
High-yield for ancient India: knowing how Brahmi was deciphered links epigraphy to dating and identification of rulers, helps interpret primary inscriptions, and supports questions on sources and methods in ancient history.
📚 Reading List :
- History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > Sources > p. 47
🔗 Anchor: "Does the relief sculpture inscription at Sanchi mention "Ranyo Ashoka" (King Ash..."
👉 Ashokan edicts as primary historical sources
💡 The insight
The widespread Ashokan inscriptions are foundational documentary records used to reconstruct the Mauryan period and Ashoka's policies.
Essential for essays and prelims/mains on Mauryan polity, religion and administration; connects to archaeology, epigraphy and textual sources and enables analysis of continuity and change in ancient Indian governance.
📚 Reading List :
- History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > Sources > p. 47
- History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 5: Evolution of Society in South India > Epigraphic > p. 63
🔗 Anchor: "Does the relief sculpture inscription at Sanchi mention "Ranyo Ashoka" (King Ash..."
👉 Symbolic representation in early Buddhist sculpture
💡 The insight
Sanchi reliefs employ motifs, animals and symbolic devices rather than literal human portraits to convey Buddhist themes.
Useful for art-history and culture questions: understanding representational conventions explains why direct stone portraits of the Buddha or kings are often absent, links to iconography debates, and aids comparative analysis of material culture.
📚 Reading List :
- THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > A prayer to Agni > p. 84
- THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 9.3 Popular traditions > p. 101
🔗 Anchor: "Does the relief sculpture inscription at Sanchi mention "Ranyo Ashoka" (King Ash..."
👉 Geographical distribution of Ashokan edicts
💡 The insight
Ashokan edicts were carved across a wide area including Shahbazgarhi, defining the territorial reach of the Mauryan state.
High-yield for questions on Mauryan polity and archaeology; connects imperial extent to primary archaeological sources and helps locate key inscriptional sites in map-based and source-based questions.
📚 Reading List :
- History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > Edicts of Ashoka > p. 52
🔗 Anchor: "Does the relief sculpture inscription at Shahbazgarhi mention "Ranyo Ashoka" (Ki..."
Option D (Sohgaura) is a 'Shadow Fact' waiting to be asked. It is the earliest known Copper Plate inscription (Mauryan era) and specifically discusses 'Famine Relief' (building granaries). Its sibling is the Mahasthan inscription (Bengal).
Material Analysis: Shahbazgarhi (Option C) is a 'Rock Edict' (text on natural rock), not a 'Relief Sculpture'. Sohgaura (Option D) is a 'Copper Plate'. This leaves Sanchi vs. Kanganahalli. Sanchi is the 'Famous Decoy'—if the most famous stupa had a labeled portrait of the most famous king, it would be Page 1 knowledge. The obscure site (Kanganahalli) is the likely candidate for a unique, specific archaeological anomaly.
Mains GS-1 (Sources of History): This fact illustrates how Archaeology corroborates Literature. The 'Ranyo Ashoka' inscription bridges the gap between the 'Ashoka' of Buddhist texts (Mahavamsa) and the 'Priyadarsi' of the edicts.