Q. Which of the following statements regarding the impact of the Persian invasion on ancient India are correct?
1.Iranian administrative unit known as the Satrapy system influenced later Mauryan and Saka governance structures.
2.Kharosthi script, written from right to left in North-West India, evolved directly from the Persian Aramaic script.
3.Persian stone-polishing techniques and bell-shaped capitals influenced Mauryan imperial art and Ashokan pillars.
4.Persian invasion led to suppression and ultimate disappearance of maritime trade along the Arabian Sea.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Answer: C
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: The provincial administrative framework (Satrapies) was adopted by subsequent rulers, including the Mauryas, Indo-Greeks, and Sakas (Kshatrapas).
- Statement 2 is correct: Official Persian scribes brought the Aramaic script, which adapted locally in North-West India into the Kharosthi script.
- Statement 3 is correct: Architectural features such as polished monoliths and bell-shaped lotus capitals seen in Ashokan pillars show artistic contacts with Persepolis.
- Statement 4 is incorrect: Rather than suppressing trade, the Iranian presence opened up and expanded naval and overland trade routes along the Indus and Arabian Sea.
