Consider the following statements regarding the Iron Pillar inscription: 1. It mentions a ruler named Chandra. 2. The ruler probably belonged to the Mauryan dynasty. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (a) 1 only. Explanation The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli, Delhi, is a significant archaeological artifact dating to the Gupta period. It is renowned for its metallurgical quality and rust resistance, as well as a Sanskrit inscription in the Brahmi script that provides historical details about a specific ruler. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: The inscription on the Iron Pillar explicitly mentions a ruler named 'Chandra'. The text describes his military achievements, stating that he conquered the Vangas in Bengal and crossed the seven mouths of the Indus to conquer the Vahlikas. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Historical consensus identifies the ruler 'Chandra' as Chandragupta II (c. 375–415 CE) of the Gupta dynasty, not the Mauryan dynasty. This identification is based on the paleography of the inscription (Gupta Brahmi script) and the description of the empire's extent, which aligns with the reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya). Key Takeaway: The Mehrauli Iron Pillar inscription is a primary source for the reign of Chandragupta II of the Gupta dynasty, celebrating his military conquests across the Indian subcontinent.

NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 11: Buildings, paintings and books

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Consider the following statements regarding the Iron Pillar inscription:

It mentions a ruler named Chandra.
The ruler probably belonged to the Mauryan dynasty.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (a) 1 only.

Explanation

The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli, Delhi, is a significant archaeological artifact dating to the Gupta period. It is renowned for its metallurgical quality and rust resistance, as well as a Sanskrit inscription in the Brahmi script that provides historical details about a specific ruler.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The inscription on the Iron Pillar explicitly mentions a ruler named 'Chandra'. The text describes his military achievements, stating that he conquered the Vangas in Bengal and crossed the seven mouths of the Indus to conquer the Vahlikas.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Historical consensus identifies the ruler 'Chandra' as Chandragupta II (c. 375–415 CE) of the Gupta dynasty, not the Mauryan dynasty. This identification is based on the paleography of the inscription (Gupta Brahmi script) and the description of the empire's extent, which aligns with the reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya).

Key Takeaway: The Mehrauli Iron Pillar inscription is a primary source for the reign of Chandragupta II of the Gupta dynasty, celebrating his military conquests across the Indian subcontinent.

Your note

More from Chapter 11: Buildings, paintings and books

Consider the following statements regarding ancient Indian metallurgy: 1. The Harappans were master craftsmen in copper metallurgy but were unaware of bronze manufacturing. 2. The successors of the Harappans in the Gangetic plains belonged to the Iron Age. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the famous pillar at Mehrauli, which of the following statements is incorrect?

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In the context of Stupa architecture, what is the primary function of the 'relic casket'?

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Consider the following statements regarding the structure of a Stupa: 1. The pradakshina patha was a path laid around the stupa, usually surrounded by railings. 2. Devotees walked around the stupa in an anti-clockwise direction to ward off evil spirits. 3. The entrance to the path was through gateways, which were typically plain and devoid of sculpture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the construction and decoration of Stupas and Temples: 1. Kings and queens were the sole financiers of these structures. 2. An association of ivory workers paid for one of the gateways at Sanchi. 3. Merchants, farmers, and garland makers also contributed to the decorations. 4. The names of ordinary men and women were never inscribed on pillars or railings. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct Option

The correct option is (a) 1 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The inscription on the Iron Pillar explicitly mentions a ruler named 'Chandra'. The text describes his military achievements, stating that he conquered the Vangas in Bengal and crossed the seven mouths of the Indus to conquer the Vahlikas.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Historical consensus identifies the ruler 'Chandra' as Chandragupta II (c. 375–415 CE) of the Gupta dynasty, not the Mauryan dynasty. This identification is based on the paleography of the inscription (Gupta Brahmi script) and the description of the empire's extent, which aligns with the reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya).