Consider the following statements regarding the Kandahar inscription: 1. It is an example of a manuscript. 2. It was inscribed on the orders of Ashoka. 3. It used Greek and Aramaic scripts. 4. It was found in present-day Afghanistan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (b). Explanation Historical texts and records are generally categorized into manuscripts and inscriptions based on the material used. The Kandahar inscription is a significant archaeological source from the Mauryan period, specifically known as the "Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription." Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: A manuscript is a handwritten document, typically written on soft, perishable materials such as palm leaves or the birch bark of trees. In contrast, an inscription is writing engraved on a hard surface like stone, metal, or pottery. The Kandahar text is engraved on a rock face, making it an inscription, not a manuscript. - Statement 2 is Correct: This inscription was carved on the orders of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (c. 268–232 BCE). It is one of the Major Rock Edicts intended to propagate his policy of Dhamma. - Statement 3 is Correct: The Kandahar inscription is unique because it is bilingual. It uses two scripts and languages: Greek (top portion) and Aramaic (bottom portion). This indicates the presence of Greek and Aramaic-speaking populations in the northwestern frontier of the Mauryan Empire. - Statement 4 is Correct: The inscription was discovered in 1958 at Shar-i-Kuna in Kandahar, which is located in present-day Afghanistan. Key Takeaway: The Kandahar inscription is a bilingual edict (Greek and Aramaic) of Ashoka found in Afghanistan, serving as a prime example of an inscription on stone rather than a manuscript.

NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 1: What, where, how and when?

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the Kandahar inscription:

It is an example of a manuscript.
It was inscribed on the orders of Ashoka.
It used Greek and Aramaic scripts.
It was found in present-day Afghanistan.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3 only
B2, 3 and 4 only
C1 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

Historical texts and records are generally categorized into manuscripts and inscriptions based on the material used. The Kandahar inscription is a significant archaeological source from the Mauryan period, specifically known as the "Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription."

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: A manuscript is a handwritten document, typically written on soft, perishable materials such as palm leaves or the birch bark of trees. In contrast, an inscription is writing engraved on a hard surface like stone, metal, or pottery. The Kandahar text is engraved on a rock face, making it an inscription, not a manuscript.
Statement 2 is Correct: This inscription was carved on the orders of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (c. 268–232 BCE). It is one of the Major Rock Edicts intended to propagate his policy of Dhamma.
Statement 3 is Correct: The Kandahar inscription is unique because it is bilingual. It uses two scripts and languages: Greek (top portion) and Aramaic (bottom portion). This indicates the presence of Greek and Aramaic-speaking populations in the northwestern frontier of the Mauryan Empire.
Statement 4 is Correct: The inscription was discovered in 1958 at Shar-i-Kuna in Kandahar, which is located in present-day Afghanistan.

Key Takeaway: The Kandahar inscription is a bilingual edict (Greek and Aramaic) of Ashoka found in Afghanistan, serving as a prime example of an inscription on stone rather than a manuscript.

Your note

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Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I | List II A. Sulaiman Hills | 1. First cities (4700 years ago) B. Indus River | 2. Cities about 2500 years ago C. Ganga Valley | 3. Rearing of animals and early crops D. Vindhyas | 4. Agriculture developed

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Consider the following statements regarding the shift of urbanization: 1. Urbanization first occurred in the Indus valley. 2. Cities in the Ganga valley developed before those in the Indus valley. 3. The gap between these two phases is less than 500 years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (b).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: A manuscript is a handwritten document, typically written on soft, perishable materials such as palm leaves or the birch bark of trees. In contrast, an inscription is writing engraved on a hard surface like stone, metal, or pottery. The Kandahar text is engraved on a rock face, making it an inscription, not a manuscript.
Statement 2 is Correct: This inscription was carved on the orders of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (c. 268–232 BCE). It is one of the Major Rock Edicts intended to propagate his policy of Dhamma.
Statement 3 is Correct: The Kandahar inscription is unique because it is bilingual. It uses two scripts and languages: Greek (top portion) and Aramaic (bottom portion). This indicates the presence of Greek and Aramaic-speaking populations in the northwestern frontier of the Mauryan Empire.
Statement 4 is Correct: The inscription was discovered in 1958 at Shar-i-Kuna in Kandahar, which is located in present-day Afghanistan.