BPSC CCE Prelims
Post-Mauryan Period Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Maurya dynasty ruled from 322 BCE to 185 BCE, founded by Chandragupta Maurya.

Shunga dynasty ruled from 185 BCE to 73 BCE, established by Pushyamitra Shunga after the last Mauryan ruler.

Kanva dynasty ruled from 73 BCE to 28 BCE, replaced the Shungas.

Kushana dynasty ruled from 1st century CE to 3rd century CE, much later period.

Correct chronological order: Maurya (2) → Shunga (1) → Kanva (4) → Kushana (3), i.e., 2-1-4-3.

Detailed Explanation:

✅ Statement a – Correct: Pravarasena I is considered the real founder/consolidator of the Vakataka dynasty, though technically founded by his father.
✅ Statement b – Correct: His empire extended from Bundelkhand in the north to Hyderabad in the south.
✅ Statement c – Correct: He succeeded his father King Vindhyashakti.
✅ Statement d – Correct: He is mentioned in Puranas (Vishnu Purana and Vayu Purana).

All four statements are correct, hence more than one option is valid.

Detailed Explanation:

Both Kushanas and Cheras established extensive trade relations with the Roman Empire during the early centuries CE. The Kushanas, ruling from Gandhara and northwestern India, facilitated overland trade via the Silk Route, while their ports on the western coast enabled maritime commerce.

The Cheras of southern India traded actively through ports like Musiri and Tondi, exporting spices, pearls, and textiles to Rome. Archaeological evidence includes Roman coins found in both Kushana and Chera territories, confirming these commercial links.

Therefore, more than one dynasty established trade relations with Rome, making Option 5 the correct answer.