OPSC OAS 2022 PrelimsHistory, Art & CultureQuestion 3
Solved previous year question from the OPSC OAS/OCS 2022 Preliminary Examination (General Studies), with the official answer key and a detailed explanation.
Question
Consider the following statements regarding the Parthians.
- They had migrated from Iran.
- They set up a kingdom in East India.
- Gondophernes was a Parthian king.
- They are mentioned together with the Shakas in the Sanskrit texts.
Which of the following are correct?
Tap an option to check your answer.
Show answer & explanation
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: (B) 1, 3 and 4
- The Parthians, known as Pahlavas in Indian texts, had originally migrated from Parthia in Iran before establishing their presence in the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent.
- The Parthians did not set up a kingdom in East India. They established their kingdom in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent, covering areas of present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan, particularly around the regions of Seistan and Arachosia.
- Gondophernes (also spelled Gondophares) is the most famous Parthian king of India. He is also significant in Christian tradition as the king before whom Saint Thomas (Apostle) is said to have appeared to spread Christianity in India.
- Sanskrit literature and inscriptions like the Junagadh rock inscription refer to Parthians (Pahlavas) alongside Shakas (Scythians) as foreign rulers who established control in the Indian subcontinent.
