OPSC OAS 2023 PrelimsHistory, Art & CultureQuestion 8
Solved previous year question from the OPSC OAS/OCS 2023 Preliminary Examination (General Studies), with the official answer key and a detailed explanation.
Question
Porus is said to have gifted Alexander a
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Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: (A) box of mangoes or (B) diamond or (C) block of steel (OPSC accepted more than one option)
Suggests this is a disputed/ambiguous question with multiple historical claims.
What different sources say
A. Box of Mangoes
- Some accounts mention Alexander was so impressed by Indian mangoes that Porus gifted him a box
- Alexander reportedly loved mangoes and wanted to take them back to Greece
B. Diamond
- Some accounts mention precious stones/diamonds as part of gifts exchanged
- India was the world’s only known source of diamonds in ancient times
C. Block of Steel
- Wootz/Indian steel was world-famous
- Multiple classical sources mention Alexander’s admiration for Indian iron and steel
- Considered the most academically cited of the three options.
