UPSC CAPF (AC) 2026 Paper I · Question 34

Question 34 of the UPSC CAPF (AC) 2026 Paper I (19 July 2026). Try it first, then open the answer and explanation.

1. CAPF 2026 · P-I · Q34 · History · Ancient India

   Which one of the following inscriptions refers to a confederacy of Tamil States?

   1. The Second Major Rock Edict of Ashoka
   2. Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharavela
   3. Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Samudragupta
   4. Junagadh Inscription of Rudradaman

   निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा शिलालेख, तमिल राज्यों के एक संघ (confederacy) से संबंधित है?

   1. अशोक का द्वितीय बृहत् शिलालेख—धर्मादेश (Rock Edict)
   2. खारवेल का हाथीगुम्फा शिलालेख
   3. समुद्रगुप्त का इलाहाबाद स्तंभ शिलालेख
   4. रुद्रदमन का जूनागढ़ शिलालेख
   Show answer

   Answer: (2) Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharavela

   उत्तर: (2) खारवेल का हाथीगुम्फा शिलालेख

   Kharavela's Hathigumpha inscription (Udayagiri, Odisha) records that he broke up a confederacy of Tamil states (Tramira-desa-sanghata) that had existed for 113 years. Ashoka's Second Major Rock Edict only names the Cholas, Pandyas, Satiyaputras and Keralaputras as neighbours to whom he sent medical help, not a confederacy.

Answer it in the practice appMake a topic-wise quiz