Daily Current Affairs Quiz: November 27, 2025

Answer: A [Ashokan Pillars]
Explanation:

The Ashokan Pillars are renowned for their polished sandstone and intricate animal capitals, which exemplify the high level of skill in Mauryan art and architecture. These pillars were erected by Emperor Ashoka throughout the Indian subcontinent.

Answer: C [1 and 3 only]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Kushanas’ control over key sections of the Silk Road allowed them to levy tolls, which became a substantial source of revenue for their empire. This facilitated trade and enriched the Kushana treasury.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While medicinal plants, textiles (especially cotton and silk), spices (like pepper), and ivory were indeed major exports from India to the Roman world, horses were not. India was a prominent importer of high-quality war horses, primarily from Central Asia and Arabia, as indigenous breeds were not considered as suitable for cavalry warfare.

Statement 3 is correct: Pliny the Elder, in his “Natural History,” explicitly lamented the outflow of Roman gold to India in exchange for luxury goods, highlighting the trade imbalance between the two empires.

Statement 4 is incorrect: While there might have been some initial disruption following the decline of the Mauryan Empire, maritime trade with Southeast Asia continued and even flourished under subsequent dynasties like the Satavahanas, who actively engaged in this trade network.

Answer: A [Ptolemaic Dynasty of Egypt]
Explanation:

A: (Correct Option) The Ptolemaic Dynasty controlled Egypt, including vital Red Sea ports like Berenice and Myos Hormos. These ports were crucial hubs for maritime trade routes connecting India to the Roman Empire. Ptolemaic Egypt actively participated in and profited from this trade, making them key facilitators of Indo-Roman commerce.

B: The Seleucid Empire, while influential in the Hellenistic period, had declined by the post-Mauryan era. Their control over territories relevant to Indo-Roman trade had diminished significantly.

C: The Kushan Empire played a significant role in connecting India and Rome, but primarily through land routes across Central Asia. Their impact on maritime trade was less direct than the Ptolemies.

D: The Parthian Empire, located in Persia, primarily controlled land routes and often acted as a middleman in trade between East and West. While they influenced trade, their role in maritime commerce between India and Rome was less prominent than the Ptolemies.

Answer: D [Parthians were primarily responsible for introducing Buddhism to India.]
Explanation:

The Parthians, originating from Persia, did establish a kingdom in northwestern India, with Gondophares being a notable ruler. Their coinage often incorporated Greek elements due to the influence of earlier Indo-Greek rulers. However, Buddhism was already well-established in India long before the Parthian arrival; they did not introduce it.

Answer: B [Only three]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Gandhara art school emerged from the artistic synthesis between Indian Buddhist traditions and Hellenistic artistic styles, particularly evident in the realistic depiction of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas.

Statement 2 is correct: The Indo-Greeks introduced Western ideas in various fields, including astronomy and astrology, which were assimilated into Indian scientific thought.

Statement 3 is correct: The Kharosthi script, used in Gandhara and parts of northwestern India, has roots in the Aramaic script, which was part of the administrative toolkit of empires that had Hellenistic influences.

Statement 4 is incorrect: While there was cultural exchange, the direct influence of Hellenistic drama on the foundational structure of Sanskrit drama is not a well-established or significant impact. Sanskrit drama developed its own distinct conventions and theoretical framework.