Question

Select the right order of dynasties starting from the oldest to newer one with reference to history of Indians sculptures
(A) Maurya
(B) Sunga
(C) Nanda
(D) Gupta
(E) Pallava
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (E), (C), (D), (A), (B)
• B. (C), (A), (B), (D), (E)
• C. (A), (B), (C), (D), (E)
• D. (B), (D), (A), (E), (C)

Hint:

A helpful mnemonic for early Magadhan empires is "Ha-Shi-Na-M-S-K": Haryanka, Shishunaga, Nanda, Maurya, Sunga, Kanva. This places Nanda before Maurya and Sunga correctly. The Guptas mark a later classical era.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Establish the chronology of the given ancient and early medieval Indian dynasties.

(C) Nanda Dynasty: c. 345–322 BCE. Preceded the Mauryas.
(A) Maurya Dynasty: c. 322–185 BCE. Founded by Chandragupta Maurya after the Nandas. Famous for Ashokan pillars.
(B) Sunga Dynasty: c. 185–73 BCE. Succeeded the Mauryas in Magadha. Known for the art of Bharhut and Sanchi.
(D) Gupta Dynasty: c. 320–550 CE. The "Classical Age" of Indian art.
(E) Pallava Dynasty: c. 275–897 CE. Rose to prominence in the South, contemporaneous with and outlasting the late Guptas. Known for rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram.

Step 2: Arrange the dynasties in order from oldest to newest. The correct order is Nanda, Maurya, Sunga, Gupta, Pallava. This corresponds to the sequence (C), (A), (B), (D), (E), which matches option (2).