Question

Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Numismatic evidence is an important source for the political history of Indo-Greeks. Reason (R): Many Indo-Greek Kings are known only from their coins. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Numismatic evidence helps historians study:
• rulers,
• economy,
• religion,
• and chronology. Many Indo-Greek rulers are identified mainly through coins.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Numismatics refers to the study of coins and currency. In ancient Indian history, coins are extremely important historical sources because they provide information regarding:
• kings and dynasties,
• political authority,
• trade and economy,
• religious symbols,
• and chronology. For the Indo-Greeks, coins are among the most reliable historical sources.

Step 1: Understanding Assertion (A). Assertion (A) states: \[ \text{Numismatic evidence is an important source for the political history of Indo-Greeks.} \] This statement is correct. The Indo-Greek rulers left behind a large number of coins containing:
• names of kings,
• portraits,
• titles,
• and religious symbols. These coins help historians reconstruct the political history of the Indo-Greeks.

Step 2: Understanding Reason (R). Reason (R) states: \[ \text{Many Indo-Greek Kings are known only from their coins.} \] This statement is also correct. In many cases:
• literary records are absent,
• inscriptions are limited,
• but coins survive in large numbers. Thus, historians know several Indo-Greek rulers primarily through numismatic evidence.

Step 3: Evaluating the relationship between Assertion and Reason. The Reason directly explains the Assertion because:
• numismatic evidence becomes important precisely because coins are the primary evidence available. Therefore:
• Assertion (A) is correct,
• Reason (R) is correct,
• and Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A).

Step 4: Historical significance of Indo-Greek coins. Indo-Greek coins are historically valuable because they reveal:
• Greek artistic influence,
• bilingual inscriptions,
• religious syncretism,
• and trade connections. Coins of rulers such as Menander are especially important historical sources.

Step 5: Final conclusion. Both statements are correct, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion. Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)}} \]