Question

Which of the following places have a magnificent boar sculpture with an inscription of the time of the Huna ruler Toramana?

• A. Mathura
• B. Eran
• C. Pataliputra
• D. Gadhwa

Hint:

Important archaeological associations:
• Eran → Varaha sculpture and Toramana inscription
• Sarnath → Buddhist sculptures
• Mathura → Kushana and Gupta art Site-based questions are frequently asked in ancient Indian history examinations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Inscriptions and sculptures are among the most important archaeological sources of ancient Indian history. They provide valuable information regarding:
• rulers,
• religious beliefs,
• political expansion,
• and artistic achievements. Eran, located in present-day Madhya Pradesh, is famous for a magnificent boar (Varaha) sculpture carrying an inscription from the time of the Huna ruler Toramana.

Step 1: Understanding the historical importance of Eran. Eran was an important ancient settlement and archaeological site during the Gupta and post-Gupta periods. The site is famous for:
• inscriptions,
• temples,
• sculptures,
• and evidence of Huna influence. One of its most famous discoveries is a colossal Varaha sculpture.

Step 2: Connection between Toramana and Eran. Toramana was a powerful Huna ruler who invaded northwestern and central India during the late ancient period. An inscription found at Eran mentions his rule and is engraved on the famous boar sculpture. This inscription provides important evidence regarding:
• Huna political influence,
• Gupta decline,
• and regional administration. Thus, Eran is directly connected with the Toramana inscription.

Step 3: Analyzing all the options carefully.
• Option (A) Mathura: Mathura was an important cultural and artistic center, but the famous Toramana boar inscription is not located there.
• Option (B) Eran: Eran contains the magnificent boar sculpture with an inscription of the Huna ruler Toramana. Therefore, this option is correct.
• Option (C) Pataliputra: Pataliputra was the capital of major empires such as the Mauryas and Guptas, but it is not associated with this sculpture.
• Option (D) Gadhwa: Gadhwa is known for Gupta inscriptions, but not for the Toramana Varaha sculpture.

Step 4: Importance of the Varaha sculpture. The Varaha sculpture represents:
• Lord Vishnu’s boar incarnation,
• artistic excellence of the Gupta age,
• and continuity of Vaishnavite traditions. It is regarded as one of the finest examples of ancient Indian sculpture.

Step 5: Final conclusion. Since the magnificent boar sculpture with Toramana’s inscription is found at Eran, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Eran}} \]