Question

Who, among the following Greek rulers engraved the legend ‘Kavisiye nagaradevata’ on his coins?

• A. Eukratides
• B. Heliokles
• C. Euthydemos
• D. Menander

Hint:

Remember important Indo-Greek rulers:
• Menander → Associated with Buddhism
• Eukratides → “Kavisiye Nagaradevata” coins Coin inscriptions are important sources for ancient political and cultural history.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Coins are among the most valuable archaeological and historical sources for reconstructing ancient Indian history. Indo-Greek rulers issued coins carrying bilingual inscriptions, royal titles, religious symbols, and references to cities or deities. Such legends help historians understand:
• political authority,
• cultural interaction,
• religious influences,
• and regional administration. The legend “Kavisiye Nagaradevata” is associated with the Indo-Greek ruler Eukratides.

Step 1: Understanding the meaning of the legend. The inscription “Kavisiye Nagaradevata” refers to the “City Deity of Kapiśa”. Kapiśa was an important region in ancient northwestern India and Afghanistan. The use of such inscriptions on coins shows:
• the adaptation of local traditions by Indo-Greek rulers,
• acceptance of regional religious symbols,
• and attempts to strengthen political legitimacy among local populations.

Step 2: Identifying the ruler associated with the inscription. Historical numismatic studies show that the Indo-Greek king Eukratides engraved the legend: \[ \text{“Kavisiye Nagaradevata”} \] on his coins. Thus, Eukratides is directly associated with this inscription.

Step 3: Analyzing all the options carefully.
• Option (A) Eukratides: Eukratides was an important Indo-Greek ruler whose coins carried the legend “Kavisiye Nagaradevata”. Therefore, this option is correct.
• Option (B) Heliokles: Heliokles was another Indo-Greek ruler, but he is not associated with this specific inscription.
• Option (C) Euthydemos: Euthydemos belonged to the Greco-Bactrian tradition but did not issue coins with this legend.
• Option (D) Menander: Menander was one of the most famous Indo-Greek kings and is associated with Buddhism, but not with this inscription.

Step 4: Historical significance of Indo-Greek coinage. Indo-Greek coins are historically important because they reveal:
• Greek influence in India,
• bilingual administration,
• artistic excellence,
• and interaction between Hellenistic and Indian cultures. They are among the finest ancient coins discovered in South Asia.

Step 5: Final conclusion. Since the legend “Kavisiye Nagaradevata” was engraved on the coins of Eukratides, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Eukratides}} \]