The Shakas were defeated by which tribal group before entering India?

Correct option is B

Correct Answer: (B) The Yueh-chis

Explanation:

• The Shakas were of Iranian origin and part of the Scythian nomadic group.
• They were driven out of eastern Iran by Parthian ruler Mithradates around 188-123 BCE.
• After being driven out, they settled in the region between the Indus Valley and Saurashtra.
• The Shakas split into five branches and ruled over different regions of Afghanistan, Punjab, Mathura, Western India, and the upper Deccan region.
• Notable rulers included:
• Vonones and Spalirises in Afghanistan.
• Maues in Punjab, with Taxila as its capital.
• Azilises in Mathura.
• Rudradaman I in Western India, a prominent Saka Kshatrapa ruler.
• The Shakas produced a large number of silver coins and had a significant role in the Indo-Greek cultural zone.
• The Yuga Purana and the lion capital of Mathura mention their involvement with Buddhism and the consecration of Buddha relics.

Information Booster:

• Shaka Branches:
• The five branches of the Shakas ruled various regions:
• Afghanistan.
• Punjab (with Taxila as its capital).
• Mathura.
• Western India.
• Upper Deccan.
• Rudradaman I: A prominent ruler of the Western Shakas (Saka Kshatrapas), known for his administrative skills and contributions to the region.
• Buddhist Influence:
• The lion capital of Mathura is associated with Indo-Scythian kings, highlighting the Shakas' role in Buddhism.
• The Yuga Purana records an invasion of Pataliputra by the Scythians in the first century BCE.

Additional Information:

(A) The Huns:

• Invaded India in the 5th century CE, after the Shakas.
• Known for weakening the Gupta Empire.

(C) The Parthians:

• Rulers from Persia and Central Asia.
• Not involved in the defeat of the Shakas.

(D) The Greeks:

• Had influence in Northwestern India through Indo-Greek kingdoms.
• Not involved in defeating the Shakas.