Which one of the following statements is correct about Rudradaman?

Correct option is D

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• Rudradaman I was a powerful ruler of the Western Kshatrapa dynasty (not Kshaharata).He is best known for the Junagadh Rock Inscription, one of the earliest extensive Prakrit inscriptions by a royal figure.

• (1) He belonged to Kshaharatra dynasty - Incorrect - Rudradaman belonged to the Western Kshatrapa (Shaka) dynasty, a branch of the Scythians (Shakas) in India.The Kshaharata dynasty was earlier and included rulers like Nahapana, not Rudradaman.

• (2) He was defeated by a Satavahana ruler - Incorrect - On the contrary, Rudradaman defeated Satavahana king Gautamiputra Satakarni (possibly twice).He was a victorious ruler and not known to have been defeated by the Satavahanas.

• (3) According to the Junagadh inscription, he himself assumed the title of "Mahakshatrapa" -  Technically True, but not the best or most distinctive statement.He used the title "Mahakshatrapa" (Great Satrap), but the inscription is more famously known for being written in Prakrit, which is rarer for royal records of that era.

• (4) His Junagadh inscription was in Prakrit language - Correct and most appropriate choice - The Junagadh inscription is historically significant because it was written in Prakrit, unlike later inscriptions in Sanskrit.

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