Person Kanishka
Asked 8 times across 4 UPSC exams over 9 years (2014–2023), peaking in 2023.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 5 of 8 PYQs
- Most asked in 2023
- Recurs across 2 years (2014–2023)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CDS 2014 → NDA 2023 → GEO 2023
How the concept evolved
Long-running — most appearances (6 of 8) predate 2016, and it still returns.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
NDA2023
Which one of the following statements about Rabatak inscription is not correct?
- A It throws important light on Kushana genealogy.
- B It refers to Kanishka as 'a king of kings and a son of God'.
- C The 23-line inscription is written in Gandhari language. ✓
- D It mentions names of States which were part of Kanishka's empire.
✓ Correct answer: (C)
History › Ancient India
GEO2023
Chronologically arrange the following events
- Invasion of Alexander
- Indo-Greek Rule in the North-West
- Accession of Kanishka
- Accession of Chandragupta Maurya
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A 4-3-1-2
- B 2-3-4-1
- C 3-4-1-2
- D 1-4-2-3 ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
History › Ancient India
CDS2014
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir under the leadership of
- A Bindusara
- B Ashoka
- C Kunal
- D Kanishka ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
History › Ancient India
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