UPSC Prelims PYQ 2006 — Chronological order of ancient invaders

With reference to the invaders in ancient India, which one of the following is the correct chronological order?

1. Greeks, Sakas, Kushans
2. Greeks, Kushans, Sakas
3. Sakas, Greeks, Kushans
4. Sakas, Kushans, Greeks

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• The correct chronological sequence is Greeks → Sakas → Kushans. After Alexander’s campaigns, Indo-Greek kingdoms were established in north-western India and continued into the 2nd–1st centuries BCE. They were followed by the Sakas (Indo-Scythians), who entered India from Central Asia in the later 2nd century BCE. Subsequently, the Kushans (Yuezhī) rose to power, replacing earlier groups and establishing a major empire in the early centuries CE.

Answer: (a) Greeks, Sakas, Kushans