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Question

Which one of the following inscriptions refers to a confederacy of Tamil States?

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF 2026 General Ability and Intelligence Question Paper (19-Jul-2026)
The correct answer is

Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharavela

The question asks which inscription refers to a confederacy of Tamil States. Let's examine each option to determine the correct answer.

  1. Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharavela: This is an inscription from the Kalinga kingdom, written by King Kharavela. It describes the king's conquests and the political environment of that period. Significantly, it mentions the southern Tamil states and their political alliances, referring to a confederacy of Tamil states.
  2. The Second Major Rock Edict of Ashoka: This edict deals with Ashoka's principles of Dhamma, his administrative reforms, and his efforts in spreading Buddhism. It does not specifically mention a confederacy of Tamil states.
  3. Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Samudragupta: This inscription mostly details the conquests of Samudragupta and is a significant source for understanding Gupta history. While it talks about different kingdoms, it does not specifically mention a confederacy of Tamil states.
  4. Junagadh Inscription of Rudradaman: This inscription records the achievements of Rudradaman and his control over Gujarat. There is no mention of Tamil states or a confederacy within it.

From this analysis, the Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharavela is the only one that refers to a confederacy of Tamil states. The inscription's mention of the southern states aligns with its history of interactions and political relations with Tamil regions.

Conclusion: The correct answer is the Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharavela. This inscription uniquely mentions the Tamil states and their alliances, unlike the other inscriptions listed.

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