Prelims 1998 · archive
MediumWhich one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve food grains to be utilized during crises in the country?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (a) Sohgaura copper-plate
The Sohgaura copper plate, a Mauryan-period Prakrit record in Brahmi, orders grain to be stored in granaries for times of famine. The other records concern a tax exemption, Samudragupta's conquests and King Chandra's victories.
- ✓ (a) Sohgaura is among the earliest administrative records and is the earliest known order on grain storage for famine.
- ✗ (b) The Rummindei pillar records Ashoka's visit to Lumbini and tax relief for the village.
- ✗ (c) The Prayaga prasasti is Harishena's praise of Samudragupta.
Remember · Sohgaura copper plate: earliest known royal order on storing grain against famine.
📘 Read it in NCERT: Class 7 Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1), Ch 5 (practise this chapter)
Sources
- NCERT Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1), Chapter 5 “The Sohagaura copper plate inscription, dating back to the 4th–3rd century BCE, is one of India's earliest known administrative records.”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 1998, General Studies paper. UPSC did not publish an answer key for 1998: the answer shown is the one the sources above support. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 24 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·