Indo-Greeks and Kushans — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

Build a comparison with ruler, approximate period, region and source type. Menander links with Milinda and Nagasena in the Milindapanha tradition; Kanishka belongs to Kushan history. Do not infer a single dynasty from their shared north-western setting. Bactria and the wider Central Asian connections should be located before evaluating territorial statements.

For coin questions, distinguish script, language, imagery, issue date and find location. Greek and Kharoshthi legends support a statement about the issue's representation. They do not establish universal bilingual literacy or an exact political boundary. A catalogue date range remains approximate unless stronger evidence supplies a precise event date.

For art, compare Gandhara's north-western setting and common schist material with Mathura's red sandstone and varied religious subjects. Avoid assuming that a stylistic influence determines the depicted religion. A Buddhist subject can use Hellenistic-derived forms. Likewise, a coin found beyond a known boundary may have travelled through exchange, so the option needs corroboration before treating the find as proof of administration.