Question

Who introduced India to the western world?
A. Greek historian
B. Harappan Civilization
C. Buddhism
D. None of these

Answer 1

Hint: Megasthenes' work on his book Indika is the biggest proof of the introduction of India to western world. Herodotus had also narrated about the Indian mercenaries who fought in the battle of Plataea in 498 BC. Herodotus is known as "the father of history".

Complete Answer:
- The Greek historians of Iranian empire period took more interest and grew curious about India. Their writings introduced India to the western world. Through the work of Herodotus and Megasthenes, India was put forward before Europe, North America, and Australasia. This option is correct.
- Trade was important for the people of Harappan Civilization. Their trade goods included terracotta pots, gold, silver, metals, beads, pearls, and colored gemstones, such as lapis lazuli and turquoise. Mesopotamia was the main trading partner of Harappan Civilization. This introduced India to areas of the Middle East. This option is incorrect.
- Ashoka, the emperor of Kalinga promoted Buddhism by sending monks to nearby countries of India in order to preach the teachings of the Buddha. This began a wave of conversion and Buddhism spread not only through India, but also internationally. But this wasn't introduced to western world on a wide scale and has no evidence. This option is incorrect.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note: Megasthenes was an ancient Greek historian who was sent as an ambassador to Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra by Seleucus I Nicator. He described India in his book Indica. He described the administration and community of India during the time of Mauryas. According to him, India is a country with a quadrilateral structure having many rivers, fertile plains and enclosed by ocean on southern and eastern sides. The original book of Indica is lost and has been partly reconstructed.