Question

The Indo Greek kingdom set up in northern Afghanistan at the beginning of the second century BC was__________.
A. Scythia
B. Zedrasia
C. Bacteria
D. Aria

Answer 1

Hint: The term Indo – Greek kingdom manifests many dynastic politics. The Indo Greek rulers mainly ruled for two centuries and imbibed multi-religious and linguistic cultures within their ambit. They have been credited for issuing large numbers of coins and also contributed through their architecture to the cultural amalgamation in the region of their influence.

Complete answer: The Graeco - Bactrian kings ruled simultaneously along with other dynasties like that of Parthians. They consolidated their kingdom in the region of Bacteria after Alexander’s invasion. It was during the Seleucid dynasty that the most famous Indo Bactrian king Diodotus gained autonomy and secured an unmatched level of power in the Bactrian region. However, under Demetrius 1, the Indo Greek kings expanded further into the Indian subcontinent and established what is called the Indo Greek kingdom.
Looking at the options given:
Option A. Scythia kingdom comprised the region around Central Asia and northeastern Europe. It was only in the late 2nd century BC that they invaded the Afghanistan region. It is an incorrect option.
Option B. Zedrasia is also an incorrect option.
Option C. The Bactria region extended between the Hindu Kush mountain range and the Amu Darya river which is recognized as the modern-day Afghanistan and Tajikistan to establish the Indo Greek kingdom. This is the correct answer.
Option D. Aria, This region was mainly located in northern Afghanistan and southern Turkmenistan. In the 6th century, the aria region got encapsulated in the Persian empire by Cyrus the Great. It is an incorrect option.
Therefore, Option C is correct.

Note: Indo Greek kingdom is a much-glorified kingdom in the history of Asia and especially that of India. It lasted for many years and over much territory stretching from central Asia, eastern Europe to the Indian subcontinent.