Which of the following Satavahana inscriptions records the grant of tax-free land to Buddhist monks and Brahmins, providing early epigraphic evidence of land grants in India?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Nanaghat cave inscription, issued by Queen Naganika of the Satavahana dynasty, provides some of the earliest epigraphic evidence of royal land grants in India by recording tax-free land and monetary donations given to Brahmins and Buddhist monks in return for Vedic sacrifices. Unlike the Hathigumpha inscription of Kalinga king Kharavela, which details his military campaigns and civic works, Nanaghat uniquely highlights economic history and agrarian endowments. The Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman later records the repair of the Sudarshana lake in Gujarat. Epigraphical sources remain a crucial study area for ancient Indian history in public service examinations.