Dissolution of Empire and Emergence of Regional Powers – UGC NET – Practice Questions

Emergence of Regional Powers

1. The emergence of regional powers after the Mauryan decline became historically significant mainly because of:

A) Rise of Gupta Empire
B) Cultural contacts with Central Asia and assimilation of foreign elements
C) Spread of Dravidian kingdoms alone
D) End of trade networks

2. Which among the following polities emerged in north-west India after the Mauryas?

1. Sungas
2. Indo-Scythians
3. Indo-Parthians
4. Kushanas

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 2, 3 and 4
D) 1, 3 and 4 only

3. Assertion (A): The emergence of state institutions in the Deccan occurred later than in north India.
Reason (R): Territorial states in north India began with the mahajanapadas in the 6th–5th centuries BCE.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

4. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

5. Chalcolithic settlements spread in the western Deccan during the:

A) First millennium BCE
B) Second millennium BCE
C) Third millennium BCE
D) Gupta period

6. The eastern Deccan was occupied later by:

A) Bronze-using communities
B) Iron-using communities
C) Nomadic Greeks
D) Kushanas

7. Assertion (A): Tribes like Andhras, Sabaras, and Pulindas lived in the Deccan.
Reason (R): Their presence is mentioned in the Epics, Puranas, and Ashokan inscriptions.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

8. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

9. The Mauryas were interested in Deccan mainly because of:

A) Buddhist expansion
B) Military settlements
C) Rich mineral resources like gold, diamonds, and gems
D) River irrigation only

10. Dharnikota was situated on the banks of which river?

A) Godavari
B) Tungabhadra
C) Krishna
D) Kaveri

11. Assertion (A): The rise of the Satavahanas accelerated political and social changes in the Deccan.
Reason (R): They established the first organized state in the Deccan.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

12. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

13. Before the Satavahanas, local rulers in the Deccan began minting coins around:

A) 4th century BCE
B) 3rd century BCE
C) 2nd century BCE
D) 1st century CE

14. Bactria roughly corresponds to present-day:

1. Northern Afghanistan
2. Southern Turkmenistan
3. Uzbekistan
4. Sri Lanka

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 3 and 4 only

15. Assertion (A): Bactria’s geographical position contributed to Indo-Greek expansion.
Reason (R): It connected West Asia, Central Asia, and South Asia.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

16. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

17. The history of Indo-Greeks is reconstructed mainly through:

A) Vedic texts
B) Temple inscriptions only
C) Coins
D) Sangam literature

18. Indo-Greek coins south of the Hindukush were mostly made of:

A) Gold only
B) Nickel only
C) Silver and copper
D) Bronze and iron

19. Assertion (A): Indo-Greek rulers issued bilingual coins.
Reason (R): Conquest of Indian territories required adaptation to local traditions.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

20. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

21. Menander I Soter is especially important because he:

A) Founded the Mauryan Empire
B) Is represented in Indian literature and issued extensive coinage
C) Defeated Rudradaman
D) Introduced Sanskrit inscriptions

22. Milindapanha records discussions between Menander and:

A) Moggaliputta Tissa
B) Ashvaghosha
C) Nagasena
D) Vasumitra

23. Assertion (A): There is conclusive evidence that Menander converted to Buddhism.
Reason (R): Milindapanha explicitly confirms his conversion.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) A is true, but R is false
C) A is false, but R is true
D) A is false, and R is false

24. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

25. Menander’s capital Sagala is generally identified with:

A) Taxila
B) Kabul
C) Sialkot
D) Kandahar

26. The date of Menander I Soter’s accession is generally placed around:

A) 250 BCE
B) 200 BCE
C) 155 BCE
D) 75 BCE

27. Which among the following regions came under Indo-Greek control during Menander’s reign?

1. Kathiawar peninsula

2. Indus Delta

3. Gandhara

4. Tamilakam

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 3 and 4 only

28. Assertion (A): Menander integrated several north-western territories under one rule.
Reason (R): He expanded his power base and introduced new mints and monetary systems.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

29. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

30. Antialcidas is mentioned in which inscription?

A) Hathigumpha inscription
B) Junagarh inscription
C) Besnagar Pillar inscription of Heliodorus
D) Nasik inscription

31. Assertion (A): The Indo-Greek polity experienced political instability.
Reason (R): Ten rulers appeared within fifteen years after the later Indo-Greek phase.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

32. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

33. Indo-Greek rule over Gandhara ended mainly due to conflicts with:

A) Mauryas and Sungas
B) Satavahanas and Kushanas
C) Parthians and Sakas
D) Cholas and Pandyas

34. The last Indo-Greek stronghold was located in:

A) Gujarat
B) Deccan
C) Eastern Punjab
D) Bengal

35. Assertion (A): Western Kshatrapas ruled Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Malwa.
Reason (R): They were Saka rulers governing western India during post-Mauryan times.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

36. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

37. Which newly identified ruler also bore the family name Kshaharata?

A) Jayadaman
B) Chashtana
C) Aghudaka (Abhedaka)
D) Rajuvula

38. Bhumaka’s coins were found mainly in:

1. Coastal Gujarat

2. Malwa

3. Ajmer region

4. Odisha

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 3 and 4 only

39. Assertion (A): Nahapana ruled independently in western India.
Reason (R): His later inscriptions use titles such as Mahakshatrapa and Rajan.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

40. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

41. Nahapana’s capital Minnagara is identified with:

A) Paithan
B) Taxila
C) Doha (between Ujjain and Broach)
D) Nasik

42. Which areas were frequently contested between the Sakas and the Satavahanas?

A) Kashmir and Punjab
B) Western sea-board regions and Deccan trade zones
C) Bengal and Odisha
D) Tamil coast only

43. Assertion (A): Nahapana expanded at the expense of the Satavahanas.
Reason (R): His inscriptions occur in regions that were formerly Satavahana strongholds.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

44. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

45. Nahapana was likely killed by:

A) Rudradaman I
B) Menander I
C) Gautamiputra Satakarni
D) Chashtana

46. Chashtana belonged to which family?

A) Maurya
B) Kshaharata
C) Kardamaka
D) Ikshvaku

47. Assertion (A): Chashtana ruled jointly with Rudradaman I.
Reason (R): The Andhau inscription from Kutch records their conjoint rule in Saka Era 52 (130 CE).

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

48. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

49. Rudradaman I’s famous inscription is located at:

A) Nasik
B) Karle
C) Junagarh
D) Naneghat

50. Rudradaman I’s Junagarh inscription is dated to:

A) Saka Era 52 (130 CE)
B) Saka Era 72 (150 CE)
C) 78 CE
D) 225 CE

51. Rudradaman I assumed which title to signify a more exalted political position?

A) Maharaja
B) Chakravartin
C) Mahakshatrapa
D) Dakshinapathapati

52. By approximately which year did Rudradaman I likely become independent of the Kushanas?

A) 78 CE
B) 100 CE
C) 150 CE
D) 225 CE

53. Assertion (A): Rudradaman I expanded Saka power significantly.
Reason (R): His dominion included Akaravanti, Saurashtra, Aparanta, and Sindu-Sauvira.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

54. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

55. According to the Junagarh inscription, Rudradaman defeated Satakarni:

A) Once and annexed all his territory
B) Twice but spared him due to family ties
C) Three times and imprisoned him
D) Never directly fought him

56. Which Satavahana ruler is believed to have married Rudradaman’s daughter?

A) Gautamiputra Satakarni
B) Simuka
C) Vasishthiputra Satakarni
D) Yajnasri Satakarni

57. Assertion (A): Rudradaman’s treasury overflowed with wealth.
Reason (R): His state collected taxes like bali, bhaga, and sulka.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

58. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

59. The successors of Rudradaman retained independent control mainly over:

1. Western Malwa

2. Gujarat

3. Kathiawar

4. Magadha

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 3 and 4 only

60. Which source is most important for reconstructing Satavahana chronology?

A) Sangam texts alone
B) Arthashastra only
C) Puranas used with inscriptions and coins
D) Greek travel accounts only

61. Assertion (A): Puranic king-lists of the Satavahanas should be used cautiously.
Reason (R): They contain myths and inconsistencies regarding rulers and reign periods.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

62. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

63. Satavahana coins were commonly issued in:

A) Gold and bronze only
B) Lead, silver, and copper alloy
C) Nickel and tin only
D) Pure iron only

64. The earliest Satavahana inscription was found near:

A) Amaravati
B) Paithan
C) Nasik
D) Vidisha

65. Assertion (A): Earlier historians believed the Satavahanas rose immediately after the Mauryas.
Reason (R): New excavations revealed an intermediary pre-Satavahana phase.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

66. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

67. The political centre of the Satavahanas throughout most of their history was:

A) Taxila
B) Amaravati
C) Paithan (Pratishthana)
D) Vidisha

68. The Satavahanas are identified with which group in the Puranas?

A) Sakas
B) Yavanas
C) Andhras
D) Pahlavas

69. Assertion (A): There is scholarly debate over the original homeland of the Satavahanas.
Reason (R): Evidence points to both eastern and western Deccan origins.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

70. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

71. According to the shorter chronology, Satavahana rule lasted approximately:

A) 150 years
B) 200 years
C) 275 years
D) 460 years

72. The earliest known Satavahana ruler was:

A) Gautamiputra Satakarni
B) Satakarni I
C) Simuka (Sisuka/Chhimuka)
D) Kanha

73. Assertion (A): Simuka’s coins mention him as Chhimuka.
Reason (R): Numismatic evidence helps identify early Satavahana rulers.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

74. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

75. Satakarni I is praised in the Naneghat inscription as:

A) Mahakshatrapa
B) Dakshinapathapati (Lord of the Deccan)
C) Maharajadhiraja
D) Chakravartin

76. Gautamiputra Satakarni is best known through:

A) Junagarh inscription
B) Heliodorus pillar inscription
C) Nasik prasasti of Gautami Balasri
D) Hathigumpha inscription

77. Gautamiputra Satakarni is credited with defeating which groups?

1. Sakas

2. Yavanas

3. Pahlavas

4. Kushanas

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 3 and 4 only

78. Assertion (A): Gautamiputra Satakarni restored Satavahana power.
Reason (R): He annihilated the Kshaharata dynasty and defeated foreign groups.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

79. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

80. What was the significance of the Jogalthembi hoard?

A) Discovery of Mauryan coins
B) Evidence of Kushana trade
C) Overstruck Nahapana coins showing Satavahana victory
D) Earliest Roman coins in India

81. Gautamiputra Satakarni donated land formerly owned by whom to a Buddhist monastery?

A) Chashtana
B) Rudradaman
C) Usavadata, Nahapana’s son-in-law
D) Jayadaman

82. Assertion (A): Gautamiputra Satakarni’s influence extended beyond the Narmada.
Reason (R): He controlled eastern and western Malwa and southern Gujarat.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

83. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

84. The phrase “chargers drank the water of the three seas” suggests:

A) Mauryan naval power
B) Kushana trade expansion
C) Satavahana expansion over western and eastern coasts
D) Greek colonization of India

85. Gautamiputra Satakarni was succeeded by:

A) Yajnasri Satakarni
B) Satakarni I
C) Vasisthiputra Pulumavi
D) Simuka

86. Assertion (A): Vasisthiputra Pulumavi retained control over Nasik and Karle.
Reason (R): Inscriptions from Nasik and Amaravati attest Satavahana authority in these regions.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

87. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

88. The ship motif on Pulumavi’s coin suggests:

A) Military conquest of Sri Lanka
B) Maritime trade and east coast control
C) Spread of Buddhism only
D) River irrigation system

89. Yajnasri Satakarni ruled for at least:

A) 12 years
B) 18 years
C) 27 years
D) 40 years

90. Assertion (A): Yajnasri Satakarni was among the last powerful Satavahana rulers.
Reason (R): After him, Satavahana territory shrank mainly to Andhra Pradesh and Bellary.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

91. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

92. Around which period did the Satavahana political presence in the Deccan end?

A) 100 CE
B) 150 CE
C) 225 CE
D) 320 CE

93. Which powers rose after the decline of the Satavahanas?

1. Vakatakas

2. Kadambas

3. Ikshvakus

4. Abhiras

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 2, 3 and 4
D) 1, 3 and 4 only

94. Assertion (A): Satavahana rulers followed Brahmanical ideology.
Reason (R): They performed Vedic sacrifices like Asvamedha, Vajapeya, and Rajasuya.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

95. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

96. Gautamiputra Satakarni was described as “eka brahmana” because he:

A) Promoted Buddhism
B) Protected varna order and stopped varna admixture
C) Built Brahmanical temples only
D) Defeated the Mauryas

97. Assertion (A): Satavahana queens exercised political influence.
Reason (R): Nayanika acted as regent and issued coins in her own name.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true

98. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)
B- a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
C- a(iv), b(ii), c(i), d(iii)
D- a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)

Correct Answer: A- a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv)

99. Why were Nasik, Junnar, and Karle strategically important to both the Sakas and Satavahanas?

A) Presence of iron mines
B) Religious significance only
C) They controlled passes linking Konkan ports to the hinterland
D) They were capitals of the Mauryas

100. The prolonged Saka–Satavahana struggle mainly reflects:

A) Religious rivalry between Buddhism and Brahmanism
B) Political and commercial competition over strategic territories
C) Greek invasion of Deccan
D) Conflict over Gupta succession