Answer: Kanganahalli
Notes: The correct answer is [A] Kanganahalli. This site provided the first sculptural evidence identifying a portrait of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka.
- Kanganahalli (Statement A – Correct): Located in the Kalaburagi district of Karnataka (part of the Sannati Buddhist site), excavations revealed a ruined Maha Stupa. Among the findings was a slab showing a relief sculpture of a king and queen with their attendants. Crucially, the inscription in Brahmi script below the sculpture reads "Ranyo Ashoka" (King Ashoka), making it the only known inscribed stone portrait of the emperor.
- Sanchi (Statement B – Incorrect): While Sanchi is famous for its Great Stupa and numerous Ashokan remains, including a pillar and lion capital, it does not contain an inscribed stone portrait specifically labeled "Ranyo Ashoka."
- Shahbazgarhi (Statement C – Incorrect): Located in modern-day Pakistan, this is the site of one of Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts. However, these edicts are text-based inscriptions carved onto large boulders in the Kharosthi script, not relief sculptures with portraits.
- Sohgaura (Statement D – Incorrect): As established previously, Sohgaura is famous for a Mauryan-era copper plate inscription regarding famine relief and granaries. It does not feature a stone portrait or relief sculpture of the king.
- The Kanganahalli relief dates back to the Satavahana period (1st century BCE to 2nd century CE), showing that Ashoka's legacy was celebrated by later dynasties.
- The discovery was made by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) during excavations between 1994 and 2001.
