The principle source of Indo-Greek history is :

Question

Accepted Answer

The principle source of Indo-Greek history is indeed coins, as indicated by Option 2. Here's a detailed explanation supporting this choice:

1. **Coins as a Source of History:**
   - Coins are a crucial source of historical information for the Indo-Greek period. They provide valuable insights into the political, economic, and cultural aspects of the era.
   - The coins from the Indo-Greek period often bear inscriptions in Greek and sometimes in local languages, which help historians understand the linguistic and cultural exchanges of the time.
   - They feature portraits of rulers, which help in identifying and dating the reigns of various Indo-Greek kings. This is particularly important because the Indo-Greek kingdoms were fragmented, and coins are often the only evidence of certain rulers' existence.
   - The imagery and symbols on the coins can also provide information about religious practices and influences during the Indo-Greek period.

2. **Why Other Options are Incorrect:**

- **Buddhist Text (Option 1):**
     - While Buddhist texts may mention Indo-Greek rulers or events, they are not primarily focused on providing a comprehensive history of the Indo-Greek period. They are more concerned with religious teachings and narratives.
     - These texts are often written from a religious perspective and may not provide detailed political or economic information.

- **Epigraph (Option 3):**
     - Epigraphs, or inscriptions, are valuable historical sources, but there are relatively few epigraphic records from the Indo-Greek period compared to the abundance of coins.
     - The inscriptions that do exist may not provide as much detailed information about the Indo-Greek rulers and their reigns as coins do.

- **Travelogues (Option 4):**
     - Travelogues are accounts written by travelers, and while they can offer insights into the culture and society of a period, there are no known travelogues from the Indo-Greek period that serve as a primary source of historical information.
     - The Indo-Greek period predates many of the famous travelogues that document later historical periods.

In conclusion, coins are the most reliable and abundant source of information for reconstructing the history of the Indo-Greek period, making Option 2 the correct choice.