Which of the following texts gives information about Minander ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

The Indo-Greek king Menander I (Pali: Milinda, c. 165–130 BCE) is primarily known through his conversion to Buddhism, which is chronicled in a major Buddhist text. While the most famous text is the *Milinda Panha* (Questions of Milinda), the broader body of Buddhist literature, known as Avadana literature, also transmits and preserves these important historical and religious narratives. The *Avadankalpalata* is a vast collection of Buddhist stories (Avadanas) written by Kshemendra in Sanskrit in the 11th century. This text compiles tales of virtuous deeds and past lives, including those of famous Buddhist patrons and figures. As Menander/Milinda is a foundational figure in Buddhist history due to his intellectual debates with the sage Nāgasena, his story and accounts related to him are incorporated into the extensive canonical and semi-canonical narrative tradition represented by works like the *Avadankalpalata*, making it a source that provides information on the king.

The incorrect option is 2 (Historica): *Historica* is the work of Herodotus (c. 5th century BCE), often called the 'Father of History.' This text deals primarily with the Greco-Persian Wars and events preceding the time of Menander by several centuries. Therefore, it contains no information regarding the 2nd-century BCE Indo-Greek king Menander.

The incorrect option is 3 (Indica): The *Indica* refers to the account of India written by Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador to the Mauryan court of Chandragupta Maurya (c. 4th-3rd century BCE). Since Megasthenes lived long before Menander I, his work documents the Mauryan Empire and does not cover the history of the later Indo-Greek kings.

The incorrect option is 4 (Mudrarakshasa): *Mudrarakshasa* is a Sanskrit historical play by Vishakhadatta, detailing the rise of Chandragupta Maurya and the overthrow of the Nanda dynasty. It is concerned with the events of the Mauryan era (c. 4th century BCE) and has no connection to the later Indo-Greek king Menander.