Previous Year Question

The history of the Sudarshana Lake, situated in the Girnar region of Saurashtra, is associated with several dynasties. It was originally constructed during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya by his provincial governor Pushyagupta.

Later, during the reign of Ashoka, his Yavana governor Tushaspha further developed it by adding channels and drainage arrangements. Thus, both Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka were associated with the Sudarshana Lake, but the question asks about the renovation that was carried out without forced labour.

Around 150 CE, in Saka year 72, excessive rainfall and a violent storm breached the embankment of the Sudarshana Lake. According to the Junagadh inscription, the Western Kshatrapa ruler Mahakshatrapa Rudradaman I ordered its reconstruction.

The repair work was completed under the supervision of Suvisakha, his provincial governor of Anarta and Saurashtra. The embankment was made stronger and more extensive than before.

The most important feature of this work was that no additional taxes, forced labour or other special financial burdens were imposed on the people. According to the epigraphic account, the inhabitants of towns and villages were not oppressed by taxation, compulsory labour or other exactions for completing the project. The cost of the repair was borne from the ruler's treasury.

For this reason, Rudradaman's renovation of the Sudarshana Lake is important not only for irrigation and water management but also as evidence of his administrative approach.

Later, during the reign of the Gupta emperor Skandagupta, another repair was undertaken when the embankment was damaged again.