RAS question
The Pallava dynasty is credited with developing which script that later evolved into many Southeast Asian scripts?
Correct answer: (A) Grantha script.
The Pallava dynasty is credited with developing the Grantha script, which later influenced several Southeast Asian writing systems.
Explanation
The answer is Grantha script because it was developed by the Pallavas from Southern Brahmi, and Britannica supports the same broad line of development: a southern form of Brahmi developed into the Grantha alphabet. Grantha is also linked to Southeast Asian scripts through cultural contacts in the Pallava period. Britannica's account strengthens that point by tracing writing systems for Khmer and Mon in Southeast Asia, and Kavi or Old Javanese in Indonesia, to the Grantha line. So the question is not asking for the oldest Indian script in general, but for the Pallava-associated Southern Brahmi-derived script that became influential beyond India.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Kharoshthi is wrong because Britannica treats it as a separate ancient Indian script and specifically says no later writing systems developed from it.
- (C) Nagari is wrong because the Pallava development is connected to Grantha, not to Nagari.
- (D) Brahmi is wrong because it is the older source line; the Pallava-associated development asked here is Grantha, derived from Southern Brahmi.
Concept
This tests the spread of ancient Indian scripts and cultural influence into Southeast Asia. It recurs in RAS because scripts, dynasties and cultural contacts are standard Ancient India link topics.