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 from Southern Brahmi; it later influenced several Southeast Asian writing systems.
Explanation
The correct answer is Grantha script. The Pallavas developed it from Southern Brahmi; Britannica also describes a southern form of Brahmi developing into the Grantha alphabet. The Grantha line is linked to writing systems in South India and Sri Lanka. Cultural contacts during the Pallava period carried its influence into Southeast Asia, including the Khmer, Thai, Javanese and Mon scripts. Britannica specifically traces Khmer and Mon, as well as Kavi or Old Javanese in Indonesia, to the Grantha line. Thus, the question refers not to the oldest Indian script in general, but to the Southern Brahmi-derived script associated with the Pallavas that became influential beyond India. Therefore, option A, Grantha script, is correct.
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 question tests the spread of ancient Indian scripts and their cultural influence in Southeast Asia. Such links among scripts, dynasties and cultural contacts recur in RAS as common Ancient India topics.